MOWMT 17: Discussing Luck with Donna Marx
- rateyourstoryweb
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Since today is St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss the topic of luck. The popular phrase, “Luck of the Irish”, was originally coined in the 19th-century during the American Gold and Silver Rushes. It was used to describe successful, mining, Irish immigrants, suggesting that their good fortune was due to luck, rather than skill. Now, when we use that phrase, it is meant as a positive wish for good fortune that is tied to Irish heritage.
“You’re lucky!” This is a comment I have often received since publishing my debut picture book, Good Luck, Puck! Hmmm...was my good fortune due to the “Luck of the Irish”? Even though I have some Irish genealogy, the answer is “No”. However, this is never said because someone doesn’t think my story was worthy. The intent, I believe, is to acknowledge how incredibly competitive the industry is and how important it is to have an idea that fills a hole in the market.
My debut picture book is a story about a hockey puck who leaves his team to try other winter sports. Each time Puck fails, his friends wish him luck as he moves on in pursuit of a sport where he can shine.
When he ends up back with his team and realizes he can shine while not being the star, it wasn’t luck that got him there at all. It was the courage to try new things and the perseverance to figure out where he belonged.
Let’s look at some other mentor texts that incorporate the idea of luck.
This is a funny story about Susan, the duck, who has the worst luck. First her rollerskates are too big, then she loses her favorite marble. She runs out of pickles, then she has to drag a ladder out to fix a burned out lightbulb. As these mishaps are occurring, her bad luck begins to change as Wolf continuously shows up with gifts she has won! In the end, all of her misfortunes became the solution just when she thought she was running out of luck.
Although a bit dated, and a little wordy by today’s picture book standards, this story will resonate with any kid who has tried his or her luck at getting that prized possession out of a machine. James and Danny have nine quarters between them That means nine chances to get gumballs AND the little silver race car out of the machine at Mr. Wright’s store. We know from experience how disappointing it is not to walk away with the intended prize, especially when your monetary resources are limited. LUCKILY, one of James’s quarters is Canadian, a VERY lucky coin. As he resorts to one last try, it proves to be just what he needs to get what he wants...but not in the way you would expect.
Of course, I can’t end this blog without a story about a leprechaun!
When I taught second graders, I tasked the students with building a trap for the leprechaun that was sure to visit our classroom on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. They had fun using a small plastic fruit basket, their STEM knowledge, and creativity skills to design a contraption that could be triggered by the little invader. I actually took the time to collect a box of rocks and spray paint them gold! These were the treasures the students’ found the next day after their traps had been tripped.
This story, one in a series of Gingerbread on the Loose books, celebrates the tradition of catching a leprechaun, forcing him to give up his gold or grant a wish. Written in rhyme and in a beginner graphic novel format, it’s a well-paced story about a mischievous leprechaun who makes a mess in the band room and leaves clues to further mayhem at the school. The Gingerbread Man vows to save the day, setting a trap that, with any luck, will stop the leprechaun.
SO - is today your lucky day? I truly hope you can identify some good fortune in your lives, big or small. Don’t give up on those stories you’ve written and are passionate about. Keep revising, rethinking and rewriting. I feel certain that if you put in the work you may someday have the “Luck of the Irish”!
"It's hard to detect good luck – it looks so much like something you've earned."
— Frank A. Clark
Prize: 30 minute Ask Me Anything
Bio: Donna Marx worked with gifted children during her teaching career. She welcomed the challenge to nurture their thirst for knowledge and increase their love of literature. Donna has a heart for kids with multiple talents who struggle to discover their true passion. Her debut picture book, "Good Luck, Puck", was inspired by her grandsons. When she’s not writing, she watches them score goals or chase hockey pucks down the street!
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Good Luck Puck! looks wonderful. Congratulations, Donna. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for the fun post and great mentor text suggestions. I follow you on both FB and IG. Happy St. Patrick's Day!