My Interview with Marlane Kennedy

This is my Interview with Marlane Kennedy about her book The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes. Below in the bold, blue type are the seven questions I asked Marlane her answers follow in green!

What was your inspiration for writing a book about St. Bernard’s / Dog adoption? About 4 years ago I was looking out the passenger side widow as my husband drove. I happened to see a St. Bernard in someone's yard. He was chained up and had his head on his paws and wore the saddest expression. I have always had a soft spot for St. Bernards. I had one growing up and she was the sweetest dog, so the image of this dog's sad face stuck with me long after we passed by. I tried to convince myself that he was a well cared for dog--that maybe being chained up was a temporary thing and he would be lavished with attention soon. But unfortunately, I know sometimes dogs on chains end up with little in the way of companionship or attention from their owners. My worry and wondering about the dog soon was channeled into a story that became The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes.

Do you have a dog now?

Yes, I have a chocolate lab named Carl. He is huge--a little over a hundred pounds--but not quite as big as a St. Bernard!

Is everyone in the story made up or are some characters real? Everyone is made up. I seem to have more fun with my characters that way. Though perhaps little bits and pieces of people I've come across end up tossed into the mix.

What would you say the age level for this book is?

8-12 years olds--though I'm hoping parents and adults will enjoy the story, too, if they have the chance to read it.

Where can kids like me buy this book? If your local bookstore doesn't have it on the shelf, they should easily be able to order in a copy for you. It is also available online through Amazon.com, Barners and Noble, and many other online retailers that sell books.

Do you do school visits?

Yes, I love doing school visits. It is wonderful having the chance to interact with my readers! I have been able to travel to all sorts of neat places this past year and it is great to meet teachers and librarians, too.

Signature Question:
What is your favorite book that you remember reading when you were little? Oh, I can't pick just one. Impossible for me to do. I will tell you when I first started reading independently I loved the Nancy Drew andTrixie Belden mysteriers. In upper elementary I devoured and was fascinated by A Wrinkle in Time. A favorite from my junior high years was The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. And in my late teens, I was absolutely swept away by Jacob Have I Loved.

These question were answer by Marlane Kennedy, Author and great friend!

Don't forget to pick up her books The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes and Me And The Pumpkin Queen.

Readin' like crazy,

~Bookgirl~