![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() Dad & Mom, Lisa, Larry ![]() ![]() Brenda & Micky Brenda didn't always have her nose in a book, though. She played with friends (four-square and anything make-believe were her favorite games), went to Hebrew school, took tennis lessons and theatre classes, wrote in her diary, and best of all went to summer camp at Camp Birch Knoll in Northern Wisconsin (the basis for her novel, Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire). ![]() Camp Birch Knoll! ![]() As a teen, Brenda's dreams of becoming an author drifted away. She focused her energy instead on fitting in with the crowd. Who had time to write stories when there were parties, sleepovers, homework, report cards, permanent records, SATs, and such? And an even bigger question: Who was she to think she had the talent to become an author? Her confidence had gone into hiding. ![]() Thankfully, Brenda rediscovered her confidence and happiness at the University of Michigan, even though she kept her author dream safely filed under, "outlandish childhood aspirations that will only come true if all the planets align properly, I find a four leaf clover, and a guardian angel puts in a good word for me." Brenda loved everything about college, from the classes, to the people to the football team. She made life-long friends, and best of all, she met Alan, a cute, smart, funny guy who eventually became her husband! ![]() ![]() ![]() Brenda started out writing stories that were accepted by Ladybug magazine. She also wrote several picture book manuscripts that collected 130 rejection letters over the course of three years! She immersed herself in children's fiction at her library. Wow! ![]() Brenda worked on JULIA'S KITCHEN for a year and a half while her kids were in school. She had no idea if anyone outside of her family or her critique group would like it, but she submitted it to the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Competition, and it won! And then, joy of joys, Farrar Straus & Giroux decided to publish it! JULIA'S KITCHEN received rave reviews, and Brenda soon sold her next novel, JEMMA HARTMAN, CAMPER EXTRAORDINAIRE, and a picture book, THE YUCKIEST, STINKIEST, BEST VALENTINE EVER (illustrated by Tedd Arnold, published by Dial, 2012). Brenda doesn't know much about planets, clovers, or guardian angels, but she feels like the luckiest person in the world. She has a healthy, loving family, and she's made her childhood dream come true. What more could a person want? ![]() ![]() ![]() Birthday: April 23, 1967 Astrological Sign: Taurus (That stubborn streak got her past 130 rejection letters!) Favorite Book: As a child, Brenda's favorite books were BLUBBER by Judy Blume and BEAT THE TURTLE DRUM by Constance Greene. Now, she has too many favorites to list, but if you friend her on Facebook, you'll hear all about them. She can't help shouting from the rooftops when she reads something she loves. Middle Name: The "A" in Brenda A. Ferber stands for her maiden name, Aaronson. But her middle name is actually Gail. And for reasons she can't explain, her sister calls her Brenda Sue. Family: Husband: Alan. Kids: Jacob, Faith, and Sammy. ![]() ![]() Hobbies: Tennis, Baking, Reading Unusual Talent: Interpreting dreams. Talent She Wishes She Had: Singing without everyone running for cover. Things She Loves: (In no particular order) Homemade chocolate chip cookies, Camp Birch Knoll, changing seasons, family get-togethers, coffee, University of Michigan, reading a fabulous book, mail from an old friend, Chicago, optimism, falling asleep on the beach, friendly people, acceptance letters, and pedicures. Things She Hates: Rudeness, grocery shopping, figuring out what's for dinner, and raisins. Favorite Quote: This quote, by Walt Disney, was told to Brenda by Gary Baier, the director of Camp Birch Knoll. Brenda was only 15 years old at the time, but it stuck in her head and has guided her ever since. "Think about the person you'd like to become. Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done. Dream big dreams based on your belief in yourself. Dare to make your dreams come true. Think...Believe...Dream...Dare...Become the person you know you can be." ![]() |
||||
![]() |