Meet Jenny!

Today we have an interview with the fabulous Jenny Meyerhoff, author of Third Grade Baby. And at the end we get to find out the answer to that all important question... does she believe in the tooth fairy?

2k8: So, where do you do most of your writing? What's it look like?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I have a very fancy office. It’s about 1500 square feet with a choice of writing tables or upholstered club chairs by a fireplace. A chef will whip up a sandwich, salad or soup, and the coffee is always flowing. I never have to worry about making a mess—I have people there who offer to clear my things for me.

Here’s what it looks like inside.

Here’s what it looks like from the outside

When I’m not writing at the café, I’m in my office at home. Obviously no one cleans up after me at home.

2k8:Can you tell us how the book came about? How did you begin writing it?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I started writing THIRD GRADE BABY because of a title. The original was “The Top Secret Files of the Tooth Fairy.” It came to me in a flash, and I really wanted to know the story that went with it. It was a fantasy about a girl who got to help the tooth fairy. Unfortunately, that book wasn’t very good, so after a major revision (from fantasy to contemporary realistic fiction) THIRD GRADE BABY was born.

2k8: And how did it find a publisher? Where were you when you got The Call?

Jenny Meyerhoff: The call didn’t come quite out of the blue. I had been told that my books were being taken to acquisitions and so was hoping to hear from my agent at any time. (Not that I was obsessively checking my email and voicemail or anything.) When the call finally came, I somehow was unable to locate my cellphone. I could hear it ringing, but ran frantically around the house trying to locate the source of the sound without success. Voicemail picked up and my agent had to deliver the news via message. (Which I saved. However, to preserve my dignity, I cannot tell you how many times I listened to it.)

2k8: Imagine you have an offer from your dream press to publish your dream book, no matter how insane or unmarketable it might be (though of course it might not be). What story do you want to write next/someday and why?

Jenny Meyerhoff: I already feel like this has happened for me. Publishing my first book with FSG was everything I could have imagined and more. And right now I’m working with them on my second book, THE IMPOSSIBLE SECRETS OF ESSIE GREEN. It’s a young adult novel.

2k8: What question won't most people know to ask you? What is your answer?

Jenny Meyerhoff: Well, my book really tackles the question of whether or not third graders are too old to believe in the tooth fairy. One of the characters states emphatically that they are. Another one says she will continue to believe in the tooth fairy no matter what. The main character tries to decide what she should believe; she really isn’t sure.

So far, no one has asked me if I believe in the tooth fairy.

The answer is yes, I do.