An Interview with Author
Edith Tarbescu
by Debbi Michiko Florence
Edith Tarbescu is the author of four children's books as well as a produced playwright. She studied playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. Her books include Annushka's Voyage, a picture book published by Clarion Books; The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue: A Yiddish Folktale, picture book pub. by Barefoot Books; Bring Back My Gerbil, an Early Reader, published by Scholastic; and The Crow, a non-fiction book for 9-12 year olds about the Crow Nation of Montana, published by Franklin Watts, a division of Scholastic. She recently adapted Annushka's Voyage into a play for young people. It will be performed at The Little Theatre, in Albuqeurque, NM.
Did you always want to be a writer? Tell us a little about your journey to published author.
Since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an actress. I studied acting in college, performed in summer stock as well as off-Broadway, N.Y. But I married young and realized acting required a lot of traveling, so I started writing short stories (for adults). A friend suggested that since I love the theatre, I turn one story into a play. I did that and loved it. I wrote several short plays after that and applied to the Yale School of Drama. To my amazement, I was accepted. Several years later, someone suggested that since I loved to write dialogue, I consider writing for children, which I did. However, the road to publication was a long one. I perservered, and I've published 4 children's books so far, with a few more currently under consideration.
How did you get the idea for your picture story book ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE?
The book was inspired by stories I heard from my parents. My father immigrated from Hungary, and my mother immigrated from Russia. I took both their stories, put them in a blender and came up with the best possible story. There's an old sepia tone photo at the back of the book of my mother and her sister shortly after they arrived at Ellis Island.
How long did it take you to write the story? When did you get "the call" and how did you celebrate?
The book took a couple of years to perfect. I didn't get a call. I got an acceptance letter from my editor at Clarion Books. I immediately called my husband at work, then called all the members of my CT writer's group.
You have several other books published. How was writing ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE different from the others? How was it similar?
I originally wrote ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE in 3rd person. An editor at Simon & Schuster called and suggested I turn the story into 1st person, which I did. When I re-submitted the story, the editor didn't love it anymore. Shortly after that, I sent both versions to Clarion. The editor wrote and said she wanted to buy the 1st person version.
The story differered from other stories because it's historical fiction. Even though I heard stories frm my parents about their individual journeys to America, the book had to be historically accurate, so I had to do a lot of research. I visited Ellis Island twice and read many books on the subject.
Writing the story was similar to writing my other books in that it required a lot of rewriting.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
Living with the characters I create. I feel lonely sometimes until I fill my room with imaginary characters. When they begin to come alive for me, I'm not lonely any more.
What is the most challenging thing about being a writer?
Revising, revising and revising. It's often easy to write a first draft but then the real work begins.
Do you have any special rituals or routines that help you get started writing each day?
I walk my dog every morning. That gets the juices flowing.
What can fans expect next from you? And how can fans and teachers contact you?
I've written a middle-grade novel titled The Summer of My Salami, which is currently under consideration. I also have a picture book being considered titled Graciella's Surprise.
I love doing school visits, and use my theatre background to make my presentations as interactive as possible. My website is: www.home.earthlink.net/~tarbescu. I can be reached at: tarbescu@earthlink.net/~tarbescu.
My motto is: Have books, will travel.
Interview © 2002, by Debbi Michiko Florence.
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For more about Edith, check out her Earthlink web site.
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