I’d say it’s that I’ve ridden an ostrich but I’ve used that answer so much I’m afraid everyone knows it by now. Hmm. How about, I majored in chemistry in college, worked more than 4 years as a research chemist, and have my name on two U.S. Patents and one European Patent?
2. What is your nickname?
Kim.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Heights—I hate bridges.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Nicely bare-boned. That’s three, the essence of bare-boned.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Persistent, truthful, curious, empathetic, storyteller.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
My own books: Susan Smith. Someone else’s books: Hermione Granger.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would like to witness the crucifixion of Christ first-hand. How cool would that be? Especially knowing all that happened afterwards.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Hooray! You made it—and with horses!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
In day-to-day life, probably my husband. He loves me entirely and always encourages me to grow.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve always written. I’ve always told stories in my head. I was born this way. That said, Patricia MacLachlan and Jane Yolen were tremendous early mentors to my writing career, and I’ll always be grateful to them.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Colourway—spelled the British way. I don’t know why, I just love that word.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Yikes, not fair. One book? I read out of more than one book on any given day. I’d have to go with something by Jane Austen—maybe Mansfield Park. I’m one of the few people I’ve ever known to rank that as my favorite Jane Austen novel.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is an American author of historical fiction for children and teens. Her books include Jefferson's Sons, For Freedom, and the Newberry Honor book The War that Saved My Life, published in Australian by Text Publishing. Visit Kimberly's website for more information about her books and creative projects.