Frequently Asked Questions You ask—Carole Marsh answers!
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 the fan club website!
Are Christina and Grant really your grandchildren? Do you have any other grandchildren?
Yes, Christina and Grant are my real grandchildren. I also have two other grandchildren who are future characters: Avery who is four and Ella who just turned one!
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, 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. Watch for my new Writing Tree products to help you write as I do!
How does it feel to be an author?
It feels great to be an author! Hard work, and I love it!
How do you pick the kids to be the characters in your books?
I pick the kid characters who apply on my carolemarshmysteries.com website or who write in. You can find entry forms in the back of most of my mystery books.
How many letters do you get every day?
I get lots of emails and letters each day.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I enjoy reading 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 or Grant or Christina
c/o Gallopade International
PO Box 2779
Peachtree City, GA 30269
