Q&A:

Catherine Ipci---who????: I'm Catherine Ipcizade (Ip-
chi-zah-deh). Try saying that three times fast!

When did you start writing?: I wrote my first poem at
the age of 8. My grandma saw it and immediately
called the newspapers. "A star is born!" she
exclaimed. Grandma wasn't exactly right, but her
belief in me inspired me to keep writing.

What do you write about?: I write everything from
children's books to greeting cards to magazine
articles-- and I edit them all, too! But I enjoy writing
for kids the most.

Do you like fiction or non-fiction best?: Depends on
my mood--non-fiction can be surprisingly funny. For
instance, did YOU know that giraffes have tongues
as long as your arms? It's true. And do you know
why their tongues are slimy and blue? To protect
them from sunburn, of course!

What is your favorite book?: Oh, I could never
choose just one! As a child, I loved A Wrinkle in
Time, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and just about
everything by Judy Blume. I can still picture where
these books, along with a picture book called
Serendipity, a teeny tiny book about leprechauns,
and a biography on Harriet Tubman are located at my
elementary school library! Now, as a grown-up, I still
like books for kids and teens best, but I also adore
books my Patricia McCormick (especially Sold), The
Time Traveller's Wife, Tales from the Bed (a memoir
about living with ALS), Cane River, The House of
Sand and Fog, poetry by Robert Frost and Galway
Kinnel, anything by Shakespeare and Louisa May
Alcott, and Jane Austen novels.

What's interesting about you?: Hmmm...let me think.
  • I'm a twin--that's pretty interesting!
  • And I'm terribly afraid of bees, even though it's
    ridiculous and YOU should never be afraid of
    bees.
  • Let's see...when I was a kid, I used to hide under
    my covers and read with a flashlight at night.
    Sometimes, when I didn't have a book, I'd read
    the hardware catalogue from the Sunday
    newspaper. THAT'S how much I love to read.
  • I wanted to join the Peace Corps when I was in
    college.
  • I secretly wish I was a Broadway star.
  • I buy shoes, then I never wear them because they
    hurt my feet.

What are yo working on now?: I'm so glad you
asked! I just finished a super-fun picture book and
I'm working on a novel-in-verse for middle
grade/young adult readers.

How old are you?: Wouldn't you like to know!


About Me