Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)
This month’s question:
Where do you like to write?
Melanie Ellsworth
“I write whenever/wherever I get the chance, sometimes at one of my local libraries, sometimes at the Y while waiting for my daughter, sometimes at the kitchen table while keeping an eye on the puppy. But my ideal spot is up in the office we added to our 1860s barn. The meadow view keeps me happy, and I’ve got binoculars for wildlife watching.
My office in its normal state.
The serene version that mostly lives in my imagination.
And my coworkers.
—Melanie Ellsworth, author of BATTLE OF THE BOOKS, illustrated by James Rey Sanchez (little bee books, 2022)
Carrie Finison
“One of the things I love about writing is how portable it is. I’ve written at coffee shops, libraries, trampoline parks, soccer fields, in parked cars, and on planes, trains, and buses. That said, my actual office space is on the third floor of our house. I love having a dedicated space, even though it is a little too hot in summer and a little too cold in winter. The wall is decorated with illustrators’ postcards I’ve collected at conferences that help inspire me. A cup of tea is also essential, although it often gets ignored. I also have a co-worker who helps me out from time to time.”
—Carrie Finison, author of PIGS DIG A ROAD illustrated by Brian Biggs (Penguin Young Readers Group, September 2024)
Kirsten W. Larson
“Because I write nonfiction (and have file boxes full of research), I write mostly from home where I can access my resources. I have two main spots: my cozy chair where I write, and my dedicated office, where I write, teach and will soon be voicing an audiobook. Chloe, my lhasa apso/poodle mix, is my constant companion.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle Kids, 2023)