Interview with Author Yona Zeldis McDonough
Why are you an author? I was a reader before I was a writer, and books and stories always had an enormous effect on me. It seemed so natural to try creating that feeling in other people.
What are you planning to write about next? I’m working on several manuscripts right now: a middle-grade historical novel that deals with the vibrant world of Yiddish theater; biographies of a famous astronomer and a famous tennis player; a story about a little girl and an owl, set on Christmas eve...
What is your advice for aspiring writers? Keep reading! And keep writing too: stories, poems, letters, diary/journal entries, even lists—whatever calls to you most.
What books did you read and love as a child? Among my favorite books were: Anne of Green Gables, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A Little Princess, The Best Loved Doll, and Understood Betsy. All of those books took place in time periods well before my own. And I read them multiple times each, which was wonderful, like visiting with an old and beloved friend.
Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how)? These days, my favorite reading experience is curled up in my favorite armchair, with a blanket over my knees and my little Pomeranian, Dottie, snuggled next to me. Alas, Dottie can’t read, but she’s good company just the same.