An Interview with Rosemary Wells: Read for the Record 2014 Author

October 20, 2014

Rosemary Wells is the author of 126 books for young children and young adults including this year’s Read for the Record title, Bunny Cakes.  A few years ago, we spoke to Rosemary about Love Waves, a book she wrote about connecting with those you love during separations.  In this story, Rosemary offers a way to ease the separation anxiety many children feel when a parent is away by sending one another “love waves”.  We were very grateful for the opportunity to speak with her about her work, and we’re happy to be able to share it now.

1. You have written 126 books for young children and young adults.  Wow!  Where do the ideas and themes for your books and series come from?

   I wish I could answer this properly. They seem to come from life all around me. It’s the way I think. Everything goes through the “book sieve” in my brain and some things just stay there. When they come to me it is like planes landing at my airport.

2. Some authors say the ideas and words come easily as if channeled, while others say it’s a daily process, like any job, to get the story out.  What is your writing process like?

   Both. I don’t think anyone can describe writing as a “process.” It’s my job to have ideas and express them fluently and convincingly and organize them so that the reader turns the next page. That’s all anyone can say about writing anyway!

3. The process you use for illustrating your books has many steps, beginning with a mechanical pencil.  Your pastel images complete your books.  Which do you enjoy most, writing or illustrating your books?

   Writing. It’s easier for me and less tiring.

4. I love your characters Max and Ruby from the Max and Ruby series.  Do you have favorites or do you have a similar fondness for all of your characters?  Are any of your characters based on people you know?  Did you have a grandma just like Max and Ruby’s grandma?

   No Grandma like that, but Max and Ruby were my own children. I listened to them talk when they didn’t know I was listening. I loved the world of child-to-child, without grownups there. That’s why no parents appear in the books. Grandma is just a lovable adjunct when an adult presence is necessary but she’s utterly neutral.

5. Norton Juster, author of the Phantom Tollbooth says he has never watched the 1970 movie adaptation of his book.  Have you watched Max and Ruby on Nickelodeon?  What was it like for you when Max and Ruby first came to life on a TV screen?

   I don’t watch it. I don’t have a lot of time to watch children’s TV!