Jan is Jan Fields, moderator of this interview with Joanne Mattern, and Web Editor of the ICL Web Site. Green shows names or usernames of people and the questions they asked Joanne.

Jan: Okay...it's showtime!! Welcome to our guest chat with Joanne Mattern, a writing wonder...with over 200 books in print. I'm so glad you could join us, Joanne!

Joanne: It's great to be here, Jan! Hi, everyone!

Jan: : So, Joanne, what books do you have coming out...I know you always have something in the works.

Joanne: Right now I'm writing a series of readers for Houghton Mifflin. That includes two biographies--Coretta Scott King and Isadora Duncan. I also just signed a contract to write a bio of The Who for Enslow.

Jan: Oh, the Who...okay, now I'm in awe...what other profession lets us research The Who and call it work?

Joanne: I know--isn't it great?! I just finished some sports bios for Mitchell Lane--baseball players this time.

Jan: Do you like sports?

Joanne: I love baseball and I like football and the Olympics. My husband is a big sports fan, so that makes it more interesting for me.

Jan: So, what's your favorite part, the research or the writing...well, assume we can't count cashing the check.

Joanne: This may surprise some people, but I actually like the writing the best. I really like seeing the story come together on the page.

Jan: Hey, that's really interesting...not my first guess.

Joanne: I figured as much! I do like research too--it's great to read books and surf the Internet for a living!

Jan: How much time do you usually have to spend in revision after you've done the writing?

Joanne: It depends. Usually, I don't have to do anything major, so it might just be a day or two to make changes... However, if I'm writing about living people, I might have to rewrite or add material at the last minute. Publishers want their books to be as up to date as possible when they're published. I've had some bad experiences with that!

Jan: Do you ever have to contact them after you've sent the manuscripts and say, Hey you have to add this!!

Joanne: Yes! But usually the editor is right on top of things and will get in touch with me if something happens that HAS to be included.

Jan: I had never thought about that...living people can be pestersome that way!

Joanne: You bet! You can't believe how annoyed I was when Tom Cruise left his wife, right after I wrote a book describing what a great marriage they had.

Jan: Oh my, yeah, that would be an issue. Okay, folks are asking questions...better stop hogging the guest.

Joanne: Yes, I can't wait to hear what people are asking!

Joanne: Oh, yes! It's always been my favorite genre to read and to write. I'm very curious about things.

Joanne: Usually the subject is assigned to me by the publisher. Otherwise, I look for people who are interesting to me or have lives that I think kids would like to read about.

Jan: Hey, I have a question. What would you do if you have an explorer's autobiography and his biography and they tell two totally different stories of his childhood...the biography is the one quoted more...but it seems weird because the autobiography is older.

Joanne: Great question! Autobiographies are not always as reliable as you might think. People can and do manipulate the facts about their lives for a variety of reasons... I try to find at least two sources that agree on a fact before I accept it. Most publishers require this as well.

Joanne: The Internet is a godsend! Museum Websites are a big help, and so are research libraries and universities. You can also try to "think outside the box" and look for people with expertise in related subject areas.

Jan: Hey, can you walk us through a typical biography research...do you have places you usually start, any kind of "usual" progression?

Joanne: My first stop is the local library, where I look for biographies and other books about the person I'm going to write about. I also go on the Internet and do Web searches and look for magazine articles about the topic. Since I write about celebrities a lot, there are reliable Websites I know will have info, like team Websites and places like People.com.

Jan: If some kidlit biographies already exist about the person -- do you read them? And what do you gain from them?

Joanne: Yes, I ALWAYS read other kids' bios. Most publishers won't accept them as sources, but I find they are a good way to see the highlights of a person's life. Also, editors like authors to be aware of what's out there and to list juvenile bios in a "Further Reading" section in the book.

Jan: Do you ever groan when you read them? I was reading one about Matthew Henson and the illustrations were factually incorrect, I wondered if the author was horrified.

Joanne: She probably was--and she probably couldn't do a thing about it. She probably didn't even see the illustrations until the book was published.

Joanne: Not usually. Books, magazines, and primary sources are vital. Also, only reliable Internet sites are acceptable. No Wikipedia!

Jan: So, can you give us some tips on identifying a "reliable" Internet site?

Joanne: Museum Websites are usually good. Also anything ending in .edu, such as a university's site. Major news sources, such as bbc.com or cnn.com are also acceptable. What's NOT acceptable are fansites, blogs by fans, or anything that is clearly one person's opinions.

Jan: I think it's possible some of our transcript readers might also not know what "primary sources" are...can you define that and tell how you find them?

Joanne: I was waiting for that question! A primary source is something written by the person himself. Letters, speeches, diaries, stuff like that. These can usually be found in the library or on museum Websites.

Joanne: I'm ALWAYS working for more than one publisher at a time,and I'm ALWAYS looking for new publishers to write for. It's the only way to have enough work to suport myself!

Joanne: Great question, Hope! In a biography (or pretty much any nonfiction book), you can only flesh out the facts with other facts. You can't make up dialogue or situations or engage in "what ifs." If you do that sort of thing, you're writing historical fiction.

Jan: I have seen trade books that called themselves biographies that definitely made up dialogue. It was popular in kid biographies when I was a kid, which is probably a good reason to be sure to read recent biographies if you want to write them.

Joanne: That used to be acceptable--you see it all the time in older books. But nowadays, publishers won't accept it. You definitely need to read recent works to see what's acceptable today.

Joanne: Well, yes and no. You really need other sources to back up the story. Even facts about the time period or other real people in the story can help in this way. But you don't want to just accept one person's word as gospel and re-write his autobiography.

Jan: What's the main difference in writing a middle grade biography and a biography reader -- length, I would imagine, but is it more than that?

Joanne: Length definitely. Also, readers usually have strict word counts per page And they use certain vocabulary words and usually include a glossary.

Jan: Which do you find more challenging?

Joanne: Anyway, I like the structure of readers and have done enough that I'm very comfortable with them. However, middle-grade books let me include more info and some crazier stuff, so that's fun too!

Jan: So far, what have been some of your favorite biographies to write...and why?

Joanne: My favorite so far was probably Albert Pujols, a baseball player with the Cardinals. I was SO impressed with his attitude and the priorities in his life.

Jan: Very cool...now I know you've never met any of the celebs you write about but have you ever talked on the phone or emailed or anyting of any of them?

Joanne: Nope! Everything has been done through already published materials. I've also written about a lot of dead people! :-)

Jan: I wonder if they even know a biography is being made about them...seems like it would be flattering to think of kids reading about them. Well, not for the dead folks. They probably don't care much.

Joanne: I don't know--but I don't think they pay much attention to that sort of thing.

Jan: Yeah, poor jaded celebs.

Joanne: No. You can write about anyone who is a public figure without their permission.

Joanne: Amy, I don't use the FK Reading Ease feature, but I do use the regular FK reading level. I've found it's not always that accurate. I think a 9.5 level is okay for a 9th grade book. Don't obsess about this!

Jan: How much do you consider readability? Is it something you're aware of...when writing for middle grade (I know you have to be very aware for readers).

Joanne: For readers you have to be very aware and the publisher will usually give you exact levels you have to stick with. Otherwise, I just think about the age level I'm writing for and tailor my writing accordingly. I've written enough that this is pretty easy for me, but if you need more practice, it's a good idea to read other bios for the specific age level you're writing for. Ask your librarian!

Jan: At what point do you find the "launching point" for your biography? Do you always write it chronologically, or do you look for a good reader gripping event to begin with?

Joanne: What a great question! I like to start with a gripping event, and a lot of publishers specifically ask for this. I think it's important to let the reader know WHY he or she should take the time to read this book. You can have fun with this. I recently wrote a bio of TV stars Drake and Josh., Drake had been in a bad car accident, but I didn't start with that. Instead, I wrote about how Drake and Josh couldn't stand each other when they first met. I figured any kid could relate to that!

Jan: So, when you're researching...do you like have this huge...Eureka!! moment when you spot what's probably going to be the opening? Do you just know it...or does it take some pondering?

Joanne: Yes, absolutely! Well, maybe just a small "Eureka!"

Jan: How do you handle a person who has become a symbol? Someone who is maybe going to be hard to be honest about without torquing folks off?

Joanne: I had this problem when I wrote a bio of Princess Diana for DK. I admire her a lot, but I also realized that a lot of people don't like her, and most people have VERY strong feelings one way or the other. I made a point of being balanced and not just saying how wonderful she was. I included examples that showed both sides of the story whenever possible.

Jan: So we now know some of your contemporary bio subjects...what kinds of historical bios have you done...what people?

Joanne: Some explorers--Henry Hudson, Leif Ericson, and a few others. Famous women, including Coretta Scott King--twice!--and MLK too (also twice). Scientists, and--the weirdest one so far--a collective bio of psychics!

Jan: Oh wow, the psychics one sounds fun.

Joanne: It was a lot of work and that was one that was hard to be fair about. Do you assume that they were all 100 percent honest, or are you a skeptic? I had to include both viewpoints.

Jan: Living psychics?

Joanne: They were all deceased--the most recent one was Jeane Dixon--remember her?

Jan: Oh, yeah...my mom was a Jeane Dixon fan.

Jan: So, who wanted a biography of psychics...this just struck me as such an odd topic. What publisher wanted that?

Joanne: It started out at Lucent Books, but then they cut the imprint and cancelled the book. Luckily, a publsher called Morgan Reynolds took it on.

Jan: Ahhh...that reminds me. What publishers have you worked with on biographies? I know there have been a lot.

Joanne: Oh gosh, loads of them! Lucent, Rosen, Enslow, Mitchell Lane, Troll, Scholastic, are the ones that come to mind.

Joanne: It was for ages 12 and up and was pretty high-level.

Joanne: Yes, although I usually start with a compelling event from the subject's life. Then I go back and start with childhood, growing up, and move into the adult life and what made the person well-known.

Joanne: The publisher gives you very specific guidelines to follow for readers.

Joanne: I would look for details about the world around the subject. Describe the place and time they lived in, what was going on in the world, what influences they had in life.

Joanne: Look at Websites for the different school publishers and check their submission guidelines. I also recommend networking. I'm part of a wonderful Yahoo Group called NF for Kids. [Note: You can learn more about Nonfiction for Kids at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NFforKids/] The members are very generous with sharing tips, advice, and leads to publishers who are looking for writers. Good luck!

Joanne: Many educational publishers assign topics and usually ask for a writing sample from new authors. Then they'll match you to a topic. Also, many educational publishers work in series. If you have an idea that fits into an existing series, by all means, ask if they're interested! The most important thing, though, is to check the publisher's guidelines AND FOLLOW THEM!

Joanne: Every publisher is looking for people who can write. Experience helps you become a better writer, but it doesn't mean a new writer can't break in.

Jan: When approaching a historical biography...how far afield of the person do you go in your research? How much do you feel like you need ot know about the times around him/her?

Joanne: It's very important to know the times, especially the attitudes of the day. Standards were different in the old days, and people might act or face choices we can't imagine today. On another level, knowing what it was like in that time will add flavor and authenticity to your writing. You don't have to include everything you've learned, but research will give you a good background. For example, Princess Diana's childhood was like nothing most of us had, and it was an important part of her personality.

Jan: When do you know you've done enough research? Is there a set pattern or does it happen when you just can't wait any longer to start writing or what?

Joanne: When I start finding the same facts over and over, I know it's time to move on to the writing.

Joanne: I wrote a biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, because they worked together, so it made sense. Also, the Drake and Josh bio included both of them.

Jan: Has researching one biography ever made you run into a different person and think, wow, I'd like to write that person's biography some day?

Joanne: Not directly, but I did have a nice thing happen. I wrote a bio of Joseph Murray, who performed the first organ transplant. He read the book and e-mailed me to say he liked it (Whew!) and then suggested I write about a friend of his, a chemist named Gertrude Elion. I did some research and found out she was really interesting! So I wrote the book and am presently shopping it around.

Jan: I know you mostly work with educational publishers and they get the idea and look for writers -- but are any of your biographies launched by you? Did you propose some and if so which ones?

Joanne: The Gertrude Elion book was one that came from me. Most of the others have been assigned, though.

Jan: Have you ever turned one down?

Joanne: Yes. I was offered bios of Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, but I'm just not interested in politics. The books were very long and I just knew I wasn't going to be interested enough to do all that research and writing. So I politely said no thanks.

Joanne: First, let me define middle-grade--it's roughly for ages 8-12. These run about 5,000-10,000 words. There's more text than a picture book, but they are illustrated with photos or drawings.

Jan: Now, I know that folks who work primarily with educational publishers don't need agents...but do you have one?

Joanne: No, I don't have an agent and never really felt the need for one.

Jan: Have you ever written for magazines or are you strictly a book maven?

Joanne: Only books and also an online database from Thomson Gale.

Jan: Anyone ever asked you when you're going to graduate to writing adult books? I always love that question.

Joanne: That is the classic question! I just tell people that I'm very happy with children's lit, thank you very much.

Jan: Now, you don't have a website...why don't you have a website? How can I wile away time on the websites of all the writers I like if some don't have one?

Joanne: It's embarrassing, I know! :-( The only reason I don't have a Website is I don't have time to even think of putting one together!

Jan: With 200+ books, you are a writing machine...but do you ever take a moment and do school visits and other writerly things?

Joanne: I've done a few school visits, mostly local, but I did go to Florida twice--a nice trip from here in New York! Believe it or not, I also work part-time in a library and have a husband and four young children! So you can see why I haven't gotten around to a Website!

Jan: Superwriterwoman!

Joanne: I need a cape and a costume! :-D

Jan: Do you work on more than one book at a time?

Joanne: Always! I am never caught up.

Jan: What do you do with all your author copies of your books? With 200+ books, I'm picturing the leaning tower somewhere.

Joanne: I keep two sets for myself and a few extra to send out as samples. The rest I donate to the library or to a local church that has missionary workers all over the world. I certainly don't need 10 copies of everything I've written!

Joanne: Depends. For a short book, just a couple of weeks to a month. For longer books, at least six months.

Jan: So...six months is the longest you've ever worked on a single book? I'm actually impressed that educational publishers give you that long.

Joanne: The educational publishers NEVER give me that long a deadline! They're the ones that want the book in a week! But publishers like Enslow and Lucent who publish long books know authors need more time. I have a year to write the book on The Who, for example, although I haven't done that much research yet.

Jan: So, do you like the "stretch out" room of the long books or do you like the shorter ones better?

Joanne: I tend to procrastinate, so shorter deadlines are actually better for me. Seeing the date on the calendar helps me get moving!

Jan: What percentage of the books you've done were work for hire?

Joanne: With the biographies, probably 85 percent. Usually, but not always, if the publisher assigns the topic, the contract is work for hire.

Jan: Who finds the photos for your books?

Joanne: The publisher. Sometimes I have to give specs for what I'd like, and if I find something really neat, I always tell the editor. They love to get leads!

Jan: Good...I've heard so many stories of writers finding and paying for photos. I wasn't sure if that was standard.

Joanne: Me too. Luckily, I've never had to do that.

Jan: Of your huge body of work...about how much of it is biographies?

Joanne: I have about 65 bios in print or in the works, out of, say, 250 books, so that's someting like 25 percent.

Jan: Have many of your books gone out of print? Does that kinda hurt?

Joanne: Yes, it's happened, and yes, it hurts, but since I'm working on something else, I don't think about it much. What I hate is when a publisher I like goes out of business. It's hard on the editors and awful for the market, I think.

Jan: Is there any genre of writing that you've thought...I'd like to try that if I ever get enough time?

Joanne: I would love to write a fantasy novel for teens! Actually, I have, but it's not good enough to get published.

Jan: Now, since you spend a lot of time researching -- what do you read for fun? Do you get to read for fun?

Joanne: Yes, but guess what--it's usually nonfiction! I love biographies and books about history. I also like to read about the rock music scene--I'm a huge music fan. Right now I'm reading a bio of Princess Diana and one of Warren Zevon.

Jan: Are you a WHO fan?

Joanne: Yes, I love The Who. That's why I was thrilled to be asked to write a book about them!

Jan: About the Princess Di bio...after your bios are written and published...do you ever read a bio and think, dang, I wish I'd said that?

Joanne: Yes! The Diana book I'm reading now--it's The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown--is so good that I wish it had been published in time for me to use it as a source. I also find that once I've written about someone, I'm always interested in them afterward. It's also spooky--I'll write about somone and suddenly there are stories about them everywhere!

Jan: Hmmm...about your remark about being always interested in your bio subjects...I could see that. You spend so much time with them...you kinda bond. So do you watch...um...Drake and Josh? :-)

Joanne: Yes, I watch Drake and Josh, but only because my kids like them. It's actually not a bad show!

Joanne: Do you mean The Who? Yes. So many different personalities working together to create great stuff. A lot of personal drama too!

Jan: Now, with a book like The Who for kids...um...do you have to leave a lot of stuff out?

Joanne: Good question! My instructions are that it's okay to mention "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" but not to get into detail and to show any bad consequences. With books for older readers you don't have to censor so much, but for younger kids you do have to skirt around a lot of issues. I wrote a book about Hilary Clinton for very young readers and it was very tricky writing about her husband's affairs!

Jan: So, do you ever have to go back to your editor and ask...hey, can I tell about this? Or are you running with guidelines right from the top? Or do you just trust your instincts a lot.

Joanne: That's what I did with Hilary Clinton. We worked together to include relevant info without getting too scandalous. I also just did a reader about Isadora Duncan and was specifically told to focus on her professional life, which was a good thing, considering what her personal life was like!

Jan: Do you ever look at some of the books you did a while back and think...wow, I sure writer better now?

Joanne: I don't think so, no. My style hasn't changed that much and I'm happy with what I come out with.

Jan: Okay, we're coming down to the end now. Is there anything else you want to share in the last moments ticking away...tick tick

Joanne: Just that biographies are a lot of fun to write and it's a huge market that always needs writers!

Jan: I want to thank you so very very much for coming out to chat with us.

Joanne: Anytime, Jan. It's fun to chat with everyone!

Jan: Oh, wait -- last quick question.

Joanne: It will be published in June 2008.

Jan: Hey, great...so watch for it then. And good night everyone!