We revealed the cover on Wednesday, and today Stephanie will share a little about her experience writing the story.
Learning About the Circus
by Stephanie Faris
Do you know what’s frustrating about writing about the circus? There never seems to be one in town when you need it! I spent hours watching circus videos on YouTube, but I had the feeling being there would be so much more helpful. I contacted the biggest circus company’s PR department but I couldn’t get a response. I have to admit I was hoping they’d hear I was writing a book and give me a behind-the-scenes tour the next time they were in the area! No such luck.
But I have my editor, Alyson Heller, to thank for one of the biggest things I learned about the circus. Originally I had my characters traveling by train because my research shows that Ringling Bros. Circus travels by train. But she asked a question that prompted me to dig a little deeper. While trains have proven to be a great way to transport the heavy equipment and animals in a circus, most circuses travel by bus and RV. But Ringling Bros. still travels by train—there are even YouTube videos of them passing through towns.
Is this the most reasonable form of transportation? Probably not. But Ringling Bros. seems to like the ceremony and tradition of it all. Plus, it’s a fun way for the circus performers to live.
I also stopped to think about the fact that circuses aren’t in tents anymore. I knew this, of course, but I never really thought about it. I never attended a circus in a tent, yet I watched a movie as a kid where they showed circuses in tents. Doesn’t it seem like it would be more fun to attend a circus under a “big top” rather than in a big auditorium?
What’s most amazing to me about the circus is that children are born into it. Entire generations become circus performers, with kids training from a young age to be trapeze artists, animal trainers, and tightrope walkers. What an exciting environment for a kid!
When was the last time you went to the circus?
 |
| Coming to town in 2016 |
