1.  How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

 

• Seven. Wrote my first story at that age. Can't remember the name of it, but it began, "Honey, I'm home!" My first poem was written around that time and was in free-verse. I called it, "An Old Apple." It was very sad. 

 

2. Have you always written?

 

• I wrote a LOT when I was younger, especially in high school, and always kept a journal. I never went anywhere without it!  But I didn't start writing for children till I was in my 30's.

 

3. Were you an avid reader as a child?

 

• I was not. Most writers will tell you, to be a good writer you have to be a good reader. Though it certainly helps your writing to read as much as possible, if you have trouble reading as I did, especially as a kid, I have good news for you--you can still be a writer. As long as you have a brain, imagination and a passion for writing, you can write! And don't let anyone tell you anything different!

 

4. I see you are working on several different projects at the same time, and in and in different genres. How do you do that without getting them mixed up? 

 

• Yes, I typically work on several projects at once. Switching back and forth occassionally, gives my brain a break and allows me to come back to the original piece with a fresh perspective and "new eyes." 

• Do I get mixed up? No, not at all. All I have to do is read over the manuscript I'm working on at the moment, and I can usually get back into it easily. Not sure if every writer can do this, but I can! (happy smiley face!)