Deborah Kalb
Deborah Kalb is the author of George Washington and the Magic Hat and John Adams and the Magic Bobblehead, middle grade novels for kids. The third in the series, Thomas Jefferson and the Return of the Magic Hat, will be published this fall. She also is the co-author with her father, Marvin Kalb, of Haunting Legacy: Vietnam and the American Presidency from Ford to Obama, and she runs the author Q&A website Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb. She worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., for two decades, and she lives in the D.C. area.
Twitter: @deborahkalb
What period of history do you wish you knew more about?
Eighteenth and 19th century U.S. history. I’m writing a series of children’s books about fifth graders in the D.C. area who travel back in time and meet the early presidents. I’m really enjoying the research for the books, and getting to know the personalities and issues from that time period. I majored in history in college many decades ago, but at the time was more interested in 20th century history so didn’t focus as much on the early period.
Favorite non-reading activity?
Taking long walks. If I’m feeling especially anxious about something (which is often!), or I’m having writer’s block and can’t figure out what to do with my characters, usually a walk will clear my head. I have long conversations with myself, which can lead to even a small amount of progress. Plus it’s good to be outside and get some fresh air. It’s more difficult these days, but even a short walk outside can help improve my frame of mind.
Vacation druthers…City or rural destination? Why?
I’ve just talked about the importance of being outside, and I really appreciate a beautiful vista and some peace and quiet. But overall I’d have to say City. I love visiting museums, exploring historic neighborhoods, and, of course, going to bookstores. And I especially enjoy overhearing snippets of conversation and imagining what else is going on in those people’s lives.
Do you collect anything? If so, why, and for how long?
Cows! I think it’s because my last name, Kalb, means “calf” in German. I’m not exactly sure how my Eastern European Jewish ancestors ended up with that name, but I’m very fond of cows. I have cow pictures, drinking glasses, trinkets, and stuffed animals. They are very endearing creatures.
What’s the difference (at least for you!) between being a writer and an author? How do you shift gears?
I really like this question because I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about it in that way. Being a writer involves the whole process of creating a book—the research, the aforementioned long walks, the actual act of sitting at the computer and writing. Being an author probably has more to do with the public side of things—participating in professional groups, organizing book events, getting on social media to promote my work.
