As an author, I often visit schools. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job. I get to talk to kids about writing and answer some of their other questions, too. Here are some of the questions kids have asked me over the years:

Where do you live?
I live in southern New Hampshire in a big green house.

Do you have any kids? My kids are all grown up.  One daughter is a Latin teacher in Massachusetts.  My son lives and works in New York City for a stage design company.  My other daughter is a comedian in Chicago.
 
Do you have any pets? Three animals let me take care of them.  I have a mutt that is part black lab.  I have a Cairn Terrier (like Toto in the Wizard of Oz movie).  My daughter's yellow tabby cat lives here, too.

How old are you?
Here’s a hint: I was born exactly in the middle of the 20th century. I have a granddaughter.

What does the initial “L” stand for in your name?
It stands for my middle name: Lucienne. Lucienne was my godmother and I loved her very much so I always use my middle initial to honor her.

How many books have you written?
That’s a hard one. I’ve published over 30 books for kids, but I’ve written many more along with more than 20 social studies units and lots of magazine articles. I’ve written several other books that haven’t been published. Not every book a writer produces gets published.

I still have the very first book I ever wrote. It was called The Circus. I wrote it in kindergarten when I was five years old.

Where do you work?
I work in an office in my home. It is full of books and my collection of Mickey Mouse Sorcerer’s Apprentice memorabilia. I can see the woods from my window. Usually, the dogs sleep on the couch in my office while I work.

Do you like being a writer?
It is the best job I’ve ever had. It’s great to be able to work at something you really love.

Where do you get your ideas?
Ideas come from everywhere. Sometimes I get ideas from facts I’ve read, conversations I’ve heard—or as in the case of Abenaki Captive—a story someone told me. Sometimes the editors ask me to write about a specific topic. I love to do research and visit new places to find the facts I need for my books.

Can I call you and ask you more questions?
My friends and family would tell you I hate to talk on the phone! I don’t know why. But I love getting e-mail! Write to me at ApprenticeShpBks@aol.com

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