Five Irrelevant Questions for David Gardner

David Gardner, or as I like to call him, Mr. Awesome.
David Gardner, or as I like to call him, Mr. Awesome.

Thanksgiving is upon us, so I thought it would be fun to interview the wonderful illustrator of Sarah Gives Thanks, David Gardner!

This plan’s only snag is that I had already interviewed him last year.

So instead of asking David about the book or his profession, I thought I’d come up with questions that had nothing to do with anything. Enjoy!

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You have 30 minutes to prepare for the coming zombie apocalypse. How would you use this time?

I’d start by saying the Serenity Prayer repeatedly. Once I accepted the idea that this was one of those “things I cannot change,” I’d look around and see what I was leaving undone. (Unlike Brad Pitt, I’m not prone to feel I have much power to overcome a bunch of zombies.)

I’d realize that 30 minutes isn’t long enough to finish revising my Great American Novel, so I’d call my sisters and my friends and tell them I love them. I’d hug my partner and our dogs close and tell them I love them, too. Then I’d insist we watch the Chuckles the Clown’s funeral episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show for the last time. It’s best to go out laughing.

zombies

You are given the chance to yell at any historical figure. Who would you choose and what would you say?

Millard Fillmore. I’d shout, “What are you, crazy?! Would it kill you to listen to that nice Mrs. Hale and declare Thanksgiving a national holiday? What have you got to lose? Nobody’s gonna remember your presidency, anyway.”

My gal.

Which extinct animal would you keep as a pet?

Saber-toothed tiger. That should protect me against the coming zombie apocalypse.

But – could I get somebody else to clean the litter box? Is Wilma Flintstone included in this deal?

If you could have a small speaking part (one to three lines) in any motion picture, which movie and role would you select?

The Butler. I’d be great playing Oprah’s white love child. I’d even let her slap me.

God grants you a one-question interview. Which mystery of the universe would you solve?

I’d want to know: Is life really a big classroom? Are we here to learn and evolve into more loving men and women, or are we here to just enjoy life?

I’m guessing this would happen after the zombie thing, so hopefully I won’t regret the half-hour I spent watching Chuckles the Clown.

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Now it’s your turn! Leave me an answer to any one of these questions in the comment section! I do so love your comments.

And happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Win My Book! Woo!

November 28th is just around the corner! That means I gotta get out there and plug my book!

This is it!
This is it!

SARAH GIVES THANKS is a picture book biography about Sarah Josepha Hale, the celebrated magazine editress who, in the mid-19th century, led a grassroots movement to turn Thanksgiving into a national holiday. You can learn a bit more about my book and read the reviews here.

Wanna win a free copy? You DO? Awesome!

But you’re in the wrong place.

Head on over to Vanessa Chapman’s blog. She interviewed me last week (and, as you’ll see, took a few liberties with Photoshop). Leave a comment on or before November 6, and you will be entered in a random drawing to win your very own copy of SARAH!

Can I hear a WOO?

By the way, while there, you might want to follow Vanessa’s blog. Vanessa is one of the best bloggers I know.

GOOD LUCK!

She's the boss.

Oh, and if you’re one of those people who never wins any contests, you can always just buy a copy of SARAH GIVES THANKS. By doing so, you can put some loose change into a writer’s pocket. Wouldn’t that be a nice thing to do?

Answer: Yes, yes it would.

Attention, Canadians!

Thanksgiving is Monday! Have you gotten a gift for the kiddies?

You have? Really?

Well, you should consider getting another one. Canadian children are just so friendly and polite. They deserve a second gift, really.

And I have a recommendation:

Sarah Gives Thanks cover

You can buy it here.

No need to thank me. I’m just happy I could help.

Have a great holiday, my friends!