Four Questions with Author Julie Danneberg

Julie Danneberg is coming to The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop Author Signing Fair from 11-12 on December 4th! She is the author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including Family Reminders, The Science of Weather and Climate: Rain, Sleet, and the Rising Tide, Field Trip Fiasco, and The Science of Fashion. Get to know her with these fun interview questions, check out her website, and stop by the store to say hi and snag a copy of her books!

1. What got you into writing and what genres inspired you in your early writing career?

I took a creative writing class in high school and loved it, but didn’t pursue any kind of writing until I was out of college and teaching elementary school. Of course, I was reading picture books to my students every day and was inspired when I saw what a profound effect they had on kids. I looked into how to get started as a children’s writer and came across SCBWI, which provided opportunities to learn about the field of children’s publishing surrounded by a group of like-minded people.

2. What was the greatest challenge you dealt with while writing your book and what advice would you give to young writers?

Each book has its own challenges. And each book that I’ve written, published or unpublished, has taught me something about writing.  My advice to young writers is to keep writing.  To not give up.  If you can, find a group of fellow writers to support you, to share your writing with, and yes, hold you accountable, that is really helpful. And of course, read a ton in the genre that you are trying to write.  

3. What purpose do you find in your writing? In other words, why do you write?

I think I write for a lot of reasons.  It is challenging and relaxing at the same time.  I get to explore realities other than my own.  Children’s writers are the nicest people on the planet, so writing provides companionship and inspiration as well.

4. What is the question you wish people would ask during interviews?

Ha ha.  I’ve never been asked that question! And now that I have, I don’t know the answer😊

BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite procrastination snack and/or activity?

Definitely cookies!

Would you rather write in a secluded lighthouse or in a cabin in the woods?

I have written in a cabin in the woods, so I think it would be fun to write in a lighthouse.

Pen, pencil, typewriter, or computer?

Only another writer would even know to ask that question! The answer is Pen. Most definitely. And it has to be a PaperMate blue or black ball point.