TRUDY LUDWIG is the author of many books for children, including My Secret Bully and Confessions of a Former Bully. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, she is a sought-after speaker who collaborates frequently with organizations like Committee for Children, Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project, and Putting Family First. Trudy has been profiled on national television, radio, and in newsprint, and her books have received the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, the CCBC’s “Best of the Best” award, and have been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People.
I wanted to address the issue of intentional and unintentional social exclusion that most kids (and adults) experience at some point in their lives. Who hasn’t felt invisible at school, at work, or at some social gathering they’ve attended? And this feeling of invisibility can be particularly difficult for quiet, shy, or sensitive children who have so much to offer, yet these kids may often find themselves overlooked or ignored by their peers. No one likes feeling invisible. All it takes is just one person to reach out to make another feel valued and appreciated.
Favorite place to write …
I would love to write in a beach rental on the Oregon coast. Unfortunately, I’ve only done that maybe two or three times in the 11 years I’ve been writing children’s books. I do love writing in my home with Hannah, my loyal hound dog, snoozing by my side. When I become an empty nester, I hope to schedule more coastal writing retreats.
Necessary writing/creativity tool …
I honestly don’t think I can write without my computer or laptop. I’ve tried writing stories by hand, but my brain doesn’t seem to cooperate. I just end up doodling all over the paper instead of writing down words.
Favorite bookshop …
Well, that’s easy: Powell’s City of Books here in Portland, OR. It’s touted to be the largest independent bookstore in the US, some even say in the world, with more than one million new, used, and out of print books! I need a compass to find my way around that place!
Oh my…are you trying to get me in trouble here? To date, I’ve written eight children’s books—each illustrated by a wonderful artist. So, I’m going to be diplomatic and list a few of my favorite illustrators with whom I would love to have the honor to collaborate: David Shannon ( A Bad Case of Stripes and No David books), Kadir Nelson (We Are the Ship), and Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express and Jumangi). The chances are slim to none that I’d get to have them illustrate one of my books, but that doesn’t stop this author from dreaming!
My choice would be Lillian, the restaurant owner and chef extraordinaire in the adult novel The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. Why Lillian and not some famous character from a classic novel? When I’m on vacation, I don’t want to be with someone who brings with her a lot of emotional baggage—I’d much prefer someone who travels lightly—with a good attitude. Also, Lillian is a wise, empathic woman who understands the importance of beautifully prepared meals and how food and friendship have the power to nourish the soul. She would definitely be an ideal traveling companion!
If I had to pick a character from a children’s book, I’d definitely ask Summer, from Wonder, to join me. Summer is the girl in the novel who reached out in such kind, beautiful ways to August, the new boy at school who was born with a facial deformity. Summer is my kind of gal!
