Natasha Wing was born in Connecticut and now lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. After graduating from Arizona State University she then worked in advertising for a number of years. It wasn’t until 1991 that she decided to write children’s books. Luckily she sold her first book within six months and has been writing children’s books and articles ever since. Some of her books have even ended up on bestseller lists, including the wildly popular The Night Before series.
To find out more about Natasha Wing and how to Skype with her go to www.natashawing.com.
There were requests to add this title to my Night Before series since the series is about holidays and milestones in kids’ lives.
Best moment …
Selling my first manuscript. I knew then what I wanted to be when I grew up!
Your special place to write …
I like my cozy office where I’m surrounded by artwork relating to children’s books. I am moving, so my quest is to find a new fabulous workspace where I can get lost in my writing.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
Terra chips. When I get stuck, I take a break and the crunch of the chips helps we work through the frustration.
Favorite bookshop …
Locally in Fort Collins I like Old Firehouse Books. They are super supportive and order books for schools for me. I really want to visit Shakespeare and Company in Paris.
Currently reading …
Stars Go Blue by Laura Pritchett. She’s a local author here in Colorado. It’s about a rancher who is deteriorating from Alzheimer’s and I am curious about the disease because my aunt’s husband has it. I also just finished a children’s chapter book, Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon, and it is totally charming.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t write…
Harry Potter. I met J.K. Rowling and thanked her for writing such fun books that got kids and parents to devour books again.
An author you idol …
None. I’m a very idealist person so I’m disappointed when someone does something human after I put them on a pedastal so it’s best not to idolize people to start with.
Favorite illustrator …
Chris Van Allsburg. His illustrations for The Polar Express hypnotized me and were part of the reason why I decided to write children’s books.
A literary character to vacation with …
I haven’t read this book in a long time, but I’m flashing on the ladies in the Ya-Ya-Sisterhood thinking they knew how to have fun.
It’s the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited! Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. The eighteenth title in Natasha Wing’s bestselling series, The Night Before Hanukkah captures all the joy and love in one of the most wonderful times of the year!
“I tried to capture Hanukkah by including traditional and modern-day celebrations that a busy family might experience. I want to thank my high school friends for their input and humor.”
Discover more Hanukkah books like The Night Before Hanukkah, by Natasha Wing, by checking out our reviews and articles tagged with Hanukkah Books and be sure to follow along with our Writing and Reading Life series. For other stops on her 8-days of the Night Before Hannukkah Blog Tour please check www.natashawing.wordpress.com.
