A Conversation With the Author
Where did you grow up?
Born Springfield, Ohio but most of my "hooligan" days were spent in Connecticut.
What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing?
From day one, I can't remember NOT drawing or writing.
What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book?
Love of drawing and the fact that someone actually WANTED to publish me.
Do you use your childhood as inspiration?
All the time, but not in the way one might think. I don't use childhood experiences for my books, it's more of what influenced me WHEN I was young, i.e. books, TV shows, movies, etc.
What books from your childhood have most influenced your work? What about adult titles?
Comic books and mystery stories, i.e. Sherlock Holmes, etc. E. B. White was/is a major influence, as are many of the writers of the 1930s & 40s, i.e. Dorothy Parker, James Thurber, S. J. Perelman, etc.
What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books?
Cooking, traveling, listening to music, cooking, eating, cooking, playing guitar badly. Did I mention cooking?
Who are a couple of your favorite author/illustrators? What is it about their work that inspires and interests you?
Sendak, James Marshall, Arnold Lobel, William Steig for their deceptively simple humor in both writing and illustration.
What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators?
Keep drawing constantly, never let up!
