What comes to you first when writing a story?  Where do you get your ideas?

"Sometimes the title jumps in my head first but often it’s a real life situation that gives me inspiration to write a story."

How long does it take to write a book?

"I have written books in a matter of days and then there are those that have been bouncing around in my head for years." 

Do you work alone or with other people in the writing business?

"I am fortunate to work with some of the best in the business.  I really like working with others so that I have a range of input not to mention a lot of fun.  My publisher is Phil Vera, www.edgepublishingcompany.com  my illustrators are Ryan & Audrey Durney, www.ryandurney.com  my editor and formatter is Amanda Clark, www.grammarchic.net  my graphic and web designer is Sadie E. Nezich, snezich@comcast.net  and my promotional director is Allison Macaluso, allison.macaluso@yahoo.com." .

Who are your favorite children's book authors? 

"Wow, I could write a book on my favorites, that’s tough to narrow down but I’ll try!  Eric Carle, Barbara Park, Audrey Penn and Margaret Wise Brown."

What are your favorite children's books?  Why?

"Books that are tucked away in my heart from great reading moments with my children are probably my favorites.  Their titles are vast and diverse so it would be difficult to name them all but  just a few of them are:  Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr., The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn,  Go Dog Go and Are you my mother?  by P.D. Eastman, and any of the Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park."

What is your favorite color?

"CLEMSON TIGER ORANGE!!!"

Do you have kids?  Do you have pets?  What are they like?

"We have 3 children Will, Luke and Carly.  They are my world and sometimes great catalysts for a story.  We also have 4 children in permanent little fur suits named Bubba, Dixie, Chip and Lilly.  They keep me busy, cooking, driving, cheering, dreaming and laughing."

What are your hobbies besides writing?

"I enjoy digging in the dirt, traveling, boating and spending time with happy people."

What made you want to be a children's book author?

"At an early age, I knew that I wanted to work with children and then eventually become a children’s author. I think my passion for writing and also reading to children and seeing their eyes sparkle has driven me to obtain the goal of author."

Would you be open to visiting schools, stores, or other places in order to read to kids?

"Absolutely! Anytime!"

Where can I buy your books?

"Currently books are available at my personal appearances and online at: www.zimmerauthorworks.com ."