Is this something young children could do at school? Where may parents and teachers find more information about this craft?
I suggest needle felting is suitable for children 8 years and older with adult supervision because the needle is quite sharp. My daughter has been felting since she was 6 years old though. Kids love it, even boys. There are many wet felting projects that don't require a needle and these would be great for school projects with children as young as 4 or 5.
While needle felting hasn't quite reached the big box craft stores yet, there are many good online stores for felting supplies and books. I have a list of them on my website. The DVD version of Rainbow Sheep will also include a short home movie of me making a little felted sheep, as per the instructions in the book.
What type of writer are you—the one who experiences before writing, like Hemingway, or the one who mostly daydreams and fantasizes?
A bit of both. I find scenes from my life appear in my stories, Montreal, Nice, France (I went to college there). For the rest, I'm a story collector. I listen and read, watch the news and find stories everywhere. Often two or three stories will combine to make one plot. I keep a file of "Story Sparks." This could be anything from a name of a character or a conversation, to a video of a news story.
Agatha Christie got her best ideas while eating green apples in the bathtub. Steven Spielberg says he gets his best ideas while driving on the highway. When do you get your best ideas and why do you think this is?
A jar of green olives and a glass of wine (I know a horrible combo!) usually does the trick for me. But if I relied on that method, I'd weigh too much to get out of my chair! I often get ideas in the middle of the night too. If I can't sleep, it's because an idea has a hold of me and won't let go. If I want any peace, I'll get up an write it down. I think ideas strike me at night because my brain has time to mull over the masses of media that I see every day. We live in an information crazy society. Sometimes it's hard to pick one voice out of the noise.
Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?
Article comments
1 - chancelucky
Great interview Marilyn.
2 - Donna McDine
Hi Kim...even though I recently interviewed you I've so much more about you in Mayra's interview. Wonderful questions and very inspiring and thoughtful answers. I look forward to reading your future publications.
Warm regards,
Donna
3 - Ginger Simpson
Kim, I think it was one of the best interviews I've read. It really gives readers an opportunity to get to know you and your work. I enjoyed all but the crushing part where you omitted me and my books from your list of favorites. *rofl*
Great job, and kudos to the interviewer.
Ginger
4 - Ginger Simpson
I think this was one of the best interviews I've read for really getting to know the author. I enjoyed reading it, all but the crushing part where you omitted me and my books from your list of favorites. *rofl*
Great job, and kudos to the interviewer.
Ginger