Ask the Author: Christine Van Zandt
Answered Questions (6)
Christine Van Zandt
I force myself to sit and brainstorm but only for an hour at a time--having stop and start times helps me commit and also gives me an out if nothing's happening. I'll find a quiet place preferrably with a window I can stare out and will write in a lined pad. Those pages may end up creating an idea I want to follow, or they may be something I never look at again.
Another device I use is getting a journal and committing to writing down a new idea daily for a month. That makes me think outside the box because I don't feel pressure to write more than just an idea and it can be anything. It also makes me actively look for story ideas so I can keep up with my journal entries.
Thank you for asking!
Another device I use is getting a journal and committing to writing down a new idea daily for a month. That makes me think outside the box because I don't feel pressure to write more than just an idea and it can be anything. It also makes me actively look for story ideas so I can keep up with my journal entries.
Thank you for asking!
Christine Van Zandt
I write most days. It's not a scheduled thing but much of my life centers around writing. Beyond writing at my desk, there's always a notepad and pen in my purse, in my car, by the bedside. Sometimes, like when I'm on vacation, I'll feel something is missing and realize it's because I haven't written anything for a few days; that practice is very much ingrained in me.
Christine Van Zandt
During the pandemic, we bought our first milkweed plant, figuring it somehow supported butterflies. We soon found out that our plant had monarch eggs on it and we had a whole bunch of cute little striped caterpillars happily munching on the milkweed leaves. Soon, however, all were eaten by predators.
I began researching and was shocked to learn that the western monarch was near-extinct because there weren't enough milkweed plants (the only plant its caterpillars can eat) and, the ones that were around were often sprayed with bug-killer that stopped the butterfly's life cycle. From there, I fell in deep trying to help keep this insect from being wiped out by spreading the word about how the small decisions we make can result in a huge difference for this beloved pollinator, and for so many other animals in our world.
I began researching and was shocked to learn that the western monarch was near-extinct because there weren't enough milkweed plants (the only plant its caterpillars can eat) and, the ones that were around were often sprayed with bug-killer that stopped the butterfly's life cycle. From there, I fell in deep trying to help keep this insect from being wiped out by spreading the word about how the small decisions we make can result in a huge difference for this beloved pollinator, and for so many other animals in our world.
Christine Van Zandt
Thanks for preordering! I apologize for the delays, they're due to international shipping issues (the pandemic, Suez Canal, etc.). The book should be published by June 1st, so that's only a month away!
Christine Van Zandt
It was tough! I wanted to include underwear facts from the whole world, going back to the first pair of underwear. That meant research.
I compiled loads of facts and worked with the editor at Quarto Kids. My goal was to include something interesting from each continent. Some continents had a lot of information but, because much of it was similar, content was streamlined to avoid repetition.
I thought Antarctica would be impossible to find a great fact for, but I found something quite . . . unique.
I compiled loads of facts and worked with the editor at Quarto Kids. My goal was to include something interesting from each continent. Some continents had a lot of information but, because much of it was similar, content was streamlined to avoid repetition.
I thought Antarctica would be impossible to find a great fact for, but I found something quite . . . unique.
Christine Van Zandt
One of the best things any writer can do is join a critique group that meets regularly. Deadlines inspire me to get stories workshop-ready. Talking a story through with other writers brings in different viewpoints and allows my writing to grow. During the pandemic, many critique groups are meetings virtually; that opens up your opportunities to connect with people around the world--just get your time zone right!
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