Natalie Haney Tilghman
Natalie Tilghman holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the Rainier Writers Workshop. She lives in Glenview, Illinois, with her husband, two sons, and their Chihuahua.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I can’t pick just one. I loved A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle, and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” -Shel Silverstein
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
This is such a hard question because there are so many incredible writers whom I admire and love to read! Some of my favorites include: Tomie de Paola, Sandra Cisneros, and Anthony Doerr.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I wanted to become an author to connect with people through story because I enjoy fiction that helps me understand the world around me in some new way
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Write about what you love and what is important to you, whether it is biology, art, bowling, or, um, whales. Your passion will come out on the page and energize your story and characters.
