Interview with Andrea Warren

Why do you write for young readers?

I also write for adults, but I am known for my books for young readers, and they are my special passion. I was an avid reader when I was young, and books had a great influence on me. I lived in a very small town, but I knew much about the world because I read so many books while growing up. I hope I will reach kids who are curious about the world they live in and like to live vicariously through books.

How did you get started writing books for young readers?

I wanted to write about the orphan trains. Some came to the area where I lived in Nebraska, and while I knew about them, I realized that many people did not. Because children rode those trains, I was certain other children would enjoy reading about them. I had a fairly clear vision of the kind of book I wanted to write (one I would like to read!) and I shared this vision with Regina Ryan, an agent based in New York City. She understood what I wanted to do and she liked it. She became my agent and sold the idea, based on a proposal I wrote, to a publishing house. I had already published several books, but Orphan Train Rider: One Boy's True Story, was my first book for young readers.

Why have you chosen to write history?

The simplest answer is because I love it. I always have. But I often found the study of history to be boring—all those kings and wars and treaties to memorize. Ugh! I much preferred historical literature, and I learned a lot of history by reading good fiction. Just think how much you can learn about the Civil War in The Red Badge of Courage, or how much you can learn about racial issues in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird. As a writer, my challenge is to write books of nonfiction that are just as engaging as fiction.

How do you research and find the photos for your books?

Finding the right photos is always a huge challenge. And once you find the photo, you have to secure permission --and usually pay a fee-- to use it. Since I write about real people, I have been able to use a few of their family photos in my books. I have found the others in the photo archives of historical societies and museums.

Several of the photos in each of the orphan train books came from the archives of the Children's Aid Society and from the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America. Most of the photos in Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps came from the archives of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. I was able to view many of them on the Museum's website, which saved me a trip to Washington. A few of the photos have come through photo services.

Why do you write about children?

I write about children, at least in part, because they are very underrepresented in history. We don't hear much about them. I think their history is very important. I also write about children because I find them so interesting.

Do you have a favorite book among those you've written?

I like each of my books, but I will admit that I'm partial to Pioneer Girl. It's the least dramatic of the books I've written, but I can't get past how hard those homesteaders worked all their lives. I admire them tremendously.

How strong is your attachment to place?

I usually like wherever I am and I love to see and experience new places. Except for living in Oregon for four years when I was a child, I am a lifelong Midwesterner and I feel comfortable here and this is where most of my family lives. I love the landscape of the Midwest – the terrain, the colors. I live in the city, but always enjoy driving in the country.

What is your work day like?

I try to be in my office by 8:30 and I usually stop about 5 or so to exercise, run errands, or see friends socially. Mornings are my most creative time, and I try to get several hours of uninterrupted time to write. I am more likely to attend to editing and bookkeeping tasks in the afternoon. I like to read for an hour or two each evening, but sometimes I also do a little editing work then.

What else do you enjoy doing?

I love travel, movies, theater, reading, walking, growing flowers, baking (I have a sweet tooth) and visiting with friends and family. One of my favorite places is the beach, and a long walk on an ocean beach, followed by a fresh seafood lunch is my idea of perfection.

To read another interview with Andrea Warren about her books go to:
http://www.downhomebooks.com/warren.htm

E-mail Andrea Warren | Updated July 2006 | E-mail Webmaster