D.J. Ward
Photo by Lincoln Ward
D. J. Ward entered college to study radio and television but quickly found his true passion was for science. He finished with a master’s degree in geology. After working as a geologist for seven years, D. J. became a high school science teacher and has been teaching ever since. The classes he teaches are physics, astronomy, geology, and earth science. D. J. lives in Elizabeth, Colorado, with his wife and two boys. He like to play basketball, hike in the mountains, and play bass guitar.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
- The Wump World by Bill Peet
What’s your favorite line from a book?
- "If by some fiat I had to restrict all this writing to one sentence, this is the one I would choose: The summit of Mt. Everest is marine limestone." —John McPhee in Basin and RangeI cannot say this is my favorite line from a book, but it captures what I love about good writing: the thoughts it inspires equal so much more than the sum of the words.
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
John McPhee, A. W. Tozer, and John Steinbeck
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I enjoy teaching. I enjoy passing along to students my fascination with our amazing world. Writing about science is a fun way to do that.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Read! Read masterful writing. The ability to write meaningfully often comes through example.
