I’m very excited about to getting to know author Sandy Carlson today. Sandy is a teacher and author of children’s books, but – even more exciting than this! – Sandy’s website states:
I have climbed mountains, swum in oceans, and run down sand dunes. I’ve outrun wildfires, hid in a basement from a tornado, cleaned debris from a hurricane, outwalked the incoming tide at Fundy Bay, and survived our house getting smashed by 100 year old trees. I’ve ridden horses, been on cattle round-ups, avoided stepping on rattlesnakes, charged by a wild boar, cleaned oil off of turtles from the largest inland oil spill in USA history, and know how to put a worm on a fish hook
Wow! All great experiences for a writer of children’s stories!
Thank you for having me on your blog today, Helena.
Good to meet you, too, Sandy!
Where do you live, Sandy? Presently, I live in Battle Creek, MI, Cereal Capital of the World. But I have also lived in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, western South Dakota, and Western New York.
I love US place names. Battle Creek has such a romantic ring to it!
Where is your favourite place in the world? Algonquin Provisional Park, Ontario. Spending one week camping there each year as our boys grew up was worth whatever the other 51 weeks of the year threw at us. The wilderness. The colors. The animals. The waters. <Ahh.>
That sounds so romantic, too.
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? I’ve had dozens of different jobs with pros and cons to each. However, there were a couple I remember dreading going to each morning, both had to do with monstrous, irrational bosses. <shiver>
They are definitely the worst sort of job
What book do you wish you’d written? I could answer this differently every decade, but for now I’d say THE PRINCESS ACCADAMY by Sharon Hale. Besides great writing, it has magical natural elements to it.
I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard lots of people say how much they loved it
What’s your favorite song? I love music, and in each story I write, there is always a musical element. That said, trying to pick a favorite…it changes all the time with 10,000 reasons why.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you have to say to them? C.S. Lewis. And I wouldn’t say a word. I’d just sit and listen.
What’s your happiest childhood memory? My happiest childhood memory is of my maternal grandmother laughing with me.
That’s such a lovely memory :)
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? There is no one who comes near to my husband. So if not him, then I’d be celibate.
Another romantic answer. Love it!
What mythological creature would you like to encounter? The Mers: mermaids, mermen, merchildren.
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? I’ve realized that our time is limited. So, choose your battles; make peace whenever possible; and don’t be afraid of failures.
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website
My latest book is WAR UNICORN, by S.L. Carlson, is the story of a 14-year-old boy and a rude ancient war unicorn. His task is to return the spell-bound unicorn to the king – a simple 3-day trip, which ends up taking weeks, not to mention war!
Sandy’s blog and website can be found at www.sandycarlson.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/sandycarl
Twitter: @sandycarl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorsandycarl/
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That sounds a tremendous read, Sandy! And I LOVE the dramatic cover. Thanks so much for coming by today. It’s been great getting to know you.
If you’ve enjoyed Sandy’s interview, or have any questions or comments at all, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
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