Hi! I'm absolutely tickled that John gave me a space on his website. I love what he
did with the book. I'll admit I worried about the art when I heard he was from California.
Would an artist from California know what Wisconsin looks like? Since editors don't let
writers talk to artists while the book is in production, I chewed my nails. I shouldn't
have bothered. As I drive around the state, I see John's art in real life.
Although Right
Here on This Spot is set in Wisconsin, the idea behind the story could apply
to any place in the world. The changes, especially since the advent of man, can be
fascinating. If you pick a spot and think about it, I'm sure you'll agree.
I can feel John giving me a mental nudge to get to my
biography. That's why he gave me this space.
My background includes teaching fifth grade for several
years. That was back in the dark ages before teachers were granted maternity leave. I
stayed home to raise my daughters. They're grown now and finding their way in the world. I
started writing when they were small and I've been doing it ever since.
Although I consider myself a children's writer, I write a
variety of things. I even produce material for adults now and then. If you're into outdoor
adventure you'll probably enjoy the anthology Wisconsin
Seasons. Being the only woman writer in the book tickles my sense of
humor since I'm not much of a sports person. My contribution, "The
Breakwater," tells the story of a dramatic fishing trip with my dad.
The connection between people and where they live keeps
popping up in my work. It's a strong element in my picture book A Visit
with Great-Grandma. I'm Polish, not Czechoslovakian, but again, the basic
situation applies.
Oops! This is beginning to sound like a bibliography. Guess
I'd better stop here. My work is my life (don't tell my husband) and my life is my work.
Hope you like Right Here as much as I do.
Note: Sharon is also the author
of Kidding
Around Milwaukee a children's guide to the Milwaukee area and
We
Didn't Mean To which explores what vandalism is and how it hurts people.
