I am a huge fan of Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer. Her stories make me laugh, cry and cheer with joy. I was lucky enough to meet her at Writer's Day in L.A. this year. Here she is holding my little Rushmore. Joan was also kind enough to answer a few questions for my blog.
Why and when did you start writing for kids?
I loved to read and write. I kept a journal. When I was in junior high, I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I even remember where I was sitting when I read it! I was looking for healthy father figures, since my dad wasn't able to fill that role in my life. Atticus Finch was the guy!
That book has affected the way I create character. I try to create characters that can be role models. I don't have Harper Lee's skill, but I do remember that we, as authors, can do something special for our readers through our characters.
What is the best writing advice you can give a newly published writer?
Write when you feel like it and write when you don't. Sit your butt in the chair. Only write what you know. As writers, we need to grow in our knowledge. We need to research. When I wrote about growing giant pumpkins in Squashed, I had to find out how to do that. And I'm telling you now, I had never grown a vegetable that lived. But I knew about growing a big dream, so I layered that onto my story.
What is your favorite children's book?
When I was very little, Harold of Harold and the Purple Crayon was one of my heroes because he was so intrepid. Then, in eighth grade I read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and it has been one of my favorite books ever since.
What is your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is seven layer coconut cake, because it is, in my opinion, the greatest dessert ever invented.
In her eight novels, Joan Bauer explores difficult issues with humor and hope. Her books have won numerous awards, among them the Newbery Honor Medal, the LA Times Book Prize, the Christopher Award, and the Golden Kite Award of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. A New York Times best-selling author, she has been interviewed on radio shows nationwide and appeared on both network and cable television.
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