Julie Moyers Adkins asked Viola Shipman:

I had the honor of meeting you Thursday at the South Euclid Library. There was one question I didn't think to ask. I know Viola Shipman is your pen name honoring your grandmother. Is the name the combination of both grandmother's names, if not, how did you decide which grandmother's names to use? Also, since meeting you, I finished the Charm Bracelet so I can now say I've read all 3 V.S. books. All 3 = excellent.

Viola Shipman Thanks so very much for coming out to the event. So glad you enjoyed all three of the books!
My other Grandmother's name is Madge Rouse. Both the publisher and I agreed that Viola Shipman was a better pen name to use. My Grandma Viola was also the one that encouraged me to write. Both were wonderful!

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