Danna Zeiger
Before pursuing her aspirations as a children’s literature author, Danna Zeiger was the biology professor and program director for Fisher College’s biology program, serving disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. While homeschooling her three spirited kids, Danna established a STEM accessibility and educational resource entitled DrZatHome. She a member of SCBWI and Storyteller Academy based in Massachusetts.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Phantom Tolbooth by Norton Juster
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”—The Phantom Tolbooth by Norton Juster
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Judy Blume, Enid Blyton, Grace Lin, Lois Lowry (This was impossible to narrow down! :-))
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Books were my first love. I’ve always been a bookworm and would get attached to each author I loved, and read every single book I could find of theirs in the library. For me, it was an escape in many ways, and the library (and librarians) were both my afterschool program and my safe haven. I loved creative writing from a young age and wrote in many languages, and even though I pursued STEM for many reasons, I knew I always wanted creative writing to be my base. My first dream and my forever dream has always been to be a prolific children’s book author who reaches many kids, and offers them the same safe haven that I had.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
My advice is to read, then read, and read even more in whatever genre you want to write in. Also, it takes hard work and polishing even when you think your work is polished… but with enough time and effort, dreams happen!
