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MEET EVE BUNTING, Keynote Speaker 2006
by Bonnie O'Brian

What books influenced you most?

Eve Bunting

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, TREASURE ISLAND, and all kinds of poetry that my father read to me endlessly.

Did you write stories when you were growing up?

Yes. Mostly in school. I did all my friends' essay assignments so they would do my math! I kept a journal, but in rereading it, I wasn't a very interesting child. It's mostly about the books I was reading.and the weather.always THE RAIN. Of course, this was Ireland.

When did you start writing and what inspired you?

I started writing professionally when I was in my thirties. I had always loved to write and I saw a class at Pasadena City College on WRITING FOR PUBLICATION. I dared to go! My teacher was fabulous Mrs. Hinckley Jones and she definitely was my inspiration.

What kinds of things inspire you to write?

Stories that I read about or hear in the news. Real human stories about people suffering.the death of a loved one, a person or a pet. Heroism. War. Mostly I write about social issues and current events, but they are always fictionalized.

Have any of your books earned special recognition?

Yes, I have had 32 state awards chosen by children all over the United States. I have won the Edgar, mystery award. The Western Writers of America award, the Commonwealth Club of America award, the Kerland award, and many others. My book, SMOKY NIGHT illustrated by David Diaz won the Caldecott Award.

Have any of your stories been about real events?

Yes, SMOKY NIGHT was about the Los Angeles riots. THE WALL was about the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D. C. FLY AWAY HOME was about the homeless living in Chicago's O"Hare Airport.