Edith Tarbescu
Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
A. I was inspired by seeing my niece and a friend playing with my niece's
gerbil Jake. I took a picture of them and kept the photo tacked to my
bulletin board. I was so inspired by looking at that photo, I
eventually
wrote book. I didn't change the name of the gerbil. It's still Jake.
A. I originally called it "Katie and Tyler." When it was accepted by
Scholastic, the editor suggested I change the title to "Bring Back My
Gerbil." I immediately agreed; it's a much better title.
A. This was my first book for Scholastic, although my book "The Crow"
about the
Crow Nation of Montana is now a Scholastic book. I sold the manuscript
to
Franklin Watts, but that's now a division of Scholastic.
I have a picture book and two more easy readers with an editor at
Scholastic.
A. I have shown the book to pet stores and sent notes to shops that cater
to
pets. I also do lots of school visits (See my next answer.)
A. I do lots of school visits. I love interacting with students. I
sometimes
read "Gerbil" aloud or I ask for volunteers and we act it out together
with
one person reading and another showing the pictures. I also have early
sketches by the artist and I show those to students.
A. I've had four children's books published, but I've written many more.
Several manuscripts are in circulation and a few have been "retired."
A. My niece is named Amanda and her friend is Tyler. I was inspired by
their
antics with my niece's gerbil.
Caitlin also calls herself Katie in the book. I thought Katie and Tyler
has
a nice sound.
A. No, I write plays for adults. I've had several plays produced in
regional
theatres and Off-off Broadway. I'm currently working on a book of
linked
short stories (for adults) titled "Belfast Blues and Other Stories."
So far, four of the stories take place in Belfast, Ireland.
A. Caitlin (Katie) and Tyler tease each other all the time, but they
value
each other's friendship. I would like kids to come to that
conclusion--that
friends might argue, but it doesn't mean the end of the friendship.
"Bring Back My Gerbil!"
September 8, 2004
Q. What inspired you to write "Bring Back My Gerbil?"
Q. How did you come about the title?
Q. How long have you been writng for Scholastic Books.
Q. What method(s) do you use to promote "Bring Back My Gerbil."
Q. Do you visit elementary schoools to read your book to children?
Q. How many books have you written?
Q. How did you come about Tyler and Caitlin's names?
Q. Are children's books the only genre you write?
Q. What message would you like readers to receive from reading "Bring
Back
My Gerbil?"