Well, the last time I checked I was still one person, but it’s true—a whole bunch of people are fighting for space in my mind. As a writer, it’s my job to listen to what they say, and get it all down on paper. I’m not crazy. Honest. I'm just crazy about writing, and I'm especially looking forward to seeing my first novel in print. Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head will be available in 2008. I cannot wait!

Read the answers to the following questions to find out more about me. And if you're curious about what's happening in my writing life on a day-to-day basis, hop on over to my blog, Nancy's News, or check out my MySpace page.

What were you like as a child?
My mom and dad said I was a delightful, curious child. They have no memory of the day I fed dandelions to the dog, stuffed toys into the sump pump, or made jelly sandwiches for the campground bears. My brothers affectionately called me “Brat” because I was the youngest and loudest, and got the most attention. I never stopped talking, dancing, or singing. I loved to sing in the car, and most of my early songs went something like this:

Oh, the trees, the pretty trees.
Oh, the pretty, green trees.

When my family begged me to sing another song, I did:

Oh, the sidewalks, the bumpy sidewalks.
Oh, the sidewalks, the bumpy, grumpy sidewalks.

If they wanted me to be quiet, they’d asked me to write a really long story or poem, but I was a fast writer and they eventually either had to listen to what I wrote, or hear me sing again. Although they told me to “give it a rest,” I knew they were only kidding.

After school, I loved to play kickball, color (always within the lines), draw, ride my bike, swim, dig in the dirt, collect seashells, go to Brownies, jump rope, and play with my dolls. As I got older, I spent many hours at the Jersey Shore catching waves and chasing boys. (Or was it chasing waves and catching boys? Hmmm…)

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I thought I wanted to be a ballerina, but after hundreds of lessons, I decided that dancing wasn’t for me. Those shoes and costumes were uncomfortable! In fourth grade, I considered becoming an astronaut, but then I learned that astronauts had to take many math classes, and math and I didn’t get along very well. Do you see the "D" on my report card?

Over the years, I had quite a few jobs—some big, some small, but none as rewarding and challenging as being a writer and a mom. Out of this list, can you guess which jobs I really had, and which ones I considered? Email me for the answers!

Why did you become a writer?
Did I mention I’m lousy at math? Seriously, I’ve loved the written word ever since Mrs. Oberholtzer put Go Away, Spot on my first grade desk. I read constantly, wrote stories and poems, and made holiday cards. As an adult, I put my writing aside until my youngest child set off for preschool. I had a little more spare time then and thought it might be fun to take my experiences, mix in the experiences of kids I’ve known, and twist them into stories.

What are some of your favorite children’s books?
Lily's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

What are you working on now?
My publisher and I are putting the finishing touches on Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head, and I've started another novel that picks up where this one leaves off. In Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen, Sam changes her obsession from rocks to insects. She acquires a few hundred creeping, crawling pets, but still bugs her mom for an animal she can walk around the block. Sam also gets more than she bargained for when her favorite teacher (who loves science as much as she does) leaves suddenly, and a balding, math-minded man takes her place.

If you had one wish, what would it be?
I’d wish to live to be 100. It’ll take me that long to get everything done I want to do. I have a VERY long list.

Do you have a bumper sticker on your car, and what does it say?
Yes. It says: LIFE IS GOOD. Don’t you agree?

Back to Top