Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a librarian in an elementary school in Montreal. It’s the best job in the world. I get to read books, buy books and foster a love of reading in the next generation of young people. I decided to write a chapter book series and I am currently writing book #5.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Black Hole Radio – Saphira. The idea for the story came from a beeping sound in my garage after my children’s great uncle died and I ended up with some of his stuff in my garage for storage. We could hear a beeping sound coming from one of the boxes and it took weeks to find the source. When we did we could not stop the beeping no matter what we did. It would beep at 2 pm every afternoon and if was very eerie and sparked my imagination.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start writing and ideas just seem to come to me on the fly. I keep writing because when I stop to think about it everything just falls into place with a little tweaking. I’m definitely a pantser and not a plotter.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I always loved Charlotte’s Web and The Wizard Oz. But as a librarian I read many, many middle-grade books and I wanted to write a funny story like Bruce Coville’s scifi series “My teacher is an alien”. I love the way he interweaves humor into his adventure and scifi elements.
What are you working on now?
I am working on book 5 in my Black Hole Radio series. I have been developing my characters and their experiences at school and in their club house. I try to work some realistic issues that all kids face into my stories. This story is set on planet Saphira and will challenge our heroes to…….Stay tuned to Black Hole Radio
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter by far. I am part of the #WritingCommunity and they are very supportive. But I like the specific groups on FB.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, it gets easier the more you do it. Book one was like pulling teeth but it’s gotten progressively easier to write the dialog and create the drama and cliff hangers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go where the story leads you.
What are you reading now?
I am reading The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager. It’s a great thriller/mystery.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue writing stories that help kids think about real issues and make them laugh at the same time.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Dafoe and of course a “How To’ survive being deserted on an island book
Author Websites and Profiles
Ann Birdgenaw Amazon Profile
Ann Birdgenaw’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account