(Image from bookpeople.com) For a while now, we've been reading Jacqueline Kelly's incredible books about Calpurnia Tate (Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and Curious World of Calpurnia Tate). We are ecstatic to have her as our next interview.
Before reading, here is her biography from her website:
Jacqueline Kelly was born in New Zealand and moved with her parents to western Canada at an early age. She grew up in the dense rain forests of Vancouver Island, so you can imagine her shock some years later when her family moved to the desert of El Paso, Texas. She attended university in El Paso and medical school in Galveston (lovingly known as “Galvatraz” among the inmates). She practiced medicine for many years and then attended the University of Texas School of Law. She practiced law for several more years before realizing that what would really make her happy is to write fiction. Her first published short story appeared in 2001 in the Mississippi Review (one of her proudest accomplishments). Her debut novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, was released by Henry Holt on May 12, 2009 (another one of her proudest accomplishments). Her second novel, Return to the Willows, a sequel to The Wind in the Willows was released on October 30, 2012.
[KBR: Kid Book Reviewers, JK: Jacqueline Kelly. Please note that Ms. Kelly asked us to shorten the interview to four questions, instead of ten. Thanks!]
Before reading, here is her biography from her website:
Jacqueline Kelly was born in New Zealand and moved with her parents to western Canada at an early age. She grew up in the dense rain forests of Vancouver Island, so you can imagine her shock some years later when her family moved to the desert of El Paso, Texas. She attended university in El Paso and medical school in Galveston (lovingly known as “Galvatraz” among the inmates). She practiced medicine for many years and then attended the University of Texas School of Law. She practiced law for several more years before realizing that what would really make her happy is to write fiction. Her first published short story appeared in 2001 in the Mississippi Review (one of her proudest accomplishments). Her debut novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, was released by Henry Holt on May 12, 2009 (another one of her proudest accomplishments). Her second novel, Return to the Willows, a sequel to The Wind in the Willows was released on October 30, 2012.
[KBR: Kid Book Reviewers, JK: Jacqueline Kelly. Please note that Ms. Kelly asked us to shorten the interview to four questions, instead of ten. Thanks!]
KBR: Reading about Callie’s scientific adventures with her grandfather was one of the best parts of your books. Have you ever met someone similar to Callie’s grandfather, and if not, how did you conceive this character?
JK: I grew up on the opposite side of the world from my grandfather, so I had to build my own. Callie's grandfather is a combination of my own father, my friend Phil Tate, and my friend Houston White. They are all smart men, interested in Nature, and good story-tellers.
KBR: If you could visit any of the stories you’ve written, what one would it be, and why?JK: I would visit Callie and Granddaddy on the day that the letter arrives, confirming that they have found a new species of plant. What could be better?
KBR: There is a wide diversity of characters in your Calpurnia Tate stories, from Callie Vee herself to Travis. Do you have a favorite character in any of these books, or one that you enjoy writing the most?
JK:I love writing about Travis. He is such a sweet kid that I have fallen in love with him!
KBR: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a young writer, what would it be?
JK: Just start writing. Lots of people who want to write never start because they are afraid. That's okay. Be afraid and do it anyway.
JK: I grew up on the opposite side of the world from my grandfather, so I had to build my own. Callie's grandfather is a combination of my own father, my friend Phil Tate, and my friend Houston White. They are all smart men, interested in Nature, and good story-tellers.
KBR: If you could visit any of the stories you’ve written, what one would it be, and why?JK: I would visit Callie and Granddaddy on the day that the letter arrives, confirming that they have found a new species of plant. What could be better?
KBR: There is a wide diversity of characters in your Calpurnia Tate stories, from Callie Vee herself to Travis. Do you have a favorite character in any of these books, or one that you enjoy writing the most?
JK:I love writing about Travis. He is such a sweet kid that I have fallen in love with him!
KBR: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a young writer, what would it be?
JK: Just start writing. Lots of people who want to write never start because they are afraid. That's okay. Be afraid and do it anyway.
Also, don't forget to check out our review of her latest book, THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE!
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