FAQ
Doing a report on Rebecca? Here are some questions, answers, and a couple of photos to help you out.
How old are you?
Old enough to vote. So far, in 7 presidential elections.
Where did you grow up?
In Madison, Wisconsin—which is why I developed an early appreciation for politics and dairy products. Madison was a really great place to grow up; I was surrounded by smart, thoughtful people and spent a lot of time exploring beautiful lakes and forests. I did not, however, grow up on a farm and I’ve never milked a cow. (People outside of the Midwest tend to think Wisconsinites have done those things.)
Did you study writing in college?
Not exactly—I graduated from Northwestern University, where I studied Spanish literature and psychology, and I once danced for thirty hours without stopping. Then I packed my books into a Budget truck and headed for NYC to start grad school. I eventually earned a master’s degree in comparative literature. (Eventually being the operative word; it took a while.) I never actually took a writing class, but I was writing all the time.
Beeker, on his birthday.
What other jobs have you had other than being an author?
Before and during college, I worked as a pet-sitter, baby-watcher, clothes-folder, shoe-seller, custard-scooper, photo-developer, ticket-seller, book-stocker, and restaurant-hoster. Post college, I’ve mostly worked as a book-maker. I’ve edited and copyedited everything from literature textbooks to award-winning novels to Mad Libs! Having all that employment experience, I can say with some authority that writing is the best kind of work.
Do you have any pets?
Right now, no. I travel a bit too much, and I have really bad allergies. As a kid, I had several goldfish (all named Megan), a hamster named Hamilton, and my beloved long-hair guinea pig, Beeker. I do have two cats-in-law, though: Betty and Felix.
What’s your favorite book?
I can’t just pick one! As a kid, my favorites were The Westing Game, Hatchet, Catherine Called Birdy, and Walk Two Moons. Some authors whose books I recently loved are Laurie Halse Anderson, Veera Hiranandani, Rebecca Stead, Katherine Rundell, and Jacqueline Woodson.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
If I’m not reading (because, honestly, reading and writing are how I spend most of my time), I’m probably daydreaming in the park, watching my husband act, balancing on one leg in a yoga class, or baking a treat. Pies are my specialty. I once entered the two-crusted apple pie state contest at the fair and won first place and a blue ribbon.
Meeting a rescued manatee in Miami
What’s your favorite animal?
Meeting a rescued manatee in Miami
The manatee!
Have you ever gotten lost in the woods?
Not like my characters did, but I did once get lost in the woods of Central Park on my way to the dentist. It’s a long story.
How many states have you visited?
41 states–including Alaska and Hawaii!–plus the District of Columbia. I plan to get to all 50.
Have you ever used a blowtorch?
Why, yes I have. I was a teenage metalsmith, and I made a lot of metal and glass art using torches, a centrifuge, and soldering irons. One of my pieces won an award and was even shown in the Milwaukee Art Museum!
Sunrises or sunsets?
Sunsets, definitely. I’m not much of a morning person. I do most of my writing in the evenings and at night–that’s when I feel the most creative.
What are some of your other favorite things?
The beach, history, running, nature, doughnuts, laughing, the desert, remembering the word that’s on the tip of my tongue, butter, and kindness.