 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
Back to Featured Interviews >> MEET DIANNE DANZIG
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
| Dianne Danzig |
Working with and for children have been among my priorities for as long as I can remember. I appreciate children’s honesty and their willingness to be open to new experiences and have fun. Children are my preferred reading audience.
Do you focus on fiction or nonfiction? Which do you prefer? Do you find
one easier than the other?
My focus is nonfiction. I love to learn and find fun, unusual, and interesting ways to help children understand and get engaged in a topic. When writing BABIES DON’T EAT PIZZA - A BIG KIDS’ BOOK ABOUT BABY BROTHERS AND BABY SISTERS and volunteering with other writers on CITY BY THE BAY - A MAGICAL JOURNEY AROUND SAN FRANCISCO, we were able to do that.
What kinds of things inspire you to write?
Books with story elements that I particularly value inspire me.THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN, by E.B. White and MATILDA by Roald Dahl exhibit children’s worth and combine sensitive issues with warmth and humor. THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett reminds us of children’s initiative and their importance as individuals. Children’s books with wonderful art inspire crafting my text to enhance and work with the art.
Where do you get your ideas?
My ideas come from situations or concepts that make me ask “Why?”, “What about?”, “How do they feel?” and when I hear kids talk about something funny, interesting, or significant to them.
Have any of your books earned special recognition?
BABIES DON’T EAT PIZZA - A BIG KIDS’ BOOK ABOUT BABY BROTHERS AND BABY SISTERS, illustrated by Debbie Tilley, was chosen for the California Readers’ 2010 Elementary California Collection, and also received the Mom’s Choice Awards 2010 Gold Award in the Family Life category.
Is there anything about yourself that you’d like to share - hobbies,
where you were born, special talents other than writing/illustrating.
I especially appreciate art, design, singing and playing music - or anything that brings out one’s creative, artistic side.
What other jobs you had before you became a writer/illustrator?
I’ve worn many hats - as an RN caring for children with asthma, autism and diabetes, and babies in neonatal intensive care and well baby units; as a nurse educator on numerous topics including my favorites - asthma and sibling preparation; and as a community volunteer - on CITY BY THE BAY, in the schools, and even for building a skate park! I’ve also been an interior designer, which I enjoyed immensely.