1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?
The writing profession definitely chose me.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)
My writing skill, and ease in writing clearly, got me scholarships so I could graduate from Cornell University. Then, after working at NASA’s theoretical division, translating “science” into “English,” I vowed never to “talk science” again--so went into publishing. I worked for the woman who created Library Promotion at Holt, then David McKay and the Dial Press. Worked for a PR firm for a year before heading west and ended up writing articles for about 30 “shelter” and “lifestyle” magazines. So knew I could earn my living that way.
3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?
I knew I was a writer when I was still in school--it was just so easy. And I got good marks!
4. How would you describe your style of writing?
I write clearly, always thinking of who it is I’m “talking to.”
5. What is your writing process?
I think about it a lot. Then sit down and start with the perfect (I hope) introductory sentence. Then, if all my notes are in order, it just flows out. Then I polish/rewrite until it’s ready.
6. What was your path to publication?
I was paid to do it by my company. When I moved to San Francisco I had my name on a great many articles for magazines like NEW YORK, McCall’s, Bride’s, Metropolitan Life, etc. so I proposed fun articles for the Sunday Chronicle Magazine, California Living. The first one, on “Best Brunch in the Bay Area,” cost more than I was paid. But then I got a free weekend (with dinner and breakfast) at one hotel, and another free dinner at another restaurant. And any article I proposed I got to do. Then I approached a publisher and said I wanted to write a book about California artists. He said “fine, but first of all, I just got a divorce and don’t know what to do with the kids. So can you write a book on Places to Go With Children in Northern California?” I’ve re-written that now and revised completely 9 times over 30 years--it was the first “Places to Go” book for Chronicle Books (or anyone). And that got me to do the Painted Ladies books with not even a sample chapter.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
Put chocolate bars in the book to make people keep reading. Seriously, I wish I knew how to take more advantage of the internet.
8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?
How respected one can be. You’d be amazed at what your name on a page can do to people.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
By awarding myself the time to write something--squeezing that time is the biggest challenge. My source of creativity? My nosiness. I like to find things out, hunt things down. Research things. I like to answer my own questions.
10. What is your proudest writer moment?
Proudest writer moment? The time Michael [husband, Michael Larsen] and I went into the Library of Congress and found our names in the card catalog.
11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?
Get a better photographer.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?
Dutton put the second Painted Ladies book in a huge “window” at the ABA. I walked down the aisle, looked at it, and said, “That’s nice, but I think it should be a little higher.”
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
TIME MEANS MONEY. If I had the time, I could do tons more.
14. What is your writer life philosophy?
I don’t understand what a writer life philosophy is. I guess it’s when you cannot do anything else but write, you will.
15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?
Read! Travel. Go to the movies.
16. Who do you like to read?
I like to read commercial women’s books--contemporary or historical. Anything fun.
17. What’s your advice for new writers?
Write anywhere, anytime, and don’t worry about the money. Prove yourself first. Then the money will come.
18. What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on an international Painted Ladies book.
