I worked as a library aide on a work-study program in college.

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

What kinds of library positions have you held and where?

     I have worked as a library aide in a community college and in a mental health hospital. I have worked as a subsitute paraeducator (aide!) in the public schools and am currently employed with the public schools in Hastings, Nebraska as a MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloguing) clerk and a part-time paraeducator in one of the local elementary schools. 
All of these positions were held in various locations in Nebraska.

How long have you worked for libraries? Off and on since 1979. For a total of about 8 years.

Are you currently working as a librarian and do you plan to continue?  Yes.

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

     Writing for children. I've been writing since the age of 12.

Did your library work have anything to do with becoming a children’s writer?  Not really.

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

     No, not directly influenced by the library work. (But see below)

Did librarianship increase your knowledge of children’s literature and influence the kinds of things you chose to write?

     One of the primary reasons I enjoy my job as a MARC clerk is that I have the opportunity to see children's books from several elementary and middle school libraries, so I can keep an eye on what types of things are popular and get a view of a particular publishers' slants. It helps with marketing and possibly with idea-generating, although it's not an obvious connection.

Did incidents from your library work ever make it into your books?  Did you ever set any scenes in your books in the library?

     Not yet!

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

     As previously mentioned, I think it helps with marketing, being able to see what different publishers are doing and what is popular among librarians and children. I also get to read a lot of children's books that come by me.

Are there any drawbacks to being a librarian and also a writer?  Can't think of any!

If you write while working as as librarian, how do you manage the time-juggling act?   How does your employment impact on how much you write and when you do it?

     I'd like to say it has had a big impact on how much I write, but really, I'm the only reason I don't get more written!

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

     The librarians I work with are aware of my writing goals and are supportive, although not pushy, or nosy about it. It is appreciated and I'm sure when I am published I'll have a great fan club!  The students are not, that I can think of anyway, aware of my writing.

Are there any other comments you would like to make about librarianship and writing for children?

     Only that I wouldn't have it any other way. Both are very enjoyable and it just seems a natural combination!

Fran's writing interests:

     Fran is currently submitting her first middle-grade science-fiction novel to publishers.  She set the scene in Kansas because of her fond memories of her grandparents' farm there.  Fran is also working on a fantasy novel for middle-graders.