Good writing is a skillful art where every word justifies its worthy place by magically touching reader’s heart and mind. There is no proven formula for becoming a successful writer. However, one of the crucial ingredients is the writer ability to invite the reader in writer’s imaginary world. Jeanne’s dyslexia helped her to pay more attention to her surroundings and by observing and understanding how the surroundings affected other people feel, she has never failed to captivate her reader’s mind. Jeanne has written numerous fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, ‘tweens, and young adults including the Pony Pal series and More than Meets the Eye. She has also written original scripts for ABC’s After School Specials and for The Baby-sitters Club stories which aired on HBO. She has numerous achievements and recognitions including a Lifetime Achievement Award at Hamilton School at Wheeler, multiple Emmy nominations, National Psychology Award for Excellence in the Media, Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children and many more.

How did you get the idea for the “Pony Pals series”?J: I was asked by my editor at Scholastic to come up with books about girls and their ponies. But then I had to come up with the girls, their ponies, and ideas for the Pony Pals’ adventures. I am inspired from reading about ponies and horses, visiting horse farms, and talking to young riders. I also get ideas from my own experiences. For example, my dog Willie was lost and I went searching for him in the woods. I used that experience in Pony Pals #27: THE PONY AND THE MISSING DOG. I have never seen the birth of a foal, but I did watch the birth of a calf. That experience helped me write Pony Pals #28: THE NEWBORN PONY. For each Pony Pal story I had to make a lot of decisions. What will the Pony Pal Problem be? How will the Pony Pals solve it? First, I wrote the story in an outline. When I was happy with the outline, I wrote the book chapter by chapter. I edited each chapter a few times before I went on to the next chapter. The Pony Pals would not be very good if I did not do a lot of re-writing. There are 38 Pony Pal books and 6 Super Specials. The Pony Pals started with #1: I WANT A PONY and ended with Super Special #6: THE LAST PONY RID

How has dyslexia helped you as a writer? What is the best compliment you have received from a fan?J: Because of dyslexia I hear every word in my head when I read. I also like people and pay attention to their words and feelings. That helps me write good dialogue. The best compliment I get is when I learn that a reader has been led into reading through the Pony Pals.

How do you usually get ideas for writing a book?J: See answer to first question.

Which do you prefer, country life or city life and why? Do you want to share any fun moment from your childhood days?J: I love both. But I especially love all the art related things I do in New York City. I am lucky to have both in my life.
I had fun going to summer camp. I loved sleep away camp.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to you heart and why?J: I value each of them for the unique reason I was given the award. I particularly delighted to receive a life time achievement award from The Hamilton School at Wheeler.

Who is your favorite writer?J: Too many for me to be specific.

What are your other hobbies?J:  I am a tap dancer and artist.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?J: I like to visit Oaxaca, Mexico.I have been there six times.
I like the Mexican culture in this part of Mexico. I love the art scene there, which includes a lot of printmaking and I am a printmaker. The food is fabulous and the people native to this part of Mexico love color. There clothes, food, homes are very colorful.

Any advice to special kids who are interested in becoming a writer?J: Just keep writing. Listen to your own writing. Edit, edit, edit. And share your writing.