Day 2: 1-on-1 with Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Today we're sitting down for a little 1-on-1 with Kristin. We know you're going to enjoy getting to know her a little better.

2k8: Hi, Kristin! Where do you like to do most of your writing?

KOT: Most of my writing is done at the Williamson County Public Library in Franklin, TN, on the second floor, in the far west corner, next to the parenting books. Yes, I’m a creature of habit! It’s quiet and I can spread out on an entire table. The downside? It’s amazingly cold, even in summer, so when my fingers freeze, I move down the street to Panera and heat them up with a green tea. I also write in my bed. A lot. I have stacks and stacks of books and notes to myself all around my bed. Kinda defeats the whole rest-and-relax function of the bed, right?

2k8: We'd bet you're not the only one who writes from bed. So, how did Autumn come about? How did you begin writing it?

KOT: In 2002, I was on a guided tour of Cades Cove, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I stood in a cabin that once belonged to John Oliver, and was marveling at how tiny and uncomfortable the cabin seemed when it occurred to me: this had once been someone’s home. How did it become part of a National Park? How does that even happen? I did a little research, and discovered the fascinating history of the folks of Cades Cove.

2k8: We love inside stories like that. How did it find a publisher?

KOT: I met my editor, Wendy Loggia, at an SCBWI conference in Nashville in September 2006. After critiquing Autumn, she asked to see the full manuscript, which I promptly forwarded. She requested a round of revisions prior to making her offer, so whenever I hear writers ask, “Should I really put more effort into this without a contract?,” I am the first to jump forward, yelling, “Yes! Yes! Absolutely yes!”

2k8: That's excellent to know! Did anything surprise you or catch you off guard when you were writing this?

KOT: I was surprised at how much fun Autumn was to write. I’d written two (really awful!) novels before Autumn, but this was the first time I laughed and chuckled and had fun with the writing, rather than labored through the first draft.

2k8: Doesn't that make all the difference in the world?!? Okay, now imagine you have an offer from your dream press to publish your dream book, no matter how insane or unmarketable it might be. What would you write and why?

KOT: I’m already at my dream press – truly! When my daughter was younger, she and I would play pretend with the telephone. You know: “Brrring! Who’s on the phone? Grammy’s calling for you, sweetie!” When it was my turn, I’d always say, “Oh, yes, this is Random House calling? And you want to publish my book? Well, how delightful!” It was always Random House. So when my Delacorte editor called, it really was a dream come true. (And yes, we now play: “Random House? And you simply must have my next book? Oh, well, okay…”)

As for a dream book, I’d love to write and illustrate a picture book some day. (I know – doesn’t that sound like everyone you’ve ever met at a cocktail party?) But seriously, I dabble with illustrations as well, and it’d be such fun to create something like that.

2k8: You may just start a new fad of playing telephone! Tell us what question most people won't know to ask you? And what's your answer?

KOT: People won’t know to ask me if I can lay on my belly and arch my back until my toes touch my nose. And the answer? I could do this before I had two kids, but now I can’t. Bummer. It was such a great trick.

Too bad she doesn't have a picture of that! Come back on Wednesday when Kristin will play a little more telephone and give us the real scoop on her "call."