Maria Parrott-Ryan
Maria Parrott-Ryan is a writer and editor based in Madison, Wisconsin. She writes fiction, nonfiction, and educational material for both children and adults.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
A tie between Matilda and The Neverending Story
What’s your favorite line from a book?
The last line from The Golden Compass: “So Lyra and her daemon turned away from the world they were born in, and looked towards the sun, and walked into the sky.”
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
This answer changes so often! Today it’s Phillip Pullman, Louise Erdrich, and Rebecca Stead. Oh wait, and Candace Fleming. Oh no, there are so many more…
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I’ve wanted to become an author ever since I was a kid because I loved to read, and there seemed to be nothing better a person could do than make books that kids like me could love and depend on and cherish. I still feel that way.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Good writing and good stories require revision. You have to be open to revising your work in big ways to make it the best it can be. Learn to love revision. Commit to it. And find someone whose opinion you trust who can help you see your work in the ways that you can’t.
