Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Margaret Marie Klenzing
Book Title: Marie’s Nutcracker
Released: 11/23/22
Genre: YA Holiday/Dance Novel
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Marie’s Nutcracker”?
Klenzing: Marie’s Nutcracker began as a short story. We are all familiar with the simple tale of an understudy taking over from an injured lead and then becoming a star. It is a timeless story told many times. But I had never read an account about what happened behind the scenes during the months of preparations that go into mounting the timeless Nutcracker ballet. I sat through countless rehearsals and dance classes my children attended and witnessed the dynamics of the dance studio. In my notes, I discovered a retinue of characters and situations that readers would find interesting and give a real sense of being in a dance studio. For example, we meet Sheila, a shy girl at that awkward age of being too tall to dance with the children but not tall enough or good enough to dance with the adults and resigned to playing a “boy” part. This happens every year; it is almost a given situation for any dance company putting on the Nutcracker. And we meet John, Marie’s best friend and primary partner in the dance school, who is gay and faces terrible bullying at school. The situation at the high school talent show happened to my own son. Although my daughter did not go on with ballet like my son (who danced for 25 years and opened his own dance school and Capezio danceware store), I witnessed hundreds of “Maries” struggle with the challenges of pursuing a career as a professional dancer. This book is for them.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Klenzing: I was also determined to author a story that included all races, ethnicities, and nationalities, which also made boys an integral part. Sorry to say, but white women still dominate ballet, and most ballets are presented as “girl” ballets. Look at the programs and advertising of most dance companies, and the photos are overwhelmingly comprised of white female dancers. I believe deeply that dance should be for everyone. To that end, I never describe the characters’ physicality in the story. I leave that up to the imagination and desires of the reader. Fortunately, I was introduced to Rori Alexander by a dance teacher friend. Rori is an accomplished illustrator who took years of ballet. Her illustrations clearly show that she understands the human physique and ballet positioning. I worked closely with her to ensure that when groups of dancers were shown, people of color were included. I truly appreciate her talent, and her illustrations help tell the story.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Klenzing: The act of writing goes quickly. I’ve never experienced “writer’s block” because I don’t write until I’m ready. I typically write 2,000 finished words a day.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Klenzing: Once I finish a chapter, I run it through Grammarly © and Wordtune © . Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I find them more accurate than the copy editors I’ve worked with. I don’t accept all their suggested corrections. I’m impressed with the interaction, almost dialogue, you have with the software to improve the grammatical accuracy of the writing. However, human editors can give important insight into style and overall storytelling. Writing is wonderful. I encourage everyone to write and tell their stories. Keep
dancing.
Learn More About the Author and Marie’s Nutcracker:
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