In my earlier books, I had written from the point of view of Cat and Meg, who are both (in different ways) struggling to find their voice. I’m curious, did anyone or anything in particular inspire Annie’s character? Her plucky (and sometimes, self-pitying attitude) tugged at my heartstrings. I would say that my stories are mostly inspired by relationships, which are endlessly fascinating to me. I hope that my books feel “true” to kids (and a story doesn’t have to be real to be true). When I write, I’m always thinking of the kid version of myself–I try to tell the kinds of stories I would have wanted to read. The books I read as kid became a part of who I am today. I’ve wanted to write children’s books for my entire life. Thank you so much, Afoma! As a big fan of your site, I’m very excited to chat about books with you! As you know, I’m a huge fan of your books (like ALL of them). Enjoy! Hi Gillian! I’m thrilled to be interviewing you. Gillian and I discuss Annie’s character, writing about small towns, and trusting the process when she writes. In These Unlucky Stars, the protagonist, Annie reluctantly befriends a grouchy elderly woman in her neighborhood, even as she’s trying to find her place in her family.

Gillian’s writing is always insightful, especially when she’s writing about relationships, whether that’s between friends, family members, or siblings.

I’m proud to say I’ve now read all three of her books (and enjoyed them all). (Mar.I’m a huge fan of Gillian McDunn’s work. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. Annie’s journey to break free of the guilt she carries, about Gloria’s accident and her own mother’s leaving, and to embrace her true self-including the wild imagination and creativity she shared with her mom-offer quiet triumph through a tenderly drawn intergenerational relationship and Annie’s expressive voice. Caring for Gloria’s beloved hound helps Annie overcome her longtime fear of the creatures, sparked by a dog attack, and as the two unearth old pictures-of Gloria’s siblings, travels, and surprising talents-Annie begins to wonder about these changing versions of the now frail woman she visits daily, and the choices and experiences that define who a person becomes. She also helps the residents of her North Carolina town prepare for their first festival, which they hope will put the struggling town on the map. Logan spends the summer assisting the stubbornly independent woman with her clutter. When an attempted doorbell ditching ends with a broken arm for elderly neighbor Gloria Crumb, rising seventh grader Annie P. An accident-prone middle schooler blames her lot on an unlucky star in McDunn’s ( The Queen Bee and Me) endearing contemporary novel.

Gillian mcdunn