Q & A with Carole Marsh
What is your favorite color? Red, red, red!
Which mystery is your favorite book? My favorite book is usually the one that I am working on—especially when I am finally finished!
How long does it take you to write a book? It varies. It only took me one week to write The Awesome Aquarium Mystery because I was so excited about it!
Where do you get your ideas for places to write a new mystery? I pick places based on reader, teacher, and librarian suggestions, and also places that I visit and find fascinating. I especially like ideas that kids send me on carolemarshmysteryclub.com
Do you have grandchildren? Yes, Christina, Grant, Avery, and Ella are my real grandchildren.
What inspired you to become a writer? Getting my first library card was the first big event in my life. I loved reading all kinds of books—fiction and non-fiction for adults! I'll even read a soup can or cereal box if that's all I can find!
Why do you always put the first chapter of the next book in your books? When I finish one book, I am always excited about the next one too and I want to share that with you!
Do the characters get to travel to where the mystery takes place? Grant, Christina, Avery, Ella, Papa and I love to take trips any chance we can!
Can you offer any writing tips to kids who want to become writers?
- Learning to write a single word or sentence or paragraph really, really well (meaning, like WOW!) is the key to learning to write well—then you can apply these skills to a larger assignment.
- Always have an audience and a goal; write what you want them to do.
- Practice on everything you write, even a "Thank You" note or an excuse note to be absent from school.
How do you pick the kids to be the characters in your books? I often pick kid characters from contests on carolemarshmysteryclub.com or from kids who write letters. Write to me, you just never know what might happen.
What kind of books do you like to read? I enjoy all kinds of books—both fiction and non-fiction, especially history, current events, mysteries, and humor.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love to spend time with my family and travel, especially in my little red convertible! I also love to read, play golf and tennis, swim, exercise, go to the symphony and plays, and anything else fun. But I really love to work and create new ideas for products then help them get produced.
Can I write to you and Grant and Christina? Yes, we all love hearing from you.
Carole Marsh
c/o Gallopade International
PO Box 2779
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Or via email: chrisa@gallopade.com