Fourth graders at the Governor’s Mansion

While I was visiting the Governor’s Mansion last Friday I ended up speaking to three different fourth grade classes who were touring the Mansion on field trips. Curator Carol Beck introduced me to them as a “real live Florida author!” which I thought was pretty funny. Better live than not! They were very diverse groups from schools in Tallahassee, Manatee County, and Miami-Dade, and it was three rapid fire impromptu sessions of Q&A with the general introduction: “Here’s a real live Florida author! She’s written LOTS of books about Florida, including these childrens’ books. What would you like to ask her?”

I wish I’d had a recorder going. The questions were excellent, sometimes funny, and generally very well thought-out. A few that stick in my mind:

Q. Why do you write?
A. Because I love to learn new things, and communicate what I learn with other people.

Q. When did you start writing?
A. In second grade, when I wrote and illustrated little stories that my elementary school librarian bound and put in the school library. One of them was called “The Case of the Missing Straw.” (for the record, at Marshall Hill Elementary in West Milford, NJ)

Of course, I had to grin ear from ear when I was asked “Have you won any awards for your books?” I piled up the award-winning books to illustrate and said “for these ones,” and got a roomful of applause. Plus one sweet child piped up, “you must be the BEST author in all of Florida!” and made my day. Or week. Or year.

It was fun bantering with the kids and reminded me that I have several unfinished children’s books in various states of completion that I need to get back to writing.  Alas, Governor Charlie Crist was busy at work so I didn’t get to meet him. I have two more books coming out this year, so perhaps next time!