Author of over 400 Books for Children and Adults
Q: What do you HAVE TO have on the desk with you when you’re writing? J: Pens, pieces of unmarked paper, laptop, dictionary close by, any research material I am currently using, a box of tissues. And a piece of dark chocolate. Only the laptop and the chocolate are absolutely necessary. The rest I can …
Q: How do you know if your story should rhyme? J: Try it. If it turns out bad, silly, or ugly, or if you have only a limited ability with good, interesting– even startling–rhymes, do not try it. And always…ALWAYS…get someone else to read it aloud to you, and you will know in a moment whether it …
Q: If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be? J: A ballerina, (I studied at Balanchine’s School of American ballet (from ages 7-14) but they have the half-life of a writer. And if you dance in toe shoes, your toes bleed. A teacher (but then I already teach writing and have taught …
Q: What do you think is the best line you’ve ever written? J: “Under a shining Owl Moon.” Follow up Q: How did that line happen? And, why do you think it works so well? J: I can’t remember any big struggle with that last line. My big struggle in the book–a 20 year struggle by …
Q: What is the best piece of advice anyone else ever gave you? How did it help you? J: My agent Marilyn Marlow told me: “if she turns it down, we’ll send it elsewhere…” Also when I asked her if I should write some of the books under a pseudonym,” and she said….”Too late!” …
Q: How do you feel about reviews? J: DEPENDS ON THE REVIEWS!!!! One is always looking for a “money review,” ie. one the publisher can use to help sell the book. But even bad or slightly “meh” reviews often have a quotable liner or two. As an ex-reviewer myself, I understand that a review can …
Q: What do you love most when you’re writing about each of the different genres of children’s books? J: That’s a tough question, but first let me tell you what I love about all of them: that first burst of an idea, the first words I put down. Of course, then there is a long …
Q: Sometimes you write only poetry for a while and not any prose. Or the other way around. Is there a reason for this? J: I cannot explain how sometimes I am in poetry mode, sometimes prose. It is one of those deep mysteries of my writing life. It has nothing to do with weather….but …
Q: Tell us about the Jane Yolen Cabin at The Highlights Foundation. J: Many of the cabins at Highlights are dedicate to particular writers who have taught there. And then the author (if alive) sends stuff from their private collections –favorite tea, or hat worn when writing, or books they wrote, or books they love, …
Q: What was your first book? J: My first book with my name on it was PIRATES IN PETTICOATS, a nonfiction book about women pirates. But–a not so secret secret–my father who was the World Champion Kite Flier, was asked to write THE YOUNG SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE TO KITE FLYING part of a series of books about kids …