• About Debbi, as told to Trixie •

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Question of the Month:

From Samantha G.: "I heard about a book you're writing called Moonstone. I was wondering if you could give us a description about this book. Thanks!"

Debbi's answer: Thanks for asking, Samantha! Moonstone is still very much a work in progress. It is about a high school senior girl who unexpectedly gets transported to another world where she is the only person who can save the kingdom from destruction by finding the Moonstone.

Previous Questions of the Month:

From Caitlin (age 12): "If you could change one thing about your past to make it easier for you to be a writer in the long run, what would it be?"

Debbi's answer: Great question! While I’m not sure my path could be easier, I do wish I’d started researching the career seriously earlier in my life. Like maybe right out of college. I think it took me at least two years to get a basic understanding of the publishing business and the children’s book market. It took me as long to feel a sense of community with other writers, too. Maybe if I’d started earlier, I’d be further along the road to publication. Maybe.

From author Dianne Ochiltree: "If you could be any book character for a day, which one would you be, and why?"

Debbi's answer: There are so many fabulous characters to choose from, but I think I'd have to pick Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter. It would be great to have magical powers! And while her life is too fraught witih danger for me to want to do that indefinitely, I'd like to spend the day visiting Diagon Alley (shopping!) with Harry and Ron!

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Interview with Debbi Michiko Florence

by Trixie, Super Rat Terrier

First things first — how do you pronounce Michiko?

ME-chee-koh.

Is Michiko your maiden name?

No. Michiko is my middle name. My parents named me after the then Princess of Japan. When the Princess and Prince visited San Francisco when I was a toddler, my self-confident mom, with me in her arms, pushed past the security guards (something you'd never be able to do today) to approach the Princess and tell her I was named after her. The photo of security guards holding onto my mother's arms as she spoke to the Princess, who was gracious and smiling, made the San Francisco Examiner the following day. An article followed. The photo and article are framed and hanging in my hallway, a gift from my mom.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Debbi writes a story

Debbi’s early attempt at writing a story.

I’m not sure I ever made the active decision to be a writer. I feel more like writing chose me. I always loved writing stories. When I was 4 or 5, I drew cartoon stories. By the fourth grade, I was writing short stories. My story about Fluffy the dog was published in our class magazine. In high school, I wrote short stories (usually sappy romances) during my free time. I think part of my love of writing grew from my love of reading. My mom used to take my sister and me to the library on the weekends. I loved browsing the many books and choosing all on my own which books to check out.

I also had great teachers who encouraged me with my writing: Mrs. Shinohara, my fourth and fifth grade teacher; my creative writing instructor in college; and an English professor who wrote to me advising me to change my college major from Zoology to English.

It wasn’t until I moved to Mexico City with my then new husband in 1998 that I seriously considered pursuing a career in children’s writing. I’d toyed with the fantasy for many years, but working full-time and caring for my family took most of my energy (although I still continued to write). I’m grateful my husband, Bob, was and still is extremely supportive of my dream to be a children’s author.

In 1999, I started researching a writing career, joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, started two critique groups, and wrote with an eye toward publication. I’m glad I stuck it out because now I have a slew of wonderful writer friends, several completed novels, a fantastic agent, and a children’s activity book about China coming out!

Tell us more! What’s this about an agent?

I feel extremely blessed that the fabulous agent, Jennifer DeChiara, signed me on as her client. I feel like we make a great team. She’s currently shopping around two of my young adult novels.

And what’s this about activity books on China and Japan?

CHINA was my very first sale! It’s a nonfiction book for the Kaleidoscope Kids series with Ideals Publications. The book is filled with hands-on activities for kids ages 7 -14 about the history, places, food, art, and wildlife of China. JAPAN is my second book for the same series. I feel like these books are perfectly suited for me and my background given that I spent years in education, developing activites for the classroom and the Detroit Zoo. Plus, I lived in Shanghai, China recently, and I've spent a lot of time visiting Japan.

You’ve lived a lot of places!

Yes, I have! I am a native Californian and I’m so happy to be back. I grew up in Los Angeles, but after I graduated from the University of California, Davis with my B.S. in Zoology and a minor in English and received my teacher’s certificate from the California State University, Northridge, I moved to Michigan where I was the Associate Curator of Education for the Detroit Zoo. After I married Bob, we moved to Mexico City. I was the Mexico Correspondent for Victoria Brooks’ Greatest Escapes Web Zine. Before we moved to Shanghai, China, we lived in Massachusetts and Upstate New York. We also love to travel and in 2006, we traveled to Australia, Japan, Thailand, and, of course, the United States.

Can I have a cookie?

Not yet. Let’s finish this, first.

What do you love about being a writer?

Writing. That’s the simple answer. I love to get lost in a story. I love to get to know new characters. I love to create. Oh, sure, I have days when I procrastinate or just can’t seem to write anything decent. Most days, though, I’m invigorated to get to my writing. After years of waking up with dread each morning, having to go to a job I disliked, I can truly appreciate how much I love my job now. I never wake up with dread anymore.

What do you not love about being a writer?

Waiting. I am a very impatient person. A writing career means waiting. Waiting for an idea. Waiting to finish writing the story. Waiting for feedback. Waiting between drafts. Waiting after submitting. Oh, and I don’t love the rejection, either, but it’s a part of being a writer, so I accept it (although not always gracefully).

What is a typical writing day like for you?

I wake up, shower, eat breakfast, check email and catch up on blogs. I check in with my writer’s group online, state my goals, and then get writing. When I’m working on a draft, I typically write from 9 - 3 or 4 each day. I’m usually burnt out by late afternoon. I use my afternoons for working out, reading, and watching some TV or Netflix movies. I also spend that time working on my web site updates and/or interviews.

Now, can I have a cookie?

In a little bit.

Are writers like dogs? Territorial and stuff?

Not the writers I’ve met. Children’s authors are some of the most kind and generous people I’ve met. I was fortunate early in my career when the supremely talented author, Cynthia Leitich Smith, offered to mentor me. She’s been very supportive and helpful — reading my manuscripts and giving me fabulous suggestions. Other authors I’ve met, both well-known and soon-to-be, have been no different — friendly, inspirational, giving.

I’m very fortunate to have a great group of writers who are my critique partners. We share the ups and downs, exchange manuscripts and offer critiques, have writing retreats, and more. I would be lost without them!

What were some of your favorite books from childhood?

Books I read over and over include: The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene, Pardon Me You’re Stepping on My Eyeball and The Pigman by Paul Zindel, and all of Judy Blume’s books. A special favorite is Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss. I have very fond memories of my dad reading this book to me many times when I was young.

I’d ask you who your current favorite authors are, but you already told me you wouldn’t be able to answer. What do you mean by that?

There are just too many to name. I love so many books and authors. New talented authors keep bursting on the scene and my list of favorites keep growing. I’ll say this much, I favor upper MG and YA contemporary fiction and urban fantasy. Any story with a romantic element always interests me. *grin*

Where’s my cookie? Oh look, a squirrel! Bark bark yip yip! Okay, I’m back. Let’s see. You’ve been focused on writing novels for publication for years. How do you keep going? And WHY do you keep going? Can I have a cookie?

Case in point. Your cookie. When you really want and love something, you don’t give up. Writing for publication for me is like a cookie to you. I love writing. I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life. Bob, my husband, noted that I get moody/crabby/blue whenever I go for long periods without writing. That being said, I do have my down days, or sometimes weeks. It’s hard facing rejection. It’s hard waiting. It’s hard wondering. I keep going because I want to, I need to. I’m able to keep going because my husband and daugther have incredible faith in me, and I’m surrounded by supportive and talented friends.

Words of wisdom you received? From whom?

Cynthia Leitich Smith told me very early on to read. I know this sounds basic and simplistic, but I needed to hear that. When I started writing YA years ago, I hadn’t read the genre since I was a teen. I think I had it in my head that I knew what it was all about. How wrong I was! Cyn gave me a list of books to read, I devoured them, and haven’t stopped reading since. I don’t understand unpublished writers who insist they don’t have time to read. It’s part of learning the craft and the business. It’s part of being a professional.

More recent words of wisdom came from Jerry Spinelli while we were discussing research and I asked, how do you know when to stop? His response? “You can sit on the bench and study the game forever, but you'll never score until you take off your sweats and start shooting.” It was just what I needed to hear! (Fortunately, basketball is one of the few sports I’ve played/understand.) Friends continue to inspire me through their work, their emails, and their blogs.

What are you working on now?

I'm working hard on my YA contemporary fiction. My dream is to be a novelist.

Cookie?

Soon.

What did you do before you became a writer?

Debbi and Clacker the great horned owl used
do classrooms presentations together.

One of my fondest memories is of volunteering at a raptor rehabilitation center while working toward my Zoology degree at the University of California at Davis. I cared for injured and orphaned eagles, hawks, and owls, and helped release them back into the wild. I've also been a pet store manager, fifth grade teacher, outdoor educator, and the Associate Curator of Education at the Detroit Zoo. Besides being a writer, I’m also a proud mom of a sweet, smart, creative daughter.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I’d rather not.

Whine. ::puppy eyes::

Oh, okay! I’m a packrat of sorts. I used to collect owls, but that collection grew too huge. Now I collect: teapots and teacups, books (especially author autographed), cutesy little figurines, Inuyasha manga, teddy bears, and art by local artists (wherever we might be).

Let’s see, what else. I have a slight phobia of public restrooms. I’m still afraid of the dark and when Bob is away on business, I sleep with a light on. I refuse to watch any kind of horror movie. I cry easily — during movies, cartoons, and even commercials. I’ve embarrassed myself plenty of times bawling on airplanes while reading. I get carsick/seasick. I talk to myself when I write. I don’t like ants.

Trixie aspires to write her own story
someday.

I love dogs. I have three tattoos (one of my family crest, one of my dad’s family crest, and one of the Japanese character for snake, because I’m the year of the snake). I’m a morning person. And sometimes, I play CDs and sing at the top of my lungs and dance around the house. There! Good enough?

Maybe. Is it cookie time?

YES!

what's new?

Available for purchase :

China: A Kaleidoscope Kids Book at your favorite book store, at Williamson Books, or your favorite online source!

Coming in 2009:

Japan: A Kaleidoscope Kids Book

An Interview with Me!

See the October issue of WOW! Women On Writing.