Friday, April 18, 2014

Author Interview with Sharon Creech

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Sharon Creech, author of numerous amazing books. Lizzy reviewed Ruby Holler, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Sharon! 


What inspired you to write Ruby Holler?


In a letter that my aunt wrote after my father died, she told a story about him and ended it with, “That was when we lived in the holler.” Holler? I hadn’t known my father and his family had ever lived in a holler. Although I wasn’t sure what a holler was, I began to imagine such a place. In my mind, the holler was a lush valley with a creek running through it. The more I thought about that place, the more I wondered who might most appreciate it – perhaps two children who had never had such beauty and freedom in their lives. 

How long did it take you to write Ruby Holler?

Ruby Holler took about two years to write.  I made a few wrong turns along the way! Otherwise, it would have been finished in a year.



What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

We did not live near a library, nor was there a library in our school. The only books I remember reading when I was young were Nancy Drew mysteries that a neighbor loaned me. I also read comic books because those were available at the local drugstore and they were inexpensive.



Where did you come up with the characters: Florida, Dallas, and the Trepids?

This is the greatest mystery of writing—where do these characters come from?! I think I started with the idea that the two children would be brother and sister but differ in personality, and that they would not have had much care or love shown to them and thus would be rough around the edges but still feisty in spirit. The Trepids –well, I knew the orphanage managers would be stingy (in all ways) and that would be a good contrast to what Dallas and Florida would find with Tiller and Sairy.

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

I’d probably want to befriend all the main characters and tell each one, “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”

Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?

I write in my home office, which overlooks woods and water. I’m surrounded by photos, books, papers, pens and pencils. I’m not usually able to listen to music while writing because it distracts me. I need to be able to ‘hear’ the voices in my head.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

Although I’ve been able to live in some terrific places (England, Switzerland), I am now living exactly where I want to be: near the coast of Maine and close to my grandchildren.

In Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Bailey and Rosie learn some lessons while helping Granny cook. Do you have a favorite recipe or meal that you like to make?

I often make Granny Torrelli’s chicken zuppa, served with a tossed green salad. That zuppa is my grandchildren’s favorite!

Love that Dog and Hate that Cat are both books written in verse. Have you always been a fan of poetry? What inspired you to write books in this style?

I have always written poetry—just as I have always written prose. When I started Love That Dog, the narrator’s voice just popped out in short lines and evolved into a distinct verse voice as he gained confidence. I had so much fun with that book, and so when readers kept asking for another one about Jack, I wrote Hate That Cat. I love Jack’s voice.

Where can we purchase your books?

You can find my books at most bookstores, and if they don’t have them in stock they can order them for you. 

☞ Connect with this author

  Independent Book Stores  Amazon    B&N


Read our review








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33 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Meradeth- I think so too! The book is amazing. :) ~L

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  2. Touched , a little visit to wonderland,! thank you, agman

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  3. What a lovely interview. The chicken zuppa does sound amazing. Chicken and salad are two of my favourite things!

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  4. Sharon is a great author. I really enjoy her books.

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    1. Barbara- I couldn't reply to your comment- but I agree. I love salad and chicken too. :) ~L

      Kelly- Sharon is amazing. I love all of her books! Glad to hear you do too! ~L

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  5. Thank you for a delightful interview, its always interesting to read about the thoughts behind the book.

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    1. Tracy- I agree about finding out about the thoughts behind the book! :) ~L

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  6. Sharon's books are new to me, but I'm glad their on my radar now. I love the cover for Ruby Holler. It's very bright and eye-catching. Thanks very much for sharing!

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    1. Sam- I hope you get to read one of Sharon's books soon. The stories are captivating. :) ~L

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  7. How lovely that your aunt's letter put you on this journey. Sounds like a great read.

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    1. Cate- I enjoyed reading about her aunt's letter too! Sharon's books are awesome. :) ~L

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  8. I love the illustration and cover. Sounds like an amazing book for children...and I agree...that zuppa sounds good.

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    1. Anna- The writing goes perfectly with the illustrations. Such a treat! :) ~L

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  9. What sweet stories she writes. I'm marking them for my TBR.

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    1. Lee- You will love them! I hope you get to read them soon. :) ~L

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  10. Wonderful interview, ladies. Thanks for giving us a peek at the way you write, Sharon.

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    1. Beverly- Thanks so much for your comment! Glad you enjoyed the interview. :) ~L

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  11. I hope to read more of her work. Fantastic interview. It was great learning more about Sharon Creech.

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    1. Medeia- I am glad you were able to learn more about Sharon. Her books are fabulous. :) ~L

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  12. I love Jack's voice, too, and am in the middle of 'Bloomability' now. Ms. Creech creates wonderful characters, and I hope to get to 'Ruby Holler' soon.

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    1. Claudine- You will love Ruby Holler! Sharon creates such unique and interesting characters. They just jump off the page! I look forward to reading Bloomability. :) ~L

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  13. Ruby Holler sounds like a book I need to read. It's going onto my TBR list. Thanks for the interview.

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    1. Rosi- You will adore Ruby Holler. Florida and Dallas will capture your heart. :) ~L

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  14. My daughter still sometimes pulls out Love That Dog to read again. It's one of her favorites. I'm sure she'll want to check out this new book.

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    1. Sherrie- How awesome that your daughter still pulls out Love That Dog. Did she read Hate That Cat? She will love Ruby Holler! :) ~L

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  15. I am mesmerized by the picture of the girl in the woods.

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  16. Thanks for the interview and introduction. Sounds like a great read!

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    1. Nas- You are welcome! It is a great read. :) ~L

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