Where do you live?
I've lived in Arizona for almost 30 years. Originally, I'm from the small town of Mount Holly, New Jersey. It was such a great place to grow up. During the summers, my family and I spent a lot of time on Long Beach Island (where I still go for vacations). After high school, I spent two years at Rider University in Trenton, NJ, and then transferred to the University of Alabama, where I met my husband. After spending a few years in the Air Force, we moved to Arizona and have been here ever since.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a silly golden retriever named Maggie. Her main purpose in life is to wait until I have an important business call . . . run and get her most annoying squeaky toy . . . and then squeak it so loudly under the receiver that no one can possibly take me seriously. Living with Maggie is like living with a deranged clown.

How come there are always problems in your books?
If there's no problem in a story, what's to write about? In real life, of course, we all love it when a day is blissfully happy. But to me, writing (or reading) a story where nothing ever goes wrong in a character's life, sounds like a bit of a snoozer.

Which of your books do you like the best?
After I wrote Mick Harte Was Here, I knew that this book would always have a special place in my heart. The story is fictional, but I would have loved to have known both Mick and his sister, Phoebe. Also, the bike helmet issue discussed in that book is extraordinarily important to me. For similar reasons, I also enjoyed the challenge of writing The Graduation Of Jake Moon. As I developed Jake's relationship with his grandfather, I found myself dealing with intense emotions that I could never have predicted.

Who is your favorite character?
I don't have a single favorite character, but Mick and Phoebe Harte, and Jake and Skelly Moon, have been the characters who have been most meaningful to me. The characters I've had the most fun with include: Molly Vera Thompson (in The Kid In The Red Jacket), Thomas Russo (in My Mother Got Married And Other Disasters), and Junie B. Jones, of course! (Actually, Junie B. was based on Thomas and Molly in these earlier two novels.)

Since you're an adult, how can you write about kids' feelings and make them seem so real?
I don't think that I've ever met a "grownup" who is as mature on the inside as he or she appears to be on the outside. Learning to behave like an adult makes the world a more socialized place. But even if we don't admit it, sometimes adults still feel nervous, and scared, and embarrassed, and even silly inside. Personally, just because I don't lean over and tickle the person next to me at a boring business luncheon, doesn't mean that I never have the urge. ;o)

What kind of computer do you use?
Dude...I bought a Dell.

Where did you go to high school?
I went to Rancocas Valley Regional High School (RVRHS) in Mt. Holly, NJ. I loved that high school, I tell you!

Which do you like better -- Coke or Pepsi?
Oh, my gosh…I've been waiting years for someone to ask me this very important question. PEPSI! (My husband, on the other hand, is a "Pepper.")

Are your ears pierced?
My ears were pierced in college by a girl down the hall. In college I was an idiot, apparently.

What's your favorite month?
In Arizona where I live, the sizzling summer temperatures don't start to cool down until October. So, starting in sweaty, hot May, I begin counting the days till October 1st!

Did you ever hide in a hamper when you were a kid? If not, what special hiding place did you have?

When my brother and I used to play hide-and-seek in the house, the hamper was my absolute favorite hiding place. Unfortunately, it was almost always the first place my brother looked.

I just wanted to tell you that you inspired me to write books. How does it feel to inspire people?

It's the nicest compliment I can think of. Thank you so much!

Have you ever illustrated?

I've never illustrated a children's book, but I envy the talents of Denise Brunkus and other illustrators who bring such a sense of fun to their drawings.

When you were a kid did you know what goals you would set?

As a kid my main goal was to be on the Mickey Mouse Club. The fact that I had no talent for singing or dancing never actually occurred to me.

Where did you go to college?

My first two years of college, I went to Rider University in New Jersey. My last two years I went to the University of Alabama, where I graduated.

What is your favorite thing about Junie B. that makes you like to write about her?

Junie B. is comfortable being herself. I love that!

Do you draw the pictures in your book?

The Junie B. Jones series is illustrated by the talented artist, Denise Brunkus!

Will Junie B. ever have new best friends?

Yup! Soon Junie B. will be moving to first grade where she's in for lots of surprises.

Do you eat sugar cereal for breakfast?

I eat my Wheaties. (Okay, fine...with sugar)

Did you go to the farm to write Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket?

I haven't been to any farms lately. But in the small town where I grew up, there were lots of them...so I'm very familiar with all the sights and sounds and smells!

How did you learn how little kids' minds operate?

Believe it or not, I've actually been a little kid myself! :)

Will Junie B. ever get a sister?

I seriously doubt it. She's having enough trouble getting used to baby Ollie.

What did Junie B. do with Fish Stick after Pet Day?

I don't even want to consider the possibilities here.

What books did you read as a child?

Do comic books count? (If so, hurray for Archie and Richie Rich!)

Do you like to read books? What is your favorite book that you have read?

I love to read. To Kill A Mockingbird is at the top of my list of adult favorites.

How do you write funny books like Junie B. Jones and then go to sad books like Mick Harte Was Here?

Writing a series like Junie B. Jones can be fun. But as a writer, I think it's important to challenge myself in other areas. Mick Harte Was Here was a very difficult book to write. But of all my books, I like it the best.

How old were you when you wrote your first book?

I think I was a "late bloomer" in this area. I didn't start writing children's books until I had children of my own.

Does Junie B. like cats?

Except for ponies, I'm pretty sure Junie B. likes almost any animal without a beak. However, I doubt that her dog Tickle feels the same way.

Is it hard to write a whole book if you do a lot of other stuff?

Writing is like any other profession...some days are easier than others. I don't have another job besides writing. But I imagine that having "a lot of other stuff" to do would make any job more difficult. :)

Have you written any books about stepfamilies?

One of my middle grade novels, Don't Make Me Smile, deals with a boy named Charlie whose parents are going through a divorce. The sequel to that book is called My Mother Got Married and Other Disasters. In the sequel, Charlie's mother remarries and he adjusts to living with a stepfather, a stepsister, and a little stepbrother. All very big "steps."

Do you always plan what you are going to write about? Or do you write off the top of your head ?

I always start out with an outline of the story in my head. But, since the outline is not very detailed, the story often goes in directions I hadn't imagined.

Were you ever afraid of roosters like Junie B. was in Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket?

Let's just say that I've always had a lot of respect for any animal with a large, pointy beak.

How many years have you been writing Junie B. Jones books?

The first book of the Junie B. Jones series was published in 1992. Since then, I have written at least two new Junie B. stories a year.

Will you ever tell us what Mrs.' real name is?

If Junie B. ever tells me her teacher's name, I promise to post it on the Web site right away!

What do you like doing when you are not writing?

I would love to say that I like to spend my spare time skydiving or rock climbing. But the truthful answer is, I take naps and eat frozen M&M's.

When is your birthday?

April 21st.

What is your favorite thing to do after completing one of the Junie B. Jones books as a reward for yourself?

Okay...now I'm back to the naps and frozen M&M's answer.

What is it like to be an author?

For me, the best part of being an author is that I get to go to work in my pajamas. Other than that, my life is very normal.

Did Tickle's hair ever grow back after Junie B. cut it in Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy?

Although I haven't talked to Tickle personally, I feel sure that his fur has made a complete "recovery" by now.

How many Junie B. Jones books are you going to write? Because they are my favorite chapter books!

I've never really put a cap on how many books will eventually be in the series. Right now Junie B. and I are still having a pretty good time dreaming up funny new adventures.

How do you come up with such funny ideas with Junie B. Jones?

Honestly? I look at the publishing deadline for the next book, feel the pressure, and force myself to think of something funny. :)

Do you write other stories?

The truth is, I've been writing books for kids since 1981. Some of my other titles include, Skinnybones, My Mother Got Married and Other Disasters, Mick Harte Was Here, and The Kid in the Red Jacket. (Actually, Junie B. Jones is based on a character named Molly Vera Thompson from The Kid in the Red Jacket! I loved writing about Molly. She's almost as funny as Junie B. )

How did you come up with the name Junie B. Jones?

Hmm. If I remember correctly, I started scribbling a bunch of first and last names down on a scrap of paper trying to find a combination that sounded "lively". After a few days, I ended up with Junie B. Jones!

How did you decide that Junie B.'s middle name would be Beatrice?

I'm not really sure. I think I just ran a bunch of "B" names through my head and came up with Beatrice. (Though, unlike Junie B., I love the name.)

Why do you like to make kids laugh?

I'm glad that Junie B. makes you laugh! Believe it or not, she makes me laugh, too...which is why I keep writing about her. (Laughing is just plain good for us, don't ya think?)

Do you write any books for adults?

Not so far. I guess I'm having too much fun writing books for kids. (Of course a lot of grown-ups tell me they like to read my children's books. So maybe that makes them "adult" books, too!)

What was your first book for children?

The very first book I ever wrote was called Operation: Dump the Chump. However, the first book I ever had published was called Don't Make Me Smile. A little confusing, huh? (Dump the Chump was published six months after the first one in 1982.)

You're my favorite author! Are Skinnybones and Almost Starring Skinnybones the only two books in the Skinnybones series?

Yes, those are the only two books in the Skinnybones series. But who knows? I really loved writing about Alex Frankovitch, so sooner or later, another Skinnybones adventure is very possible.

Do you enjoy writing Junie B. Jones books more than other books you write?

Writing about Junie B. is a lot of fun, but I know her so well now, it's like writing about an old friend. To balance things out, I like the challenge of writing middle grade novels about older characters who are brand new to me. (Who knows who I've yet to meet?)

Does it take a long time to write a Junie B. book?

I usually spend five or six weeks writing the first draft of each book. When I finish, I send it to my editor, Michelle Knudsen. Michelle makes suggestions and we work on revisions for about another month before we have the final draft. But even after the book is officially in production, I keep making little changes right until the last minute. I can't help it! I want each book to be the best and funniest it can be.

Are you funny in real life, like you are when you are writing Junie B.?

Let's put it this way, my family doesn't think I'm half as funny as I do. I'm fairly certain they're wrong.

Have you ever been a classroom teacher? You really hit the nail on the head in classroom situations

I studied to be a high school history teacher and did my student teaching in the seventh grade. (As Junie B. would say, it was not that joyful.)

Do your two boys have your writing talent?

Neither of my sons has ever been interested in creative writing, but both of them are very helpful when I need to work out stubborn story lines. (My husband is, too!)

What is your middle name?

Barbara Lynne Park. (Before I was married, I was Barbara Lynne Tidswell. For years, my initials were B.L.T.)

Does it take patience to write a book?

Yes. Sometimes a lot of patience! But, then again, I can't really think of a job that doesn't take patience.

How did Junie B.'s parents meet?

Sorry, but this is one of those "in depth" Junie B. questions that I've never actually thought about. For this answer, your guess is as good a mine.

Do you always keep a notebook in case a good idea pops into your head and you don't want to forget it?

I don't keep a notebook, but I do keep a paper and pencil on my nightstand in case I get an idea in the middle of the night. I also keep a flashlight handy so I can jot down notes without waking up my husband. (Am I a thoughtful author or what?)

Were you a bookworm when you were a child?

Do comic books count? If so, I was more of a "comic book worm."

Is Junie B.'s room always a mess?

I hate to sound like a mom...but if Junie B.'s mother is anything like me, Junie B. is expected to keep her room (reasonably) clean.

What would you say if someone asked you, "How can I become an author?"

I would say, 1) practice, practice, practice; 2) write, write, write; 3) rewrite, rewrite, rewrite; 4) and finally, if you can't find anyone to publish what you wrote...KEEP TRYING.

When did you start eating frozen M&Ms?

Many pounds ago.

Have you ever thought of having a stand-up comedy act? I think it would be really funny!

Yikes! Just the thought of it turns my legs to squishy Jell-O.

When Junie B. grows up, will she marry Meanie Jim?

I haven't really thought that far ahead. Hmm...it's kind of fun to imagine, isn't it?

Who's your favorite character out of all your books?

Junie B. is my favorite character to write about. But if I were picking a friend, I'd definitely choose "that Grace."

When you write a Junie B. Jones book, do you use a computer or a typewriter or a pencil or a pen to write it?

I've never been a pen and paper kind of author. I wrote my first children's novel (Operation: Dump the Chump) on a portable typewriter. Right now, I'm on my third computer.

Did you have a big mouth?

Not big, exactly...just loud.

Do your two sons like the fact that you write books or do they not care?

My sons are grown now. But even when they were young, being an author never made me much of a celebrity around here.

Who were you most like when you were a kid, Junie B., Grace, or Lucille?

The truth is, even if I had been most like Lucille, I probably wouldn't admit it. (Maybe I shouldn't admit this, either, but I was definitely more of a Junie B.)

Do you sometimes wish you were still a kid?

Although being a kid was fun, I find that being an immature adult is equally amusing.

Do you like being an author, and who influences your writing?

Like any job, being an author has its frustrations, but I definitely love what I do. As far as "influences," the people who help make my life so happy (family and special friends) have the most effect on my writing.

Did Denise Brunkus draw Junie B. the way you imagined she would look?

The very first illustrations I saw of Junie B. Jones (in JBJ and the Stupid Smelly Bus) brought instant smiles. I love the sense of fun Denise brings to her artwork.

Is it hard thinking of things to write about Junie B.?

I don't have an endless list of story ideas in my head, but luckily, I have an imaginative editor (yay, Michelle!) who helps a lot. My husband is a huge help, too.

Our class is curious about baby Ollie's name. Is it pronounced with a long o or a short o?

Ollie rhymes with jolly!

How was college for you? Was it hard or easy?

After I figured out how to take good notes and study hard, it got much easier.

Will Junie B. be a smart woman when she grows up or funny like she is now?

Junie B. Jones will be an extremely smart, funny woman!

Have you ever written a story about yourself?

Nope, no stories about myself so far. I'm boring. .

Did you ever have a baby brother or sister? If so, were you excited and did you want it to be a boy or a girl?

Since my brother Brooke is two years older than I am, I was the baby of the family. I'm sure he wanted me to be a boy.

Is it hard trying to think like a kindergartner?

I have absolutely no trouble thinking like a five-year-old. My family and friends will confirm this.

Were you nervous about giving your first book to the person you gave it to?

When I finished my first novel (OPERATION: DUMP THE CHUMP) and sent it off to a publisher, I was really excited. Unfortunately, when it was rejected and sent back again, my excitement came to an instant halt. I ended up sending it out three more times…and, YAY! the fourth publisher bought it!

Are all your friends authors or are they regular friends too?

In my everyday, “regular” life, all my best friends are “regular” people…just like me.

How do you feel after reading one of your own books?

The truth is -- because I read my stories so many times while I’m working on them -- I normally don’t read them again when I finally see them in print.

I just finished MICK HARTE WAS HERE. I was wondering if you knew any one who died in a bike crash. My 9-year old cousin died not wearing a helmet 4 years before I was born. So I am very glad that there is an author that will write a book to help kids with bike safety!

MICK HARTE WAS HERE was inspired by a bike accident that happened in my neighborhood several years ago. Although I did not know the child who died (nor do I know his family), the accident made a big impact on me emotionally. I'm glad I finally made the decision to create the characters of Mick Harte and his family so that more kids can understand (as you do) the critical importance of wearing a bike helmet.

How long does it take to write a book, have the illustrations completed and the book published?

It really depends on the book. For my Junie B. Jones series, the whole process takes at least a year. Other books I have written have taken much longer, even without illustrations.

What is the hardest part of writing Junie B. books?

For me, the hardest part is trying to come up with new story ideas. I also have to work very hard to make sure Junie B. and her friends don't repeat the same jokes or conversations.

Did you ever go to the principal??

Yes... and, sadly, it wasn't exactly a social call.

You make kids want to read. How does that make you feel?

It's the absolute nicest compliment I can receive about my books.

Do you still want to be in school again, like old times?

I'm not sure I'd really be comfortable sitting in the classroom anymore. The desks seem to have “shrunk” a bit.

Is it hard to think of what to name your books? Why?

Sometimes titles are very hard to come up with. The problem is that titles have to be short, and yet they have to tell you a little bit about the story. Hopefully, they also will be clever or funny. That can be a pretty tall order.