Interview with Lynn Montgomery

Let’s get some of the typical interview questions out of the way first. When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?

I have been a writer since I was 6 years old and wrote the Stinko-pottamus!

Can you tell us a little bit about your road to publishing?

I have about 10 children’s book that I have written over the years. My background is in television and I have written many hours of children’s and family TV. But I always knew I wanted to publish my children’s books as well. So when I left TV I knew it was time to turn my attention to my books. I started my own publishing company called, ZuZu Petals Books. My first book is BUTT UGLY and I just learned last week that it won a national writing award, called The Eric Hoffer award for best children’s books. http://www.hofferaward.com/

Tell us a little bit about either your latest or upcoming release. If you could only tell your readers one thing about the story that had to convince us to buy the book, what would it be?

BUTT UGLY is a picture book about the runt of the litter that needs a home. There are 6-8 million unwanted dogs brought to shelters every year. BUTT UGLY thinks he is unlovable. And the story is also
about all of us – about our own BUTT UGLY days when we feel all alone.

What, or who, has been the greatest inspiration for your stories?

Of course, my parents, who always made books available. My mom is an avid reader and my dad is a musician. I used to love to sit at his knee and listen to the jam sessions in our house. I loved the sad songs because the stories were always so intense.

Let’s hear about your family, who I’m sure are thrilled to have a published author among them!

I am married to Richard who is far more famous than I am. (I hope he doesn’t read this because I don’t want that to go to his head!) Last week I was at the bank having a serious conversation about the state of the economy with the Vice President of the bank. When he realized who my husband is he got all googly eyed. Why? Because the banker is a serious video gamer and that is what my husband does – he is the Art Director for Call of Duty. Richard did all the Art Direction for BUTT UGLY. I told him that was his penance to pay for making video games and taking kids away from books. In fact, he will art direct all my picture books which is great because if I wasn’t married to him I never would be able to afford him!!

Now for some fun facts. What’s your greatest comfort food?

Anything spicy. Here in Santa Barbara, we call it mouth surfing, you know when you eat something so spicy that you get this wave after wave of heat.

What are the first three things you do when you wake up in the morning?

1. turn off the alarm.
2. Look outside.
3. kiss my children (I would kiss my husband, but he is in Los Angeles all week, but if it is the weekend – I kiss him first.)

If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most?

Too much stuff! The house is usually nice and clean but don’t look in the closets!!!!

Everyone asks the question about “if you could be a tree, which tree would you be?” so I want to know: If you could be a color, which color would it be, and why?

Green. I have always loved Green. And now Green stands for a whole movement to be a conscientious person and care for the planet. So I love Green more than ever.

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

Sponge Bob

Which cartoon character is most like you?

Wilma Flintstone

If you could beam yourself to anywhere in the world (“Beam me up, Scotty!”), during any time in history, where and when would it be—and why?

The day in the future when we make contact with intelligent life form from another planet. But if it has to be history, I would like to hang out with Benjamin Franklin in Paris because he was so cool. And of course, any chance to go to Paris – I am there!

So what’s your favorite type of music to listen to? Favorite musical artists? Do you listen to music while you’re writing?

I like singer/songwriters from Austin, Texas. I subscribe to a concert series here in Santa Barbara. It is called Sings Like Hell. It is the best music nobody ever heard. Last year I heard Bret Dennen there. He is my current favorite. I also love Leonard Cohen and Antony and the Johnsons. And the Po Girls rock! I sometime listen while I write, but I find that I really need quiet to concentrate on writing. I envy those writers who can have the music blasting while they work. But that is not me.

Do you have any favorite T.V. shows? Movies you watch over and over again? What was the last movie you saw at the theater?

My husband watches True Blood, so I am going to catch up on last season and get ready for the new season. I only saw it a couple of times, but it is amazing TV. I love It’s a Wonderful Life. That is where the name ZUZU PETALS comes from. Remember the scene where the Jimmy Stewart character finds his little girl’s rose petals in his pocket? That is the moment he realizes that he really had been alive and life is worth living after all because he had made a difference in people’s lives.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?

Be smart with life and with drugs and being around boys late at night. (This advice is brought to you by Hannah, my 11 year old who just typed it.) I think it is great advice. I would just add – love life and really enjoy your time. I know it is a cliché, but hey – you are only young once – so dance like know one is looking!!!

One last question. What stories can we look forward to from you in the future?

BUTT UGLY LOVE and COOP COOPER AND THE ZOMBIES OF MONTE VERDE and HANNAH SMASHED BANANA

Again, thanks so much for joining us at TeensReadToo.com!