Exclusive Interview with
When did you start writing?
I started as a news reporter when I was 24 years old, back in the '80s. I began writing books for children in the early '90s, and my first book was published in 1995.
What makes writing your passion?
I love the magic of creating characters and worlds from 26 little squiggles of alphabet.
How long have you been writing?
Since the 1980s . . . a lifetime!
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Pure joy and excitement . . . I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Characters are mysterious beings: they are created from a mix of real life, magic, and serendipity. Every protagonist that I create includes bits and pieces of me.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The difficulties of the publishing world changing so much due to digital/internet possibilities, and the fact that social media has created non-readers in much of the population.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Do something else: walk, listen to music, go out to eat.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I keep going because I'm passionate about writing and books My advice: Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Never give up. Follow your heart.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do read the reviews, and I take the bad ones with a grain of salt. Opinions are just that . . . somebody's opinion.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
It's a joy and a delight.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All the time. There's a scene in "Somebody's Someone" that takes place outside of Washington, D.C. that's based upon a real life incident I experienced with my best friend, Marty Crisp. Marty just passed, but she knew that our experience is included in the book.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
All my main characters are based somewhat upon myself.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I think that the book cover is very important, especially in books for young readers.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love chatting and connecting with my readers
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's an honor and a joy
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I love Kate DiCamillo's writing, as it's so sparse, poetic, and beautiful.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'd love to be as "big" as Kate DiCamillo!
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
No. That's like asking if I'd rebirth any of my children.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Oh, perhaps J.K. Rowling . . .
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I ignore trolls. They're unhappy people with unhappy lives and black hearts.
What would you say to your readers?
Keep on reading, keep on writing, keep on believing
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Pennsylvania Amish Country - Lancaster County, PA. My kids are grown. I love attending concerts, playing bass guitar, traveling, hiking, kayaking, learning.
What is your day job if you have one?
I work as an independent contractor with marketing and events.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Read, hike, play music
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I grew up out in the country: playing in the woods near Morgantown, Pennsylvania.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I'd just had my first baby and saw an ad for a newspaper writer.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Every writer has unpublished manuscripts . . . bits and pieces and starts of stories
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Creativity (art/writing/music) should be very important in every child's education.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. For me and my loved ones to be healthy and happy.
2. To travel the world.
3. For my life to make a difference
What is your favorite music?
1990s grunge music is my jam.
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