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DONNA GEPHART -- Q & A
Q: I love your books.
A: That's not a question, but THANKS!
Q: Why did you decide to write HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Middle school (also called Junior High in some places) was very hard for me . . . and for our kids . . . and for most people. When I was about thirteen/fourteen, I went from feeling deliriously happy to miserably depressed often in the same day . . . even in the same hour! I wish someone had explained that it was just my hormones going a little crazy and they would calm down again. I wish someone told me that I didn't really "hate" my mother, but it was a normal part of adolescence to push away from her. I wish someone had told me I'd survive the acne, the braces and the crush on a cute guy who didn't like me. I want young people to know they are not the only ones having a hard time. I also want young people to know that they can get through middle school. So hang in there. It gets better. Much better.
Q: Did you have a hamster, like in HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Nope. My mom wasn't into pets when I was growing up. We had a kitten once, but Snowflake ran away, and we never found out what happened to her.
Q: What is your writing schedule like?
A: I usually write during the day after I've exercised. When I'm on deadline, I work nights and weekends, too. I spend lots of time thinking because thinking is the most important part of writing. I also spend lots of time revising -- taking what I've written and making sure it's clear and interesting. Published books aren't written, they're rewritten. Many, many, many times. I always make time for reading, friends and family, too.
Q: Do you like to read?
A: I love to read! I spend a lot of time in the library and in bookstores. I love visiting independent bookstores. I have piles of books all over my house. I enjoy reading realistic fiction, essays, non-fiction and poetry. What do you enjoy reading?
Q: Where do you live?
A: I live in South Jersey. (I used to live in South Florida.)
Q: What do you like to do when you're not reading and writing?
A: I like to eat soft pretzels with mustard, vegan cheese-steaks and salads that are bigger than my head. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I'm a big fan of getting outside and enjoying nature, whether that means a hike in the woods or kayaking or strolling along the beach. I also enjoy riding my bike, taking long walks, lifting weights and playing pickle ball. And I'm always up for a game of Scrabble.
Q: What things are most important to you?
A: 1. Family and friends -- LOVE!
2. Good health -- that's why I exercise, eat well, sleep as much as I need and spend time with people who brighten my spirits.
3. Being kind -- to each other, to animals and to our planet.
4. Lifelong Learning -- that's why I read a lot, travel and listen to a lot of different kinds of people. I'm endlessly curious.
5. Creativity -- that's why I enjoy writing, gardening, cooking and seeing live performances of all kinds.
6. Trying to understand myself and others -- because this leads to acceptance and peace instead of fear and cruelty. Reading is a great way to better understand myself and others, to widen one's world.
7. Volunteering -- it's the rent we pay for living on this amazing planet of ours.
8. Being a vegan -- good for me, good for the environment and good for the ANIMALS!
9. Daydreaming -- it's essential to imagine the good things we want to happen in our lives.
10. LAUGHTER!
Q: When were you born?
A: Sometime after dinosaurs roamed the earth . . . but not long after. Haha. July 5th, actually.
Q: How can I become a writer?
A: Write.
Longer A: If you love to read and write, do both. Often. Eventually, when you've been working at it for a long time, you might publish your writing. There are many ways to share your writing now -- write cards for your friends, create a newsletter for relatives who don't live nearby, pen poems to keep for yourself to read when you're older, join the school magazine or start one and enter writing contests. Have fun and find joy in your writing!
Q: I'm an adult and want to write for children. Any suggestions?
A: Join S.C.B.W.I. It's a wonderful international community that provides support, information, grants and much more. You might also want to join a critique group in your area (or start one). Conferences are usually informative and inspiring, too. There are many good books and magazines about writing as well.
Q: Can I send you something I wrote . . . or my homework questions . . . or my dirty laundry?
A: Nope.
Q: I can't think of any more questions.
A: That's not a question. But if you do think of any more questions, feel free to get in touch through my contact page. Thank you!
A: That's not a question, but THANKS!
Q: Why did you decide to write HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Middle school (also called Junior High in some places) was very hard for me . . . and for our kids . . . and for most people. When I was about thirteen/fourteen, I went from feeling deliriously happy to miserably depressed often in the same day . . . even in the same hour! I wish someone had explained that it was just my hormones going a little crazy and they would calm down again. I wish someone told me that I didn't really "hate" my mother, but it was a normal part of adolescence to push away from her. I wish someone had told me I'd survive the acne, the braces and the crush on a cute guy who didn't like me. I want young people to know they are not the only ones having a hard time. I also want young people to know that they can get through middle school. So hang in there. It gets better. Much better.
Q: Did you have a hamster, like in HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Nope. My mom wasn't into pets when I was growing up. We had a kitten once, but Snowflake ran away, and we never found out what happened to her.
Q: What is your writing schedule like?
A: I usually write during the day after I've exercised. When I'm on deadline, I work nights and weekends, too. I spend lots of time thinking because thinking is the most important part of writing. I also spend lots of time revising -- taking what I've written and making sure it's clear and interesting. Published books aren't written, they're rewritten. Many, many, many times. I always make time for reading, friends and family, too.
Q: Do you like to read?
A: I love to read! I spend a lot of time in the library and in bookstores. I love visiting independent bookstores. I have piles of books all over my house. I enjoy reading realistic fiction, essays, non-fiction and poetry. What do you enjoy reading?
Q: Where do you live?
A: I live in South Jersey. (I used to live in South Florida.)
Q: What do you like to do when you're not reading and writing?
A: I like to eat soft pretzels with mustard, vegan cheese-steaks and salads that are bigger than my head. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I'm a big fan of getting outside and enjoying nature, whether that means a hike in the woods or kayaking or strolling along the beach. I also enjoy riding my bike, taking long walks, lifting weights and playing pickle ball. And I'm always up for a game of Scrabble.
Q: What things are most important to you?
A: 1. Family and friends -- LOVE!
2. Good health -- that's why I exercise, eat well, sleep as much as I need and spend time with people who brighten my spirits.
3. Being kind -- to each other, to animals and to our planet.
4. Lifelong Learning -- that's why I read a lot, travel and listen to a lot of different kinds of people. I'm endlessly curious.
5. Creativity -- that's why I enjoy writing, gardening, cooking and seeing live performances of all kinds.
6. Trying to understand myself and others -- because this leads to acceptance and peace instead of fear and cruelty. Reading is a great way to better understand myself and others, to widen one's world.
7. Volunteering -- it's the rent we pay for living on this amazing planet of ours.
8. Being a vegan -- good for me, good for the environment and good for the ANIMALS!
9. Daydreaming -- it's essential to imagine the good things we want to happen in our lives.
10. LAUGHTER!
Q: When were you born?
A: Sometime after dinosaurs roamed the earth . . . but not long after. Haha. July 5th, actually.
Q: How can I become a writer?
A: Write.
Longer A: If you love to read and write, do both. Often. Eventually, when you've been working at it for a long time, you might publish your writing. There are many ways to share your writing now -- write cards for your friends, create a newsletter for relatives who don't live nearby, pen poems to keep for yourself to read when you're older, join the school magazine or start one and enter writing contests. Have fun and find joy in your writing!
Q: I'm an adult and want to write for children. Any suggestions?
A: Join S.C.B.W.I. It's a wonderful international community that provides support, information, grants and much more. You might also want to join a critique group in your area (or start one). Conferences are usually informative and inspiring, too. There are many good books and magazines about writing as well.
Q: Can I send you something I wrote . . . or my homework questions . . . or my dirty laundry?
A: Nope.
Q: I can't think of any more questions.
A: That's not a question. But if you do think of any more questions, feel free to get in touch through my contact page. Thank you!