Daphne Grab

As I was researching book trailers, I came across a great one for Daphne Grab's first book, ALIVE AND WELL IN PRAGUE, NEW YORK. I immediately contacted Daphne and asked her to interview for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Long after I’d left my middle grade and teen years behind, I was still reading teen and middle grade books.  I read adult books, too, but I was always drawn to teen stories and couldn’t seem to kick the habit.  I’d ride the subway hiding the cover of my book so no one would see that the thirty-something woman across the aisle was reading a book for twelve year olds.

 
Alongside this obsession was my desire to write a book. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be a writer, but I could never think of an adult story worth writing. Then about five years ago, I came across a catalog for the New School.  When I saw that they offered an MFA with a concentration in writing for children, bells went off because I realized that I was meant to write books for kids, not adults. As soon as I realized that, the ideas flowed. I now read about 95% teen and MG books, holding them up proudly on the subway so all around me can see the great books I’m reading!   

What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer?

Try not to compare yourself and your book to other writers.  Every person has a different journey with their publication process, and the best way to enjoy yours is not to worry too much about what other people got that you might not have. 

What is one of your favorite children’s books that you'd like to recommend?

I recently read Debbie Reed Fischer’s BRALESS IN WONDERLAND, about a brainy girl who becomes a model.  The writing is terrific and the story is totally engaging. It was a super-fun read that was meaty and had me thinking about the issues long after I was done with it. 

What are you working on now?

I am now working on edits for my second book. This story came about when my husband and I were driving home from a vacation two summers ago. I was going on and on about the upcoming football season and my husband, who is not a fan, suggested I write a book about a kid who is a football fan. I knew he was just hoping I’d start writing about football and stop talking about it, but the idea intrigued me and I came up with HALFTIME. It’s about a boy who is a big football fan and a bit of a social loser who finds out that he is related to the best college football player in the country. Ultimately, it’s a coming of age story, like ALIVE AND WELL. It’ll be out in spring 2010 with Delacorte.


What is your favorite dessert and why?

I am all about cookies!  My favorite is chocolate chip oatmeal because I love the mix of flavors and textures.

Daphne Grab grew up in a small town in upstate New York. She has worked a number of jobs, including teaching high school history, building houses for Habitat for Humanity and teaching ESL in China.  She also earned an MFA in Creative Writing at the New School.  ALIVE AND WELL IN PRAGUE, NEW YORK is her first book. She lives in New York City with her family.

Comments

[daphne grab]

thanks so much for having me on your awesome blog!