Meet Your Mentors: Kathryn Erskine

Hello, Kathryn!

Kathryn Erskine is the author of National Book Award winner Mockingbird, Jane Addams Peace Award honor book Seeing Red, and other novels for young readers, including The Incredible Magic of Being and Lily’s Promise. She is also the author of picture books Mama Africa: How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope with her Song and All of Us. She is currently working on several books for children and adults.

Gearing up for our mentorship program and looking to learn more about our amazing faculty? Kathryn Erskine answered some of our fun questions to help you get to know a little bit more about her:

Your favorite book of all time?

To Kill a Mockingbird, although I have to say Demon Copperhead bowled me over.

Your favorite children's book?

I can only pick one?! I’ll go with a classic, Catherine, Called Birdy.

The book by your bed right now?

I have two towers about to topple, but the primary Middle Grade book is Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaide.

What is your go-to writing or editing snack? 

I don’t allow food in my office but I will go down to the kitchen for chocolate and nuts. Or chocolate-covered nuts.

You're the go-to mentor for …

Honest analysis (my legal training makes me hone in on everything), helping you get unstuck, loving your people (others call them characters).

Coffee or tea? 

Coffee. Lots.

Best movie or show you watched this summer? 

Lupin, a fun French detective show. You have to be OK with subtitles or speak French a lot better than I do.

Your secret talent?

Throwing together random ingredients to make a meal. Less useful: SET (a matching game).

What would you say to a writer considering our mentorship program? 

You know you’ll get quality assistance, but you may not know how fun it is and that the camaraderie and support are priceless!