Wendy Orr
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About the Author
Wendy Orr has written more than twenty children’s books, including Nim’s Island. She lives on a dairy farm in Australia with her family.
A Conversation With the Author
Where did you grow up? France, Alberta, Colorado, Ontario and Nova Scotia
What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing?
Sitting on the living room floor, using the coffee as a desk, writing Glossy the Horse, the story of a Shetland Pony.
What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book?
My children were fascinated by dinosaurs, but I was also interested in children wanting a pet that they couldn't have, so I wrote Amanda's Dinosaur.
Do you use your childhood as inspiration?
Yes, although it's usually not direct. The Mokie and Bik books were inspired by my father and his twin sister's childhood.
What books from your childhood have most influenced your work? What about adult titles?
If what I love most has influenced me most:
Winnie the Pooh
The Borrowers
Anne of Green Gables
The Queen's Music
My Son-in-Law the Hippopotamus
Holly and Ivy, or anything by Rumer Godden
The Eagle of the Ninth, and everything else by Rosemary Sutcliffe
Swallows and Amazons
And for adults:
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
Possession by AS Byatt
Pride and Prejudice
Eva Luna by Isabelle Allende
What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books?
Walking-with my dog, on the beach, or in the bush; Tai Chi
Who are a couple of your favorite author/illustrators? What is it about their work that inspires and interests you?
Susan Cooper and her Dark is Rising series. I love the characters and the writing is perfect, no matter how often I reread the books.
Dylan Thomas, for the music of his words.
What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators?
Dare to dream, and dare to write! Write what's in your heart, find a story that you just have to tell, and then tell it the best way you can. When you've finished, write it again and make it better. And most importantly-have fun, and love what you're doing.