Behind the Bylines Meet... Laura C. Girardi

Birthdate: January 6th

What was your favorite school subject?
English

When/how did you first know you wanted to write?
I decided I wanted to become a writer in the sixth grade. I had a blast writing a short story about a pink elephant during my final exam. Although I found most tests nerve-wracking, this one was just plain inspirational!

What do you enjoy about your job?
My job is wonderful in so many ways.
Definite highlights: I get to interview celebrities and ordinary kids who do extraordinary things, plus I get to write and learn new things each week.

How did you develop a nose for the news?
In grade school, teachers' threats of pop quizzes on current events quickly turned me into a news buff! Now I just enjoy learning about what's going on in the world.

How do you overcome writer's block?
The best way to overcome writer's block is to stop worrying about writer's block! Get up and stretch, or take a walk down the hall. Sometimes the words you were desperately looking for just pop into your head when you just step away from that black page or computer screen for a few moments. If that doesn't work, I once read that you should start writing, even if it's the words "Oh no, I've got writer's block!" and then anything else that pops into your head. It does not have to be perfect, or even related to the topic you're writing about! Before long, your creative juices will be flowing. You can then go back and revise your odd introduction!

What do you write best with or on?
I do my best writing on a computer. I like to hear the click, click, clicking of the keys. It makes me feel that I'm getting a lot accomplished!

Who do you look up to?
My biggest fans: my parents, Sophie and Victor, and my sister, Lynn.