My love of books was a direct influence to seeking employment at  the library.

Do you have a library/information science degree?     No.

What kinds of library positions have you held and where?

    I was a Children's Library Assistant at Fountaindale Public Library in Romeoville, Illinois.

How long were you a librarian?   I was employed at the library for over four years.

Are you currently working as a librarian?    No.

Why did you leave? 

    I left the library to spend more time with my family.  I found it very difficult to work outside the home and still be able to be the hands-on kind of mom I wanted to be. 

Which came first in your life, your work  as a librarian, or writing for children? 

    I had written a few stories for my children before I worked at the library. 

Did your library work have anything to do with becoming a children's writer?

    Having enjoyed reading and writing all my life, it wasn't until I had my children that I discovered writing for children was what I enjoyed most.  Working at the library just confirmed that.

Did your library work directly influence your work as an author?

    My work at the library helped me learn what makes a good children's book as I was exposed to so many.  I also learned what books are most appealing to children through the storytimes I conducted.  I already knew I enjoyed writing picture books, but my storytimes helped me learn what makes a well written read-aloud book.

What were the greatest benefits of being a librarian to you as a writer? 

    The reference work I did at the library helps me with the reference work I do as a writer.  Also, the feedback from patrons about books was invaluable.

Were there any drawbacks to being a librarian and also a writer? 

    I didn't have time to pursue my writing while I was working at the library.  My time was stretched thin as it was.  My home time was dedicated to my family.  So the drawback was I had little free time to write!

Did you find any conflicts or job-related difficulties in being both a writer and a librarian? 

    Time was the only conflict.  I was encouraged by my co-workers to write, I just couldn't or wouldn't at the time. 

Do you feel that librarianship hhad specific benefits to you as a writer? 

    The benefits were the contacts I made with other librarians and attending conferences.  I learned about writers and the writing process by attending conferences with author/illustrator speakers.  The contacts with other librarians was always helpful in learning what children enjoy reading.

Special Quote from Amie Johnson:

    Working as a Children's Library Assistant was a life affirming experience.  It really drove home my desire to not only write, but to write for children.  Working with children has always been a love of mine.  Maybe because I relate so well to them.  I can recall my feelings at a very young age as if it was yesterday rather than thirty-five years ago!  Writing for children and working with them at the library or at my church or as a volunteer at school is one of God's blessings.

Amie's Writing credits include:
Action rhyme, "Baby's Ride," sold to Babybug 
Action rhyme, "Silly Statue," sold to Highlights for Children
Humpty Dumpty magazine published "Two Wheel Flying," a poem, in its July/August 2000 issue. 
Humpty Dumpty is holding another poem for consideration.