Thank you to everyone who has sent me a letter recently. I love getting letters. Unfortunately, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m about two months behind in responding. I do try and write back to everyone who writes, as long as they don’t write me rude messages. I know some of you need answers for book reports and other assignments so here is a recent reply to a reader who asked some great questions that a lot of other people have also asked.
Hi Reader (you know who you are!),
1) What inspired you to write about a 15 year old girl with such a weird life and family?
I love oddballs in life and in books. One of my favourite books when I was growing up was My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. It’s about a boy who has a very eccentric family. Reading about strange families helped me realize my own family wasn’t as bizarre as I thought. Also, I love comedies, and unusual people are often the funniest.
2) In your second book Miss Smithers Alice is in a beauty pageant. Have you ever been in one?
Yikes! You caught me! I admit that I was in the Miss Smithers pageant back when Smithers still had a pageant. I was the Miss Northern Saddle Club candidate. I wasn’t a very good candidate and certainly didn’t win. But, like Alice, I entered because I wanted the money for clothes. That’s where I got the idea to put Alice in the pageant.
3) I read on the Comedy Network’s website that they are making your books into shows. What made you want to do this? When will the series start?
I think most writers would like to see their books in more than one format. It’s very exciting to see my words turned into images and television reaches a whole audience that books don’t. I’ve seen an episode and even though it’s a little bit different than the books, the writers and actors and directors have done an amazing job. The show is very funny. The show will be airing on CTV and the Comedy Network sometime in spring 2006. When I learn the air date I’ll post it on my website.
4) What are some of your favorite books and authors?
Gerald Durrell, as I mentioned, also Stella Gibbons (Cold Comfort Farm),
J.D. Salinger, Sue Townsend, Richard Price (Clockers), Mark Salzman Lost in Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia), P.G. Wodehouse, Meg Cabot, David Sedaris, Chuck Klosterman (Fargo Rock City), David Rakoff, M.T. Anderson, Melvin Burgess. I could go on forever!
5) Do you enjoy writing books for my age level?
I love writing books about teenagers. I’ve tried writing books about adults but some teenager always worms their way into the story and quickly becomes the most interesting person.
6) Have you ever had a “Linda” in your life?
I had a couple of Lindas in my life when I was younger. I have a lot of sympathy for people who have to cope with bullying. Dealing with my “Linda” was one of the hardest things in my life.
7) Do you have any kids who read your books? Or help you with the writing or inspire you?
Lots of kids inspire me. Even ones I don’t know. I usually give my new books to a few teen readers to get their opinions. But they keep growing up! I also test out my writing with adults. I hope people of all ages can enjoy my books.
8) I heard that you love country music is this true?
I love classic country music but I have no time at all for most modern country music. I adore Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynne, Hank Williams, etc. I also like Dwight Yoakam and I’m crazy about bluegrass. I’ve always wished I could play the banjo. Sigh.
9) What is your next book about and when is it coming out?
My new book is about two young dressage riders. It’s taken me a while to write and it won’t be out until spring 2007. But I have another book that is coming along quite quickly behind it. Who knows, maybe 2007 and will be a two book year!
10) Do you plan to write another Alice book?
I’m not sure yet. I get a lot of letters asking that question. Right now I want to write at least two books outside the Alice series and then I’ll see. If I keep getting letters I will have to give it serious consideration!
Thanks for your great questions and good luck with your book report!
Susan