A. From kids, for sure and my own experiences. And here's an example. My beloved dog named Rusty was a distinguished food thief. His nose must have had more scent receptors than any other dog in the whole wide world! He was pretty quick and very clever; famous for his finesse in gingerly stealing meat from a sandwich and leaving the bread untouched. Rusty joined his buddies at the rainbow bridge in 2014 and I am still writing stories about him. And regarding kids? One day three year old Chelsea L. and I were at the desk working on a project. When she became distracted I asked her to keep her eye on the paper. She did exactly what I said. She picked up the red construction paper and put it on her eye. I looked at her and smiled then I laughed at myself and gave her a big hug. I told her she was the best listener on the planet. Silly me. Chelsea L. taught me a lot that day. She taught me how to keep my 'eye' on kids, say what I mean and mean what I say. She was a great source of inspiration and another reason to want to write stories forever and preserve the magic of childhood. You would be amazed to know what sparks my imagination. Ideas come to me in the funniest of places. For one thing I love to "innocently" overhear a conversation; be it on line at the market, in the doctor's office or on the playground.. It makes for great material. Think of it as creative eavesdropping, never rude and only with good intentions.

A. I leave that to the great and gifted artists; like Cornelius Van Wright, Dave Mottram. and Carolien Westernmann ​Check out their beautiful websites: www.pencilmoonstudio.com www.davemottram.com www.carolienwesternmann.com I promise you'll fall in love with their work. ​

A. ​Star Bright Books They are a leading publisher of multicultural, bilingual and foreign language books for children. You can visit them at www.starbrightbooks.org ​Enjoy browsing and tell them I sent you. Apples and Honey Press A new joint venture of Behrman House and Gefen Publishing, Apples & Honey Press brings together the best authors and illustrators from North America and Israel to create memorable stories that illuminate the values of family, community, having fun, and being the best they can be. The imprint debuted at BookExpo America at the Javits Center in New York City in May 2015. Be sure to visit them at www.applesandhoneypress.com Clavis Books In 1978, Philippe Werck opened a children’s bookstore in his hometown of Hasselt, Belgium. Shortly thereafter, he decided to publish the books he wanted to place on his shelves. This is how Clavis Publishing originated. Now, thirty years later, with over two hundred titles published annually, Clavis, meaning ‘key’ in Latin, has unlocked the doors to their divisions in Amsterdam (2001) and New York (2008) as well. Have a peek at their gorgeous books. www.clavisbooks.com

A. I read, of course. And I love to cook and invent pretty things using all kinds of textile, paper, nuts and bolts and wood. I also love to up cycle not just any junk. (But rather artful junque, as I know it.) I love making trays out of retired picture frames. I've been told that I can whistle louder than anyone; even with a mouth full of gum. I love trick-or-treating for kit kat bars. I can't carry a tune but I can play piano by ear. (Go figure) I have a vegetable garden. I get dizzy rolling down the hill with my grandsons. ​I wear big and gaudy lens-free glasses to school presentations. No lenses? That's because I don't need sight to have vision. ​I LOVE animals and wish I could have a pet giraffe and a zoo of dogs.

A. I sure do and I love to share my story with all audiences. Please go to my Author Visits page for more information. My programs are Boces approved; find me on the Artists in Schools (Boces Arts in Education) website: www.nassauboces.org/artsined

A. Start by reading and keep reading. Make reading a part of your life. Write from your heart and soul, write what you love and love what you write. Correspond with the Tooth Fairy and regard the notion that Tooth Fairies do exist. Take note of things that move your spirit. Jot them down on a pad that you keep near. Accept criticism as valuable suggestion. And keep dreaming long after you awake.