Where and when were you born?
I was born in New York City on September 15, 1950.
Where did you go to school?
I went to St Hugh's Elementary and Walt Whitman High School in Huntington, New York. I graduated from State University of New York at Albany.
Where do you live now?
I live in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on a street I love as much as Mo loves Fox Street.
Do you have a family?
My husband Paul is a teacher. We have three beautiful, grown-up daughters: Zoe, Phoebe and Delia. Wait, who's nibbling my ankle? Oh, yes, can't leave out Habibi and Billy, our darling doofus cats.
Did you always want to be a writer?
The first thing I wanted to be was a dog. When I realized the odds of that, I switched to a cowgirl. Then an archeologist. I also wanted to be a mom. (Hooray! That came true.) I didn't decide to be a writer till I was grown-up.
Where do you get your ideas?
Ideas are always tapping us on the shoulder. The writer's job is to turn around, shake hands, and get acquainted. The idea for FOX STREET came from an article about some Cleveland families fighting to save their homes from developers. It reminded me of how, when I was young, my brothers and I loved to play in a big field behind our house. One day bulldozers appeared, and soon our lovely wild place was crowded with new houses. I remember how angry and helpless I felt. At some time in our lives, all of us have to let go of places or people or dreams–that became the heart of the story. I wrote MO WREN LOST AND FOUND simply because I had to find out what happened next! And was I ever surprised.
How do you write?
On a computer, though my pocket's always got a pen and notebook in it. I like to work in the morning, then go for a walk or a swim to think over what I wrote and what comes next.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to garden and to look at other people's gardens. I also like to ride my bike and swim (not at the same time).
What would you be if you couldn't be a writer?
I'd have that job where you drive around and deliver flowers to people.
How can I become a writer?
1) You're already doing the most important thing: you're a reader! Read read read read…sorry, getting carried away.
2) Of course, you also need to write. Write about things you love, things you need to figure out, things that get you excited or angry or rolling around on the floor laughing. Write write write…sorry.
3) I've never written anything that didn't need to be re-written. I love revising, because it always gets me closer to the true heart of my story.
4) Finally, share. Celebrate! The world has a brand new story--hooray!