Children's author Margot Finke writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. Her six series of rhyming picture books are fun and educational, and bring kids closer to the many animals in the United States and Australia. "Musings," her monthly column for children's writers, can be read in The Purple Crayon and the SCBWI NewsWorthy magazine. She's also a freelance editor, offering a Critique Service to writers. A native of Australia, Finke now resides in Oregon.

Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?

I’m an Aussie who has lived in Oregon with my husband and family for many years. Three kids all grown and now doing well on their own.

When did you decide you wanted to become an author?

The idea grew on me. I have always scribbled. When we came to the U.S. my kids were small, and I didn’t want them to forget their Down-Under roots. Every night I told them a story, off the top of my head, about a different Aussie critter. I did the same at schools when I became a Teacher’s Aid. Some kids complained that didn’t always tell the same story the same way – little rascals had better memories than I. A teacher friend said, “For goodness sake write the stories down. Then you’ll remember the endings!” I did, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I bought a computer, joined a few wonderful online writing lists, and proceeded to learn the craft of writing for kids from the basement up.

Do you have another job besides writing?

Not any more. Since my husband retired, I have the luxury of spending more time writing. He has taken over our huge garden and the cooking – does a terrific job of both, too. Unfortunately, he does not do windows, laundry or dusting. Guess you can’t have everything.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?

Oh yes. I read everything with print on it – including jam jar labels. I became so immersed in Tale of Two Cities one Saturday afternoon, on the train home, that I went three stops past my own. I had to walk five miles home in over 100-degree heat. Whew!
I would read in bed under the covers, with the help of a flashlight. I was always is trouble for sneaking off to read up in the huge mango tree in our back yard, chores completely forgotten.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

Rattlesnake Jam is just published. The idea popped into my head late one night, as I tossed sleepless in bed. The longer I thought about the fun combo of Gran, Pa and rattlers, the more verses I wrote in my head. It is a romp of a rhyming picture book, featuring crazy old Gran and Pa, rattlesnakes, and how to cook them. Gran is determined to have them made into her cure every ailment known to man jam, while Pa yearns for rattlesnake pie or fritters – just once.