Amy Hest

How old are you?

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I was born in ANOTHER CENTURY!!  My birthday is April 28, 1950.

 

 

Where do you live?

 

 I live in a tall brick building in New York City. My apartment is on the 7th floor.

 It’s not too big and not too small. Just right. A long time ago, when my kids were

little kids, we lived in another apartment, much smaller, but way up high on the 33rd floor. It was like living in the clouds! Stormy days (and nights) were particularly exciting up there.

 

 

What kinds of books did you like growing up?

 

Honestly, I liked reading books about kids like me. Regular kids.

 

 

Do you have sisters and brothers?

 

I have an older brother. His name is Ken. We used to fight a lot when we were growing up.  (It was NEVER my fault, ha!). We don’t fight anymore. We both like dogs a lot and talk about dogs a lot.

 

 

Do you have children?

 

I have two wonderful children. Sam and Kate. I have a grandchild, too. A baby!  His name is Lev. 

 

 

Pets?  What about pets?

 

Growing up, we always had a dog in the house. I remember all of them: Sleepy, Taffy, Rusty, Mr. Chips. Now there is Billy.  In actual fact, he is my daughter’s dog – a soft-coated wheaten terrier – but Billy and I spend A LOT of time together. I believe that makes us soul mates!

 

What was your favorite subject in school?

 

Reading. Spelling. Writing. Vocabulary. Well I guess I was getting ready to be a writer, even when I was six years old! 

 

 

Where do you write?

 

I get to work at home. (Sometimes in pajamas!) There’s a desk in my bedroom.   It’s near the window, and while I’d like to say I ONLY write, write, write when I’m sitting at my desk, the truth is this:  I spend a little TOO much time looking out my window. Can’t help it: there’s a lot to see out my window. Mostly people, because this is, after all, New York City. I love to write, but I also love watching people. (I watch dogs, too, which should come as no surprise).

 

 

Where do you get your ideas?

 

All of my stories are about ME. It’s true! I disguise myself, though. I give myself a new name in the story. I give myself a new address. Sometimes I add a sister to the mix, or a purple coat to the mix, or something else I don’t actually have.  But the stories are always about me. So I guess you could say my ideas come from ME, from my life!

 

 

How long does it take to write a book?

 

Sometimes a year. Sometimes, two. One of the novels I wrote took nearly four years! I don’t mind, though. I love the process. I love making every sentence the best sentence it could possibly be.  It’s worth it, in the end, because I am very proud of the books I have written.

 

 

Do you like writing picture books more, or novels?

 

I like them both! I love writing stories, period.

 

Lucky, lucky me!!