I was born on my grandfather’s farm in Bates County, Missouri, in a house built in 1861, the first year of the Civil War. I lived a short time in Pueblo, Colorado, but I grew up in California. My favorite activities are writing, reading, art, and travel; hence this picture of me standing in front of the library at ancient Ephesus, in Turkey.
Did You Write Stories When You Were Growing Up?
I was a movie buff from an early age, so I wrote screenplays. When I was nine I wrote a script, illustrated it in Crayon-Color on a long roll of white paper, and attached it to dowels to let the “film” unwind. The theater proscenium was a decorated cardboard box. The production was presented to the kids from my ‘hood and was declared a triumph!
Did You Decide Then That You Wanted To Be A Writer When You Grew Up?
I never really thought about it — I just wrote. I loved words, liked the way they fit together, and especially the way they rolled off my tongue when read aloud. I could almost taste them. While growing up, I edited school and club newspapers, bulletins, and the high school yearbook, learning the basics of writing. After college, I was a docent for many years at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, where I continued to write presentations and for publication.
What Really Triggers Your Imagination?
I write both fiction and nonfiction, which gives me great freedom of choice. In the beginning, I wrote for adult and children’s magazines — TRAVEL & LEISURE, GARDEN DESIGN, USATODAY/ CRICKET, FACES, HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN, LADYBUG. I soon discovered that writing for young people made my heart sing. When I find a subject that is new and fascinating to me, I feel sure there will be curious readers who will like it too.
What Subjects Have You Written About?
Some of my favorites have been “The Great Underground Army” ordered built of clay by King Ch’in Shih-huang-ti, to protect him in his tomb; “Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Turtle Ships” was about the Korean admiral who invented the world’s first ironclad vessel, in 1592; “Amber: The Forty-Million-Year-Old Trap” is about ancient amber and what is found in it. You’ll notice these are nonfiction subjects, but nonfiction needs to make facts read like an interesting story.
Do You Work On More Than One Book/Article At A Time?
Yes, but I always keep one project on the front burner, while the others simmer in folders. I read a great deal, go to art exhibitions, performances, and lectures. I watch for connections to folder projects, or for new ideas.
Do You Write Every Day?
I would like to say, “Yes!” But the truth is, “No!” I try, but life intervenes. The value of writing every day is invaluable. It keeps creative juices flowing. But having many interests and friends, places to go and things to see, contributes to your writing as well.
Which Of Your Books/Articles Did You Most Enjoy Writing?
Having an idea appear from observation is exciting. BEACH FEET came when I was sitting in an airport watching people pass and guessing who they were by their shoes; DRAGON FEET was inspired by the Asian New Year parade; A FAMILY OF BEAVERS came from seeing a mother beaver and her kit in a creek; MAI-LI’S SURPRISE and SHINTARO’S UMBRELLAS came to fictional life from my interest in Asian art.
Do You Research And Do You Enjoy It?
Research is important to both fiction and nonfiction. You need to put your reader into the place and time, and to be certain your facts are correct. I enjoy research, because I learn things that I wouldn’t otherwise know about my subject.
What Are You Working On Now?
I’ve just finished a middle-grade historical novel titled A CRACK IN THE ICE. It is set in rural Nebraska in 1917, during World War I. I was lucky to have the oral history of a woman who grew up during that time. This is called primary research — material that is not on the internet or yet in books. It gives the reader the feeling of “being there.”
Do You Ever Receive Fan Letters?
Yes, and that is pure pleasure, to know that someone “out there” truly enjoyed my work. My most far-flung letter was from a girl in Uzbekistan.
What Do You Want Students To Get Out Of Your School Visits?
I hope to show them that writing and reading are fun, to give them the love of words, tips about the craft of writing, but most of all, I want them to let their imaginations fly.
