Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Denise Gruska

I just met Denise Gruska last year at the SCBWI National conference, but I was familiar with her fabulous story, The Only Boy in Ballet Class.  It had won a SCBWI writing contest a few years back and was published last fall. She is pretty, funny and a very talented writer.

I am so pleased that Denise agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I was a screenwriter when I got pregnant.  As soon as my son was born, I found myself taking an ever lengthening hiatus from the movie business.

Jeri's stretching tips

More stretching tips from my Yoga instructor, Jeri, that you can do as you sit in front of the computer.

Sit straight in your chair, raise your arms and push with palms out.  Hold for three long breaths.

Tim Gillner - Art Director

I met Tim Gillner at last year at SCBWI Ventura Writer's Day. I was the portfolio coordinator so I brought him talented illustrators all day long.  He also gave a wonderful speech and slide show about his house, Boyds Mills Press.
I am delighted that he agreed to be interviewed.


When and why did you become involved in art directing for children’s books?

I became art director of Boyds Mills Press in 1991. Why, is a little tougher to answer. I had worked in children's publishing for 15 or so years prior to that. I guess it is just the natural progression of my field.

Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum

L.A. is loaded with museums.  Some awe inspiring and some just goofy.  The Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum is both.  Built by the signing cowboy, movie star, Gene Autry, the museums holds his collection of American art, a Hollywood cowboy collections of costumes and such and a rotating gallery of up and coming artist.  Here I am with visiting editor Carolyn Yoder.  I thought she'd get a kick out of a museum that is uniquely L.A.  She is a history buff  and I am happy to say, enjoyed singing Gene's museum.

Portraits - Art for Cash Sake

One of the bummer things about portraits is that they tend to be more work than the fee you get.  Just like a photo, no one likes the way they look, so it is usually endless sketches and a lot of ego stroking.  But there was an upside, sometimes I hung out with the very rich.  This was a portrait I did of this gorgeous model, Finele.  She was a blast and married to a gasilliionaire.  One of the clauses in her marriage contract, because the rich have marriage contracts, is she had to spend like a half a million dollars a year on clothing.  So whenever I'd visit her in Manhattan we'd go shopping.  She tried on the clothes, which she looked fab and I'd hold the bags.  Though I gave up portraits I remembered this client who fun, down to earth and a pleasure to paint.

Jennifer L. Holm

MOST POPULAR INTERVIEWS 2007

I am repeating this interview to coincide with her collaborator and brother, Matthew Holm's interview earlier this week.

I am a big fan of Jennifer L. Holm.  Her stories warm my heart, make me cry and leave me longing for more.  She received a Newbery honor for her first novel, Our Only May Amelia and this year another Newbery honor for the wonderful, Penny from Heaven.  I am tickled pink that she agreed to answer a few questions.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I started writing OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA in my early twenties. Her voice just popped into my head one day and that's how it all began.

Big Fat Manifesto

Sometimes my local independent book seller, Barbara O'Grady, will give me advance copies of a "must read" and this is one.
Big Fat Manifesto by Susan Vaught is fabulous.

Jamie Carcaterra educates us on the ups and downs  prejudices of being a fat teenage girl.  But she is no victim, she is an outgoing, opinionated, activist that you gotta love, right down to her school column "Fat Girl." Her problem comes when her boyfriend Burke decides to get bariatric surgery that staples his stomach so he can lose a 100 lbs.

Steve Mooser

Steve Mooser, children's book author and President of the SCBWI is seen here holding my little Rushmore.  Charming, encouraging and fun, Steve is always a pleasure to be with.  He works tirelessly for the SCBWI and we are very lucky to have him. At L.A. Writer's Day last year, Steve had this cool multi-lens camera  that takes 3-D pictures.  He snapped one of Joan Bauer and me. He gave me the photo at the national conference in August.  It is pinned on one of my studio bulletin boards so I can look at it everyday.  What a guy!  The SCBWI Rocks!!