As an author, some of my favorite times are my visits to schools. Whether performing a school-wide assembly with my illustrator, Mark Sasser, or conducting a creative writing workshop in the classroom, I always leave time for a Q&A session. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions, along with some of my personal favorites. I will continue to update this page after each new school visit. Enjoy!

What was your favorite book as a child?
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume.

Have you ever met Judy Blume?
No. But I wrote her a letter when I was a kid and she wrote me back!

Are you married?
Yes. I married my childhood sweetheart and we’ve been married for 25 years.

If my mom calls your wife, do you think she’d let you come over and play video games with me?
I wish…but she usually has a list of chores for me to do in my spare time.

Are you famous?
In my mind…yes. In the real world…not so much.

Why do you sweat so much?
That’s not sweat. Those are creative juices flowing out of me!

Are you really rich?
Yes. I’m an eccentric thousandaire.

What is your favorite book you’ve written?
It’s a tie between Raccoons’ Christmas and Our Thing. Raccoons’ Christmas was my very first book that paved the way for the others. Our Thing was an opportunity to work with my daughter. I wrote and she illustrated.

Do you read comic books?
Absolutely! Captain America and Green Arrow are my favorites.

How old are you?
(I’ve learned not to ask, ‘How old do you think I am?’)
I’m a spry 50.

Do you know Dr. Seuss?
I know of him, and I’m a huge fan, but unfortunately, our paths never crossed.

If I have a great idea for a book. Can I email it to you?
Only with your parents’ permission. If I do hear from you, I promise I’ll email back some words of encouragement!

You don’t seem very mature. Does this help with the creative process? (This question actually came from a teacher, not a student.)
Yes. And thank you for the compliment.

What’s your favorite Disney movie?
The Little Mermaid. I can sing all the words to Under The Sea, if you’d like.

Are you, by any chance, an author and a plumber? Because you look like you’d be a really good plumber.
I’m not, but thanks for the compliment. It’s nice to have other careers to consider if this ‘writing’ thing doesn’t work out.

(From a 2nd Grader) Do you ever worry about copyright infringement, and if so, what steps have you taken to protect your work?
Let me guess…you want to be a lawyer when you grow up, don’t you?

What advice do you have for kids that want to write books?
Start now. Make your stories as wacky and wild as you can. Use your imagination while you’re young, because it seems to shrink as we grow older. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to share your story with others.