All kinds of things, but most of them are related to kids' books! As a developmental editor for Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers for Kids Only, I plan books filled with everything that’s weird, wacky, amazing, and funny. Before I began editing books, I spent six years getting to acquire, edit, and read amazing stories and articles for Highlights for Children in my job as coordinating editor of the magazine. How fun is that? I also work with the Highlights Foundation, teaching workshops and helping develop workshop programs, notably the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua and Founders Workshops at the homeplace of the Founders of Highlights near Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

I've held positions as a senior editor, a book development manager, a university instructor, and a teacher with the Institute of Children’s Literature. As an author, I have published over two hundred short stories, articles, and columns in magazines, newsletters, and books. And I've published a book about carnivorous plants--you know, those plants that eat insects, and maybe even bigger things like tarsiers. Carnivorous Plants was published in 2002 by Kidhaven Press.

I write for kids because I’m still interested in many of the same things that excited me when I was a kid. I’m into fantasy, nature, the unexplained, sci-fi, mystery . . . . I love to learn new things, and writing for kids lets me do that on a daily basis. Yippee!”

How do you get ideas?

A better question might be, ‘How do you choose which ideas you’ll write about?’ Ideas are like gnats: they’re always buzzing around, sticking to the side of your face, flying into your ears . . . The trick is to focus on one gnat when the others are swarming. I tend to write about the peskiest gnat—he one that refuses to go away.

What is your favorite book?

You’re kidding, right? I read all the time. In fact, if I’m not writing (or . . . sigh . . . working), I’m likely to be found with my nose in a book. So my favorite book is usually the one I’m currently reading. I just finished reading The Unfinished Angel Sharon Creech, and it’s amazing!”

Check out what I’m reading now!

What prepared you to write for children?

Being a kid, growing up, having five children of my own, remembering what it’s like to be a kid. If you want to write for children, it’s a good idea to hang out with them. Besides, being around kids gives you an excuse to play!