What Writers Get Wrong About Working in Government, with Richard Culatta
And, um...GO VOTE!!!
From the Writing Desk:
Goodbye, October. I miss you already.
On the writing front, I turned in a chapter book just hours ago that I ended up becoming more and more excited about the more I wrote. It was my first historical book, so I got to glimpse the research process/requirements that hard core historical fiction writers go through, and wow it’s intense. But really fun. More on this chapter book in the coming months!
I’m now in a…fuzzy and interesting place with writing. Basically I’m at the starting and brainstorming point on a few new things. I’m ready to dive back in on my adult novel, and on the kid lit front, I had a great convo with my agent this last month about next steps. There are so many possibilities! Another spooky middle grade? Go back to contemporary? Illustrated chapter books? Picture books? I love all of these options. And honestly, I have a few ideas buzzing around in each of them. But right now it feels like all the ideas are fireflies, and I’m trying to be patient and let the right one land.
And…crucially…today is election day here in the United States. If you haven’t already, go vote. This is a big one. I know we’re all going to be buzzing balls of electric anxiety today, and I wondered about even sending anything out on a day like this, until I decided to do it on purpose to maybe, hopefully, be a tiny glimpse of calm, positivity, or just distraction in people’s inboxes today. Who knows. But regardless…keep hoping and VOTE VOTE VOTE.
(And hey, if you have a minute to leave a brief 1 liner review for The Nightmare House or Monster Tree on Amazon, definitely so so helpful and appreciated. Something to take a few minutes away from election anxiety, right?)
Onward!
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What Writers Get Wrong About Working In Government, with Richard Culatta
I’m so excited about this one you guys!!
With it being election season (day!!) I knew I wanted to get someone who could talk intelligently about their experience working in government, and I knew immediately who that person was going to be.
Richard Culatta is CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Prior to joining ISTE, he served as the Chief Innovation Officer of the state of Rhode Island and was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. He is the author of Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World. Richard also happens to be my cousin, but don’t hold that against him. Truly one of the smartest people I know, and the guy for EdTech info.
Welcome, Richard!
1. What do writers (of books, movies, TV, etc.) often get wrong about working in government?
Many books and movies paint government workers as bureaucratic zombies who delight in making process more complicated. The reality is that the vast majority of government workers are very dedicated people who went into government service out of a commitment to make the world a better, safer, healthier, place. They often work under conditions that are far less conducive to their work - and get paid far lower salaries - than someone doing the equivalent role in the private sector. And most hate bureaucracy as much as anyone else. Sure, like any large organization, there is a deadbeat or two in the mix - someone who is just counting down the days until retirement - but those people are few and far between. And they are definitely not a good representation of the amazing, dedicated cadre of civil servants that go far beyond the call of duty to serve the general public. For some inspiring examples, check out the Sammies awards.
2. What is an unexpected aspect of working in D.C./for the government that the average person might not know about? The kind of thing a writer could include in their book that might make it feel more authentic?
I don't think the average person realizes how many constraints public servants operate under. There is a law that prohibits government workers from asking the same question to more than 10 people. That makes it really hard to get feedback on projects or input on new programs. There is a regulation that prohibits making more than 100 color copies without seeking permission from congress. There are rules that don't allow you to hire the most qualified person for a job - or even be allowed to see everyone who applied for a job. This makes it very hard for government managers to build effective teams.
Most technologies that are readily available to the public are prohibited for government use because of the onerous tech requirements. Most digital tools and apps have to be special "government versions" with much of the functionality removed. All of your emails can be made public at any point meaning you have to think through how something could show up in the press every time you write an email. When making significant changes to policies or grant programs, details must be posted for 90 days for public comment before they can be implemented (sometimes twice) which makes it hard to be responsive to citizen needs. All of these constraints combined make it exponentially harder for civil servants to get the same tasks done that someone might be able to do in the private sector.
I once described working in the government as feeling like you were doing your job in one of those sumo wrestler suits that makes it really hard to walk or move, with the expectation that you keep pace with everyone else around you. It's hard to hear people who are critical that government employees "can't get things done" or "move too slowly." All of the constraints aren't an excuse to not effectively serve the public - it just means that for civil servants to make impactful changes, it requires a significantly greater lift than most people realize.
3. You're an EdTech expert--what is something you think children's authors specifically should be aware of about the modern educational technology landscape?
There aren't nearly enough examples of kids using technology in meaningful ways in kids' books. Yes it's true that devices can be used for mindless purposes - watching videos, playing games that aren't creative (ahem cookie clicker). But those same devices can also be very powerful tools for enhancing creativity and curiosity. How technology is used is 100% dependent on how we model tech use for young people. This is a textbook case of self-fulfilling prophecy. We need way more stories and examples of young people using technology to help them solve problems, stay connected with their families and friends, and make their virtual and physical communities a better place. This is even more urgent as AI tools become increasingly available and force us to grapple with the question of how AI could help us become better at being human. If you need some examples of what this looks like, check out my book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World.
Thank you so, so much Richard! It was an honor, and thank you for your work and your time. Make sure you check out Digital For Good and learn more about Richard on his website!
What I’m Reading: I had a few really great reads this last month. First, The Mythmakers, a graphic novel about the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Honestly you guys, this is one of my favorite books-as-object that I’ve found in a long time. This one straight up had me sobbing.
I also finally had a chance to read The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by the amazing
and it was fantastic. Esther is one of my favorite characters that I’ve read in a long time. More representation of religion and 60/70+ characters please.
What I’m Watching: The John Williams documentary just came out on Disney+ and I know everyone’s talking about it but so am I. So incredible. What a legacy.
THANKSGIVING ABCs: Since it’s Thanksgiving month, and I know we could all use a little reminder to breathe and think grateful thoughts today, myself included.
What I’m Poeming:
“Every time we think we've measured our capacity to reach a challenge, we look up and we’re reminded that capacity may well be limitless.”
—President Bartlett, The West Wing
Writing Opportunity: Monster season may be over, but monster lovin’ season is just beginning! Check out this anthology for monster romance stories from Graveside Press! Due April 30th.
Teacher or Librarian? I would love to do a free virtual Q&A with your class or book group! If you’re interested in scheduling a visit you can reach out to me via my website. Let me know how I can support you! I’ve also got free classroom resources to accompany each book. You guys are rock stars!
Thanks for coming along everyone! The best way to support is to 1) subscribe, 2) get a copy of the book bebes, and 3) keep glowing, you shining star you.
-Sarah
John Williams, tech writers, and yes let’s VOTE!!!