People often ask me questions about writing and my books. I've included a few of them here. If you have other questions, feel free to ask by using my contact page.

How do you decide who you are going to write about?
The most important consideration is that I like the person -- a lot. Researching and writing a biography takes several months. I couldn't spend that much time with someone if I didn't enjoy that person's company.

How long does it take you to write your books?
That's a hard question to answer because my books usually overlap. While I'm writing one book, I might have to rewrite another one and work on an outline for a new book. But generally it takes me about nine months to a year to research and write my books for young adults and about three to six months for the shorter biographies for children.

Is it confusing to do research on one biography while working on another?
Yes. When I get down to the final rewrite of the biography I'm working on, I have to set everything else aside and concentrate on only that book.

How does it feel to be a writer and/or known as a writer?
I've always wanted to be a writer ever since I was in grade school. So I feel very lucky to be working at something that I've always dreamed about doing. However, writing is just like any other job. There are good things about it and bad things. Writing the first draft is hard for me, and some days I spend a lot of time at my computer without getting much accomplished. I also hate it when reviewers criticize my books. But I love doing the research because it's challenging and I'm always learning new things. I also like rewriting -- deleting, adding, and moving things around. That's when the book really starts coming together. I enjoy the good days and try not to pay much attention to the bad ones, because I know that writing is the best job for me.

What path did you choose to be in the position that you are in now?
I've always tried to do things that would give me writing experience. For example, when I was in high school, I wrote for our school newspaper. In college, I majored in English thinking that would be a good way to learn more about books and writing. I have worked in libraries, and also worked for a mystery writer and written for an advertising agency. All of those things were stepping stones to writing the books I do now.

Where do you live?
I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, now, but I grew up on a farm near Dana, Iowa, which is a very small town in the central part of the state.

How long does it take for a book to be published after you're finished writing it?
My books usually come out about a year after I submit the manuscript.

Have you met the people you've written about?
I've never met any of them, but I do write to them letting them know that I'm working on a book about them. My purpose in doing that is that I'm always hoping to snag an interview with them. So in my letter, I also mention that I would like to interview them either by mail or over the phone. So far, none of them have agreed to an interview. However, sometimes their assistant or the person in charge of publicity is helpful in providing information. Also, a few people who I have written about have asked to see the manuscript I send to my publisher. I'm happy to let them read the manuscript because I want the books to be accurate.

Do you try to only write about the positive aspects of a person's life?
No, because I want kids to know that the people I write about have made mistakes. Hopefully, that will help readers understand that making a mistake does not mean they are a failure.

Do you begin writing before you finish your research?
I do because I get anxious to start. Once I start writing I also discover questions that I need to answer through more research.

Do you ever make up dialogue when writing a biography?
No. My publisher doesn't allow that. I always use actual quotes that I've found in my research.