Let's start at the beginning.
I was born in Boston Massachusetts. I'm an only child and I had a pet dog, named Skippy.
Now let's turn it over to you!
Here are the top eight questions I'm often asked at a school visit. If you come up with a great new question, please email me and I'll be sure to answer you.
1. Where do I get my ideas?
Many of my ideas are remembrances of events I experienced or emotions I felt during my childhood.
2. When did I know I wanted to be a writer?
I was an adult and took a writing class and it was in that class that I knew I was meant to be a writer--a daydreamer who has a vivid memory of my childhood, and who loves imagining, 'what if.'
3. Did I write or keep a journal when I was young?
No. I went to a school that didn't stress writing--but only using correct spelling and practicing good penmanship so the idea of writing was not pleasant for me, especially because I was, and still am, a terrible speller. Now I keep a notebook with me at all times and I write every day!
4. What were my favorite things to do when I was young?
Movies! Movies! Movies--and television. I loved watching television as a kid and also read--but only comic books. When I was in fourth grade, I was given a mystery book in the Nancy Drew Series. That was it! I was hooked on books. I still love going to the movies but hardly ever watch television any more and am an avid reader.
5. What is my favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book that I wrote because each book took me a great deal of time and thought and I put so much of myself into the writing of it, that I can't pick. My favorite book that I didn't write is Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers.
6. How long does it take me to write a book?
It generally takes me about six months to write a thirty-two paged picture book. After I write the story down, I read it out loud to myself and see all the places where I need to make changes--either to explain something better or make it funnier or use a stronger, more descriptive word. Those revisions number in the hundreds and takes me weeks and weeks and weeks.
7. What book am I working on now?
I have just finished writing a middle grade novel. It has not sold yet and I'm rereading this story because I want to make sure that characters come to life for the reader and make sure it's as funny as it can be.
8. What kind of book do I like writing best, fiction or non-fiction?
I can honestly answer--BOTH! I get very excited about a topic and whether it came out of my own imagination or is based on real people, places, or things--I become very involved in the topic and can't wait to write it down and share it with....ALL OF YOU!