A former history textbook writer, I’m now trying to make amends for that crime by writing nonfiction books that kids and teens will actually want to read. Before the textbook thing, I made movies with my brother in Austin, TX (our first and only feature film, A More Perfect Union, sort of bombed). I’ve always loved writing and drawing comics (I’m better at the writing part) and have a series called The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey, about a crime-fighting rabbi in the Wild West. These days I’m in Saratoga Springs, NY, with my wife and two kids. In my free time – well, I don’t really have any. Writing and kids, that’s about it. I’m not complaining.
2016 Workshop: WRITING THE NON-FICTION THRILLER
Let’s face it: history can be boring (I know, because I used to write textbooks, and I feel really guilty about that). But the good news is, true stories can also provide endless material for high-stakes, fast-paced thrillers. It all depends on how you organize and write your story. I’ll share the step-by-step process I use to research and write my books, sharing tips and techniques I’ve learned from comics, movies, and fellow authors.
Featured books:
Bomb
by Steve Sheinkin
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy‐water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. (gr 5-11)
King George
by Steve Sheinkin & Tim Robinson
An anecdotal history of the American Revolution describing why Benedict Arnold became a traitor and how a group of patriots fought the battle of Eutaw Springs naked. (gr 4-7)
Lincoln's Grave Robbers
by Steve Sheinkin
A true crime thriller ‐‐ the first book for teens to tell the nearly unknown tale of the brazen attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body! The action begins in October of 1875, as Secret Service agents raid the Fulton, Illinois, workshop of master counterfeiter Ben Boyd. The action alternates between the conspirators, the Secret Service agents on their trail, and the undercover agent moving back and forth between the two groups. Along the way readers get glimpses
into the inner workings of counterfeiting, grave robbing, detective work, and the early days of the Secret Service. (gr 5-9)
Most Dangerous
by Steve Sheinkin
From Steve Sheinkin, the award‐winning author of The Port Chicago 50 and Bomb comes a tense, exciting exploration of what the Times deemed "the greatest story of the century": how Daniel Ellsberg transformed from obscure government analyst into "the most dangerous man in America," and risked everything to expose the government's deceit. On June 13, 1971, the front page of the New York Times announced the existence of a 7,000‐page collection of documents containing a secret history of the Vietnam War. Known as The Pentagon Papers, these documents had been commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Chronicling every action the government had taken in the Vietnam War, they revealed a pattern of deception spanning over twenty years and four presidencies, and forever changed the relationship between American citizens and the politicians claiming to represent their interests. A provocative book that interrogates the meanings of patriotism, freedom, and integrity. (gr 5-9)
The Notorious Benedict Arnold
by Steve Sheinkin
Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America's first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes. This biography, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first‐person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, The Notorious Benedict Arnold is a gripping and true adventure tale from history. (gr 7-12)
The Port Chicago 50
by Steve Sheinkin
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion rocked the segregated Navy base at Port Chicago, California, killing more than 300 sailors at the docks, critically injuring off‐duty men in their bunks, and shattering windows up to a mile away. On August 9th, 244 men refused to go back to work until unsafe and unfair conditions at the docks were addressed. When the dust settled, fifty were charged with mutiny, facing decades in jail and even execution. (gr 7-12)
Two Miserable Presidents
by Steve Sheinkin
Two Miserable Presidents describes two miserable presidents from 1856 through 1860 and includes anecdotes, startling stories, and all of the peculiar events that didn't it make it into your history books about the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. (gr 4-7)
Which Way to the Wild West
by Steve Sheinkin
Which Way to the Wild West explores an assortment of lesser-known facts about the United State's expansion into the West, detailing each event's historical significance and modern-day influence. Includes black-and-white illustrations. (gr 5-7)