sue alexander > children's book author


	Do you have any children? My husband Joel and I have three grown children – Glenn, Marc and Stacey, a son-in-law -- Andy, and two grandchildren – Megan and Ryan. None of them live near us, so we don’t see them as often as we’d like, but as long as the phone works, we’re okay.
	What do you like to do besides write? Lots of things. I like to go to the beach and sit in the sun, go to Art Fairs and Museums, go to see plays – but mostly I like to read. I’d be lost without something to read! As you probably guessed, I’m partial to picture books though I do read other kinds of books. Actually, I’ll read almost any kind of book – though I’m not fond of science fiction. During every week I read several different kinds of books: novels, nonfiction, picture books and middle grade (mostly young middle grade). I just finished reading *Dream Town* by Michelle Markel, a picture book about Los Angeles – I loved it! And Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa – Partners, by Erica Silverman is a terrific easy-read book. And this last week I re-read Sid Fleischman’s autobiography, The Abracadabra Kid.
	Is there one book that has influenced you more than any other? When I was twelve I discovered The Silver Inkwell by Phyllis Whitney; the story of a young woman who was trying to become a writer. Until I read that book I hadn’t realized that real people wrote books. The words "by so-and-so" on a book had never meant anything to me. Reading The Silver Inkwell changed my perception of books and writing – and really changed my life.
	Do you visit schools? Yes, from time to time. I enjoy talking to young people. My hope, when I do these visits, is to encourage their enjoyment of reading. A program presentation sheet, detailing the arrangements for my school visits, is available via my e-mail address. Click here to read some questions that I’ve been asked by young people
	Do you speak to writer’s groups? Yes, fairly often. I enjoy sharing what I know about children’s books – and especially about picture books. The children’s book industry is fascinating and I’ve learned a lot about it over the years. Additionally, my involvement in children’s book-related organizations has also provided insights and information about the field. For four years I taught "Writing for the Picture Book Age" at UCLA Extension. Lately, I’ve been teaching workshops, "picture-book weekends" to writer’s groups. Information about those workshops is available via my e-mail address.