Visit with Barbara Kerley

http://www.barbarakerley.com/

Today we're visiting with author Barbara Kerley, whose latest release, THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY) was published by Scholastic Press on 1/1/10!



Susy Clemens thought the world was wrong about her papa. They saw Mark Twain as "a humorist joking at everything." But he was so much more, and Susy was determined to set the record straight. In a journal she kept under her pillow, Susy documented her world-famous father-from his habits (good and bad!) to his writing routine to their family's colorful home life. Her frank, funny, tender biography (which came to be one of Twain's most prized possessions) gives rare insight and an unforgettable perspective on an American icon. Inserts with excerpts from Susy's actual journal give added appeal.

**I had the chance to ask Barbara a few questions about her life and writing, and I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I did!

If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?

If I could bring any of my characters back to life, it would have to be Waterhouse Hawkins, whom I wrote about in THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS. He was the artist who introduced dinosaurs to the world in 1854, when he made the world’s first life-sized dinosaur models. They still stand today in a park in London, England.

Waterhouse fascinates me as he was passionate about his work but also had a real sense of style and flair. I would love to sit down to dinner with him (preferably inside the mould of his iguanodon model).

Your own six-word memoir.

Asked too many questions: Plus. Minus.

You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?

Oh, Harriet the Spy, definitely. I adored that book as a child—I must have read it a dozen times, at least. I really identified with Harriet as I am also a real people-watcher. (Though I do not sneak into people’s houses to spy on them.) I adore Harriet because she is so observant and so honest. She really pays attention.

What was your favorite book growing up as a teen?

I loved making a strong cup of sweet, milky tea, grabbing a blanket (if it was fall or winter or early spring) and going out on the porch to read Jane Austen (in her pre-zombie state.)

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Broadway actress. I was very involved in high school and community theater for many years. I did everything from act to run lights and build sets.

While I no longer do theater now, I believe it was excellent training for my work as a writer—both fields are first and foremost devoted to story. And when I am in New York, I go to a Broadway play whenever I can. Most recently I saw South Pacific. It was wonderful.

Your favorite subject in high school – and your least favorite.

I liked English and Choir. Hated Trigonometry. (It did not seem to relate in the slightest to anything I would ever ever ever do in my life. It was one of those classes that seemed designed just to be hard, with no intrinsic value.)

The one book everyone in the world should read.

WINNIE-THE-POOH by A. A. Milne—not the modern, Disney-version of Pooh, the original book published in 1926. Amazing book with amazing characters and surprising insight into the human condition.

I recently had the chance to meet the actual stuffed animals, who live in the New York Public Library. Piglet is tiny. (The librarian told me that he might actually have been a pin cushion, originally. I just love that.)

The book you wish you had written.

See above!

You’ve invented a new national holiday. What is it called, and what does it celebrate? (Plus, would we get the day off of school and work??)

National Get-To-Know-Your-Neighbors Day. Everybody would get the day off from work and school and would have to spend it out and about their neighborhood, getting to know each other. Games would be set up to help break the ice, like Pictionary, Charades, and Twister. There would be booths where you could choose your own toppings for mini-pizzas and cupcakes (though probably different toppings.). Baristas would man street carts (Free espresso drinks! Free chai lattes!) There would be neighborhood community service projects all set up, like cleaning up trash, planting flowers, and fixing up playgrounds. Plus, everyone would have to bring their dogs with them since dogs are the best ice-breakers of all. In the evening, a huge bonfire would be set up and there would be all the ingredients for s’mores.

What is your ultimate vacation destination?

London. I love the architecture, the sense of history, the ambiance, and the fact that you can find a great cup of tea anywhere.

The world has suffered from a one-day only loss of power. You have no cell phone, computer, lights, or anything else that requires a computer, cell battery, or electricity. What do you spend the day doing?

A long hike through a beautiful forest, a long nap, and plenty of time to sit in the shade and read a good book.

If you weren’t an author, what job would you be doing?

I’d love to be a vegetarian chef. I am addicted to cooking shows.

You get the chance to star in an upcoming film release. What movie would you star in for your acting debut? (If you can’t choose an upcoming film, you can choose a past release.)

Forget all this talk about the Bond franchise maybe closing down. I would be the next 007 – woman of intrigue. All men would want me and all women would want to be me. (Plus, they’d love my sassy haircut.) I would do all my own stunts. As such, it would be a comedy.

You’re invited to a White House function, and you have the chance to give a 10-minute speech to the President and everyone else attending. What do you speak about?

Libraries. We need to treasure them and keep them fully-funded. They are at the core of all strong communities.

A group of teens ask you the best way to become a published writer. How do you answer the question?

Read. Write every day, even the days it is hard. Be passionate and stubborn. Have a thick skin and a tender heart.

**Thanks so much to Barbara for visiting with us today! Be sure to check out her website listed above, or you can also find her at Interesting Nonfiction for Kids, on Facebook, or email her directly at barbara@barbarakerley.com.

Barbara has kindly offered to send three lucky posters today a personalized copy of THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), so be sure to leave any comments or questions you have for her in the comments section!