Julie Danneberg

Lets' see...What should I tell you about myself? I'm afraid once I get started I'll never stop! Maybe its best if I just answer some of the questions kids ask most frequently at my school visits.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. I do know that I've always loved to write. I've written stories, poems and journals for as long as I can remember.
As a kid, when I daydreamed or played at being grown-up I never imagined myself as a writer. Instead I dreamed of being a famous girl reporter, a secret agent and a teacher. Although the girl reporter and secret agent never worked out, I did work for many years as an elementary school teacher.

What the heck do writers do?

Beside writing, I do a lot of reading, letter writing, answering emails and school visits.
No matter what though I start out each day with my writer's notebook. I get up really early and before anyone else in the house is up, I spend an hour just writing. Just like when I was a kid, I write stories, poems and journal entries. I write for the pure fun of it without worrying about editors, publishers or making books. It is my favorite time of the day!
On the weekends and in the evenings my writing differs depending on what I'm working on. If I'm doing nonfiction writing, I might need to do research at the library, note-taking or even take a trip to the museum. If I'm working on a fiction story, I will probably be rewriting and rewriting and maybe even more rewriting.

What's the best part about being a writer?

There are actually a couple of best parts. First of all, being a writer has given me the chance to learn all sorts of new things, go new places and meet new people, including all the kids I meet at school visits.
Also, being a writer gives me the excuse to read, read and read some more!

How can I become a writer?

There are two sure fire ways to help you become a better writer. First of all, try and write every day, or at least as often as you can. Most of what you write probably won't even be very good. Mine isn't. That's okay, I don't show most of what I write to anyone. I know that it takes a lot of bad writing to get to the good stuff.
The second thing you should do is READ. Read all sorts of things, but mostly read the kind of books that you want to write. If you want to write mysterys then read them. If you want to write humorous books, read them. You won't even realize it, but you will be learnig how to write as you are enjoying yourself by reading a good book.

Where can I get your books?

You should be able to find them at a bookstore near you. Also, you can order them directly from the publishers or go to Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Click on any title to find out more about each book.