Blythe Woolston
Blythe Woolston is a reader. Right now, she makes her living indexing scholarly books. She has also worked as a writing teacher, library clerk, and production coordinator for a computer book publisher. Writing books is a new way for her to love reading.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I give pride of place to the book that taught me to be a reader, The Magic Boat by Lula Wright.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“But what our eies have seene, and hands have touched we shall declare.” (Written by a 16th century plagiarist—about the “fact” that barnacle geese grow on trees.)
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Ursula LeGuin, Sir Terry Pratchett, William Makepeace Thackery.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I think the desire to tell stories is instinctive, like the waggle-dance of bees, but I wrote my first book because I wanted to read it. Writing is full of surprises, just like reading.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Sometimes people talk about having a passion for writing. I think it is more important to be passionate about the world. Become a student of everything—then you’ll have plenty to write about.
