Another Tortoise and a Different Hare

Author Interview with Judith Cole

Q: How did you become inspired to write children's books?

A: Well, I always liked to write and I always had written as a small child on and off. I never really thought I could sell anything, so I never polished anything I wrote. When I became a teacher, though, I became very interested in children's books and began writing again. A friend of mine had gotten a childrenıs agent. She showed her some of my work and she liked them. It was then that I thought "I can sell books" and from there on, I began writing more books.

Q: How did you ever come up with the idea for your book Another Tortoise and A Different Hare?

A: I had been talking about fables with my class, and I realized that I had just never liked that fable very much. I decided to take that story and put a happy ending on it.

Q: Are you currently working on anything ?

A: Yes, I am. I have a something that I am working on now. I am trying to get it polished up to be sent out.

Q: Would you care to reveal what it is?

A: It is called The Great Hippopotamus Raid. It is about hippos that escape from the zoo.

Q: Do you have any advice for those who are thinking of publishing?

A: Just do it. Be calm and don't let criticism hurt you. If you have confidence in what you've written, don't let anyone tell you not to do it.

Q: Any final words on writing childrenıs books?

A: Someone once told me that I was a talented amateur and that this was no business for talented amateurs. Years later after I finally published, I thought "you are only a talented amateur until you sell something, and then youıre a professional."

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