East Sierra (In-Person): Writing Good, Old-Fashioned Kids Books

Both a successful TV soap opera writer and a visionary creator of books for young people, Jeff Gottesfeld will talk about “Writing Good, Old-Fashioned Children’s Books in an un-Old Fashioned America” at our Thursday, May 4 Ridge Writer meeting. We’ll start at 6:30 p.m., Ridgecrest Presbyterian Church, 633W.Las Flores. Public invited, no admission charge.

Just out this month, his “Food for Hope” details how John van Hengel launched the world’s first food bank, in 1967. Art and text combine to show there’s no shame in being hungry – the shame lies in how long it took for someone to figure out how to feed people. It took one person with a good idea to change things.

Author Jeff writes for adults to elementary-age children, working on such TV shows as “Smallville,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “As the World Turns” (Associate Head Writer), numerous magazines and newspaper articles, and “No Steps Behind,” winner for the 2020 NCTA Freeman Award for the best children’s book about Asia. Also an accomplished fisherman, he played on his high school state championship Ultimate Frisbee team, grows a mean vegetable garden, and considers Big Lots his favorite store.

Earlier that afternoon, he’ll give a “Read the Book, Meet the Author” 2 p.m. at the Pizza Factory. For this event, sign up and buy your ticket for $35 at Red Rock Books. On Friday, he’ll speak to Trona school children on “Tomb Guards at Arlington, Food Banks, and Jeff’s Five Creative Tips for Writers of All Ages.” Please bring your friends!