SR: 11. What writing resource book has been the most useful for you?
KM: Well, I have shelves of the most wonderful resource books that I often pull down and read for sheer enjoyment, but I'll have to be very prosaic and say my twin companions, the books I'd never want to be without are my huge American Heritage dictionary and a wonderful Roget's Thesaurus in dictionary form that I received for my birthday several years ago.
12.SR: How important is higher education when it comes to writing? How has your been a benefit to you?
KM: I think higher education is 'extremely' important,especially in this age of specialization and horrendous competition in almost every field you can think of. I do believe that some people are natural born writers. That said, I also believe that anyone can learn the technique and craft of how to write, but I don't think an MFA can teach you to BE a writer, that comes from some inner compulsion to actively express what one thinks. I believe that natural born writers have an insatiable curiosity about any and everything and I think they are simply incapable of giving up on themselves.
13.SR: Please finish this sentence: "Children's writers ....
KM: should never ever underestimate the intelligence and emotional depth of children. Don't write down to them. Children really do GET it. What they lack in life experience they more than make up for with their natural intuitive abilities. Just pull out all stops and give them your heart!
