Mrs.D's Interviews
"I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free." Mrs. D~
Interview by Simone Da’ Costa
How did you come up with the title of your children’s book, The Trees Have Hearts?
Mrs. D: Authors are often advised to write what they know best. When a child moves away from familiar surroundings, it takes time to adapt to a new environment, especially when there is a language barrier involved. After arriving in the USA, my daughters had a hard time finding friends. Often rejected by other children because they could not speak English, they felt lonely and sad.
We lived in an old house with three beautifully blooming trees growing in our front yard by the windows. My younger daughter found refuge in the old garden, where the three garden trees became her first imaginary friends. One day, watching my daughter playing in the garden, I heard her talking …..
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Interview by Alex Cord
How would you describe your books? Do you write in more than one genre? What are they?
Mrs. D: When I write, I never think into what genre my story will fit. A good story always finds its place and reader. I often mix realistic fiction with modern fantasies. I think these two styles describe my books best. I twist true events with unrealistic characters, which teach children to conquer problems, build self-esteem, and overcome challenges in their lives. They also show young readers the beauty and power of nature and help them learn about the true meaning of friendship and family. It also helps them better connect to the surrounding world and care for our younger friends, the animals. I do not think that mixing two genres confuses young readers. Children easily connect to imaginary characters and often see …..
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Interview by Nick Wale of Novel Ideas
How would you describe your writing style in two sentences?
Mrs. D: A mix of realistic fiction with modern fantasies. A twist of true events with unrealistic characters, which teach children to conquer problems, build self-esteem, and overcome challenges.
How long does it take for you to write a chapter?
Mrs. D: The illustrated children’s books are short, but the writing process is long and challenging. A children’s author must create a story that will make sense to a child and parent, and teach them something useful. There is no room in children’s books for extra explanations or expressing deep thoughts, as there is in adult books. Most of the stories are less than a thousand words. I usually break those rules and write longer stories. Children like the sound of printed words. Why deny them the language that stimulates their imagination? Of course, it depends on the child, age, and personality.
I like to write for both groups. It is much easier to write for adults than children. I rewrite my story until it makes perfect sense and carries a clear message to the young readers. Children are tricky….
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Interview by Nick Wale
Q) Good morning, Olga!
Good morning!
Q) How do you find “inspiration” for your stories and, for those who can’t find it, where does it live?
Inspiration lives everywhere: in everyday life, nature, people, animals, books, art, and the past. I am older now, and I have a storehouse of memories. Sometimes it is hard to go back in time and recall everything, but once I’ve pushed my “refresh button,” there is no way out. My inspiration tortures me until I convert my memories into a story.
Q) What really inspires you as a writer?
Countless little things can inspire a writer to write a great story. Inspiration is a fantastic feeling, and a good writer knows how to bring it to readers. I think life experiences provide the most interesting inspirations. The older I get, the more things ….
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Interview by JJSpina
Please tell us something about yourself.
Mrs. D: My name is Olga D’Agostino (known as Mrs. D). I am an award-winning children’s author (recipient of multiple Mom’s Choice Awards, Beverly Hills Book Awards, and InternationalReaders’ Favorite Awards). I lived and worked in Lviv, a cultural center in western Ukraine, before immigrating to the United Statesin 1992. In 2012 I published my first children’s book, and since then I’ve pursued a career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. I speak a few languages, love reading, writing, gardening, and traveling.
My award-winning illustrated children’s books include The Trees Have Hearts, Good Morning, World!, The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Runaway Clothes, The Royal Palm, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill and Taste of Bread.
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Interview by Kathy Ree
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