Denise Clay-Murray
Denise Clay-Murray has been a journalist for more than 20 years, during which time she primarily covered politics and education. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart.”—Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, John Grisham
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I started working as a newspaper reporter to pay for law school. I found that I liked storytelling better than the law and decided to stick with that.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
When looking for stories to tell, start with the ones closest to you. The cashier at the supermarket might look nondescript, but they may have a story that will be of help to someone. It’s up to you to get it out.
