Jo Ann Banks                Writer of Stories, Poems, and Silly Songs

Hi there. This is my interview page.

Oddly, no one has ever asked to interview me!

(I know. I'm baffled too.)

So I asked some people I know (some of whom are actual writers...)

to think of interview questions for me to answer.

A: Are you serious? That's your question?

Q: Ok, ok. Why do you write stories for kids instead of math books?

A: Very funny. Go away.

Q: When did you first start writing?

A: I've loved writing as far back as I can remember. I even loved worksheets and book reports in school. Don't get me wrong, I was not a very good student, I just loved words. 

The first serious writing I remember doing was when I was about 11. I wrote poetry exclusively back then, and some of it wasn't too bad.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: Mostly, I get ideas from words or phrases that I hear that stick in my head. It's like a little light bulb goes off and I say, "Hey, that sounds like a story!".

Since I've worked in childcare on and off my whole life, I've seen and heard some amazingly silly and profound things. Silly and profound make good story material!

Q: How did you choose youth fiction?

A: I think I didn't choose it. It chose me. Possibly because I love kids so much, and because I'm truly a kid at heart. Some people say I never grew up, but I just cover my ears and say "I'm not listening. I'm not listening."

Q: If you could have two things on a desert island, what would they be?

A: Can they be people? If so, I would have my husband and my son, but I sure would miss everyone else! If not people, then I'd have a garden, tons of paper, and pencils. (I know, that's three. I cheated. I cheat at thumb wrestling too.)

Q: Who are your favorite authors?
A: Oh! So Many! But today, I think that I want to grow up to be Peggy Gifford, Kate McMullan, Jim Benton, Kelly Barnhill, Barbara Park, Dav Pilkey, Hilary McKay, Arnold Lobel, Katherine Applegate, Shel Silverstein, Billy Collins, and Patrick McManus, all rolled into one... with a little bit of Mary Poppins thrown in there.
Mary Poppins isn't an author, of course, but I love how she really knows the hearts of children. And I love how silly she is! Plus, She's got that umbrella that flies!

Q: What were you like as a kid?
A: I was different and a bit of a misfit, but I had a lot of enthusiasm and a vivid imagination. I'm told I was a little bossy, which, I've heard, is a sign of a good leader! My report cards usually said I talked too much in class, daydreamed, and didn't apply myself. I think those teachers were confused. I was applying myself to what I loved most.
I was also sensitive and I got bullied a lot, which, it turns out, makes great material for writing. Regardless of these misunderstandings, I loved people, and animals, and nature, and food, and collecting things, and I still do.

Q: Are your stories about you?

A: Yes, I think our stories are always about us on some level. Sometimes my characters aren't me but the feelings are. Sometimes my stories are about how I wish the world was, which, on some level, is still about me.

Q: Why is the word weird spelled "e" before "i" instead of "i" before "e"?
A: Because it's one of the exceptions to the rule. I recommend being an exception to the rule, as long as you don't become an outlaw!