Member Spotlight: Ruth Spiro

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? I write for children because they represent our future. There are so many surprising, interesting things in the world around us and I love helping little ones discover that magic. Inspiring wonder and curiosity through my books is my way of helping children explore their talents and interests.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? I think the key to writer’s block is to step away and do something else. I may take a walk, flip through old magazines, call a friend, or even watch some cartoons on television. Once I clear my head, I’m usually ready to write!

What is your favorite time to write? I’m usually at my most productive beginning mid-morning. I’m not an early morning person! I have my coffee, walk and feed my dog, check emails, and then get to work.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Writing is a solitary activity, so it’s important to get out and connect with people when you can. Attend events for other authors at bookstores, join a writing/critique group, build a community for yourself. And celebrate your community’s successes as you would your own.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? When my first book came out in 2008, social media was just beginning to gain traction. I had to actually send invitations to my book launch party in the mail. We didn’t have Zoom or Instagram Live, so if I wanted to share my books with schools it had to be in person. I love that I can connect with educators and students around the world so conveniently. Of course, there are negative aspects too, but in my experience the benefits are far greater.

Ruth Spiro’s How to Explain Coding to a Grown-up, illustrated by Teresa Martinez, is out now with Charlesbridge.