Q and A
Q: What inspired you to write Trudy?
JLA: I read a short story that featured an older woman who thought she had cancer but was pregnant. Different
scenarios played through my mind, especially thoughts about what life would be like for that child growing up. Ideas
formed – Trudy’s character and voice began to take shape. The story is a combination of my experiences, my family,
and the many great kids I’ve had the chance to work with.
Q: When did you first start writing?
JLA: I’ve always loved writing. When I was about 8 my parents got me a writing program for our Commodore 64. I
learned all the keys on the keyboard so that I could touch them and make the words come to life on the screen.
(Those words are blackmail tools now.) I was so determined to write that I went to Hollins University to study what I’m
so passionate about – children’s literature.
Q: Why are you drawn to writing children’s books?
JLA: Children’s books shaped my life as I was growing up and are some of my favorites to read, even as an adult. I
suppose I can still relate to the changes and challenges of childhood.
Q: Is Trudy your first book?
JLA: Trudy is my first published novel, although I’ve sold and published craft articles to Wee Ones Magazine and
Highlights for Children. “Miracle on Stone Street,” a short Christmas story, was published in an anthology called
Mistletoe Madness. I currently have two novels that are in the revision process, as well as another in the making.
Some projects will rest in peace in a desk drawer.
Q: What is your writing process like?
JLA: Lately, the writing process is sporadic. I write when and where the opportunity strikes. I admit to being a napkin
writer - actually I’ll write on whatever is available. I’ve been known to write plot ideas and dialogue on the back of a
receipt. It’s always interesting for me to piece those scraps together when I am in the typing stage. My writing is
usually more prolific after midnight when I am working heavily on a project. If I am deep into the writing process, I’ve
been known to ignore all else around me. Also, the characters become so real for me that often I take that for granted
and have to work on conveying enough details. The funny part, crazy I suppose, is that I actually become emotionally
involved in a story. I’ve gotten mad at characters before, and in one scene I wrote I could feel myself come close to
crying.
Q: Do you have a favorite place to write?
JLA: I sit on the couch with my notes spread all around me. Buster, my dog, will sleep near my side and place his
head in my lap. If I’m typing on my laptop, he’ll often rest his head on my keyboard.
Q: Trudy seems interested in names. Why did you decide to call your main character Trudy?
JLA: Gertrude came to mind immediately as it seemed an “older name” – one that would cause some conflict for my
character. Both Gertrude and the shortened Trudy seemed right. I could hear Ma’s voice saying her name.
Q: What is your favorite part in Trudy?
JLA: “Dancing Lessons and Oatmeal” is my favorite scene. The scene was inspired by an actual oatmeal fight I had
with my husband. I love Pop’s spontaneity, as well as Trudy and Ma’s reaction. I also love the outcome - Pop promises
to teach his daughter to dance.
Q: Will there be a sequel to Trudy?
JLA: I still think about what happens next for Trudy. I’ve written two vignettes to follow up on her life, though I’m not
sure if a sequel is in order.
Q: Alzheimer’s is central to the storyline. Have you had personal experience with the disease?
JLA: My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Watching her lose independence has been a painful process.
The book is dedicated to her and also to my grandfather, who has taken care of her so lovingly and generously.
Writing Trudy was a way for me to release the grief of my grandmother’s illness, but also a way to share the
experience. Many of the things Pop says or does are based on some of the things my grandmother experienced, but
much of it has been fictionalized.
Q: What advice do you have for people with relatives who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
JLA: Express both love and patience. Though understated, I think this is important to remember during difficult times.
Q: Do you have a favorite author?
JLA: This is like asking if I have a favorite color. When I was younger, I’d answer “rainbow” because I couldn’t choose
just one. The first novel my mother read to me was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. That book has always stuck
with me, as has the character of Jo. Some of my favorite authors include (but in no way can be limited to): Mildred
Taylor, Han Nolan, S.E. Hinton, Karen Hesse, Judy Blume, Avi, Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Jean Craighead
George…the rainbow could continue on.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
JLA: Some of the most important things are reading, researching, and revising. Above all, though, reading is one of
the best ways to learn the craft of writing.
JLA: I read a short story that featured an older woman who thought she had cancer but was pregnant. Different
scenarios played through my mind, especially thoughts about what life would be like for that child growing up. Ideas
formed – Trudy’s character and voice began to take shape. The story is a combination of my experiences, my family,
and the many great kids I’ve had the chance to work with.
Q: When did you first start writing?
JLA: I’ve always loved writing. When I was about 8 my parents got me a writing program for our Commodore 64. I
learned all the keys on the keyboard so that I could touch them and make the words come to life on the screen.
(Those words are blackmail tools now.) I was so determined to write that I went to Hollins University to study what I’m
so passionate about – children’s literature.
Q: Why are you drawn to writing children’s books?
JLA: Children’s books shaped my life as I was growing up and are some of my favorites to read, even as an adult. I
suppose I can still relate to the changes and challenges of childhood.
Q: Is Trudy your first book?
JLA: Trudy is my first published novel, although I’ve sold and published craft articles to Wee Ones Magazine and
Highlights for Children. “Miracle on Stone Street,” a short Christmas story, was published in an anthology called
Mistletoe Madness. I currently have two novels that are in the revision process, as well as another in the making.
Some projects will rest in peace in a desk drawer.
Q: What is your writing process like?
JLA: Lately, the writing process is sporadic. I write when and where the opportunity strikes. I admit to being a napkin
writer - actually I’ll write on whatever is available. I’ve been known to write plot ideas and dialogue on the back of a
receipt. It’s always interesting for me to piece those scraps together when I am in the typing stage. My writing is
usually more prolific after midnight when I am working heavily on a project. If I am deep into the writing process, I’ve
been known to ignore all else around me. Also, the characters become so real for me that often I take that for granted
and have to work on conveying enough details. The funny part, crazy I suppose, is that I actually become emotionally
involved in a story. I’ve gotten mad at characters before, and in one scene I wrote I could feel myself come close to
crying.
Q: Do you have a favorite place to write?
JLA: I sit on the couch with my notes spread all around me. Buster, my dog, will sleep near my side and place his
head in my lap. If I’m typing on my laptop, he’ll often rest his head on my keyboard.
Q: Trudy seems interested in names. Why did you decide to call your main character Trudy?
JLA: Gertrude came to mind immediately as it seemed an “older name” – one that would cause some conflict for my
character. Both Gertrude and the shortened Trudy seemed right. I could hear Ma’s voice saying her name.
Q: What is your favorite part in Trudy?
JLA: “Dancing Lessons and Oatmeal” is my favorite scene. The scene was inspired by an actual oatmeal fight I had
with my husband. I love Pop’s spontaneity, as well as Trudy and Ma’s reaction. I also love the outcome - Pop promises
to teach his daughter to dance.
Q: Will there be a sequel to Trudy?
JLA: I still think about what happens next for Trudy. I’ve written two vignettes to follow up on her life, though I’m not
sure if a sequel is in order.
Q: Alzheimer’s is central to the storyline. Have you had personal experience with the disease?
JLA: My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Watching her lose independence has been a painful process.
The book is dedicated to her and also to my grandfather, who has taken care of her so lovingly and generously.
Writing Trudy was a way for me to release the grief of my grandmother’s illness, but also a way to share the
experience. Many of the things Pop says or does are based on some of the things my grandmother experienced, but
much of it has been fictionalized.
Q: What advice do you have for people with relatives who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
JLA: Express both love and patience. Though understated, I think this is important to remember during difficult times.
Q: Do you have a favorite author?
JLA: This is like asking if I have a favorite color. When I was younger, I’d answer “rainbow” because I couldn’t choose
just one. The first novel my mother read to me was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. That book has always stuck
with me, as has the character of Jo. Some of my favorite authors include (but in no way can be limited to): Mildred
Taylor, Han Nolan, S.E. Hinton, Karen Hesse, Judy Blume, Avi, Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Jean Craighead
George…the rainbow could continue on.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
JLA: Some of the most important things are reading, researching, and revising. Above all, though, reading is one of
the best ways to learn the craft of writing.
Trudy is dedicated to my Nana and
Papa, featured in this picture.
Papa, featured in this picture.