Jilanne Hoffmann
Jilanne Hoffmann has been a zoo train engineer, a waitress, a “real” engineer, a fitness trainer, a tai chi instructor, a freelance writer for nonprofit organizations, and now enjoys writing stories for kids and adults. She has a BS in Engineering and an MFA in creative writing. Her picture book, A River of Dust, was an ALA Notable Children’s Book, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, son, and rescue dog named Wrigley.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
A book of poetry called Just Around the Corner by Leland B. Jacobs, illus. by John E. Johnson
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“I spill across the sky like ink—fill the night with jagged cries. I have one thousand eyes.”—I Am We by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Cindy Derby (author-illustrator)
Leslie Barnard Booth (author)
Barb Rosenstock (author)Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I wanted to become an author because stories are the fabric of our lives. I can’t imagine living without helping to produce a fabric that is ever-changing, becoming more vibrant and complex as more threads are introduced and woven together.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Read. Learn. Create. Persist. Repeat.
