How long have you been a writer?

To me, anyone who has written a story is a writer! I wrote my first story when I was in fourth grade, so I’ve been a writer since then. It was about a pig named Alice.

If you’re wondering how long I’ve been a published author, the answer is… 25 years? 30? Long enough to know that this is the best job in the world, and that I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Did you always know you were going to be a writer?

I’ve always loved to tell stories. And being a writer was a dream of mine for a long time. But not always.

I have a confession to make that just may shock you: When I was young, I really, really, REALLY didn’t like to read.

Crazy, I know. But I thought books were boring. I just didn’t get the point of reading.

That’s because I hadn’t found (drum roll, please) The Right Book. Finding The Right Book is like searching for a good friend. It can take a long time. And it’s different for each person. For me, The Right Book was a beautiful novel called Charlotte’s Web. For you, it may be a graphic novel, or a picture book, or a non-fiction title, or a funny series.

The important thing is that when you find The Right Book—the book that makes you laugh or cry or understand the world a little better—you’ll see how reading can change your life. So if you haven’t found it yet, keep reading. Keep trying. It’s waiting for you on a bookshelf nearby. You’ll know it when you find it.

What’s your favorite part about being a writer?

I get to wear pajamas and make up stories all day. What’s not to love?

Seriously, the best part of the job is meeting young readers. Many of my readers are just discovering how important a book can be—how it can take you someplace magical, or help you understand the workings of your own heart. They are idealistic and hopeful. They care about fairness and justice. They’re not afraid to be honest. I’m so inspired by them.

Also, if they like my books, they treat me like a rock star.

What’s some advice you have for someone who wants to be a writer?

My biggest piece of advice is this: Be persistent. I may have written my first story in fourth grade, but I didn’t become a published author until I was in my 30s.

Here’s a little story: I almost gave up when I was writing The One and Only Ivan. I remember thinking that the whole idea was crazy! Who would want to read a book narrated by a gorilla? One day, I stood over my trash can with the manuscript in my hands, trying to decide once and for all whether I should throw it away. But in the end, I knew that I wanted to tell Ivan’s story. So I pushed through, finished my first draft, and sent it to my editor. After a lot of revising, the book was published—and later won the Newbery Medal! So find a story you believe in, embrace editing and rewriting, and have fun. You’ll be amazed at what you can do.

My second biggest piece of advice is to read, read, and read some more. I firmly believe that reading as many books as I can makes me a better writer.

Was Ivan from The One and Only Ivan a real gorilla?

Yes, he was. The real Ivan spent the first 27 years of his life in a shopping mall in Washington State. One day, I was reading the newspaper and I saw the headline ‘A Gorilla Sulks in [a] Mall as His Future Is Debated.’ I read the article, and I was hooked. I knew that I wanted to tell Ivan’s story.

The other characters in the book, like Stella and Ruby, came from my imagination. But I actually based Bob on my old dog, Stan. He was a sassy little guy, just like Bob. He used to sit on my lap while I typed.

Which was great, except for his terrible breath.

Did you ever get to meet the real Ivan?

Sadly, I never got the chance—Ivan died peacefully of old age in 2012. My daughter Julia and I did try to visit him once, but it was a very wet day and Ivan didn’t like the rain. We waited around for a few hours, but he never came out to see us. At first I was a little sad about that, but then I realized something: Ivan had control over his own environment. That’s something that had been taken from him when he spent all those years in a cage. In the end, I was so happy that he was able to choose where he wanted to be. 

You’ve written books from the perspective of a gorilla, a dog, a tree… What’s with that?

Two things. First, nonhuman narrators can give you a fresh perspective on the world, allowing you to say things, and to see things, you might otherwise overlook. Honestly, I think it’s sometimes easier to view humans through a nonhuman lens.

I also love trying to figure out how a character sounds. How does a gorilla think? What might a red oak worry about? It allows me to do lots of research, which I love. And it’s a fun challenge to write outside of your comfort zone.

What’s your favorite food?

Popcorn. Give me a bowl of hot, salty, buttery popcorn and I’m in heaven. At least until I have to floss.

Do you have any pets?

I do—and always will! Currently, I have two cats, Lightning and Scooter, and two dogs, Astrid and Boss. You might recognize Boss from The One and Only Bob, but in this case the character inspired the name!

Wait, aren’t you also the Animorphs lady?

Guilty as charged. I co-wrote that series with my husband, Michael Grant, and we are so delighted and humbled that its readers continue to reach out to this day. Seriously guys, thanks for reading. (Shameless plug: Chris Grine is five books into a beautiful graphic novel series based on the original books.)