Irene Zutell
How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
Two girls: Olivia, 10, and Jackie, 5.
Favorite part of being a mom?
I love all of it, except the girl drama and temper tantrums.
Favorite part of being a writer?
I love that I essentially still get to play with dolls -- without the dolls.
How has being a mom made you a better writer?
I am so much more focused when I have time to write because I know I don't have any time to waste.
How has being a writer made you a better mom?
I can pretend almost as well as any 5-year-old!
Books you love to read with your children?
Too many to count. Right now, I'm reading "Inkheart" with my oldest and "Madeleine" with my youngest.
Describe your workspace.
I share a home office with my husband. We're back to back, but he graciously gave me the window view, while he has to stare at the wall. That's the kind of man he is -- he always gives me the better view.
I can't believe how well I can block out all sound when I need to, but somehow I do. I weed out all noise except crying; it must be a mom thing.
Favorite place to write?
On our deck.
Best advice you got on motherhood?
Remember to savor the scent of your newborn's head because that smell disappears after a few weeks.
Worst advice you got on motherhood?
If you want to do something with your kids, take them to Chuck E. Cheese -- it's fun and safe.
Most embarrassing mom moment?
Wow! Too many to say. Probably when my daughters dance like crazy people and tell everyone within earshot that they learned all their moves from me. Maybe it's true, but I'd like to think I have a little more grace!
Finish this sentence: When my children grow up, I want them to . . .
Find their bliss.
What do you think/want other moms/readers to take away from your books?
There's nothing better than the bond between a mother and her daughter.
Another mom (celebrity, fictional, on screen, real life) whom you admire?
Well, Shirley Partridge is pretty cool. She gets to sing in a band with her kids, and she never really loses her temper. I'd like that life.
Favorite movie/book/story on motherhood or moms and daughters that you love?
The children's story "Love You Forever," by Robert Munsch. It just gets me every time. My kids like to have me read it so they can see how long it takes me to cry.
Of all your books, which one has been your favorite? Which do you think has resonated most with readers, and why?
"Pieces of Happily Ever After." I think any mom can relate to the story of a mother caught in the sandwich generation -- raising her daughter while caring for her elderly mom.
What have you wanted to write about but haven't yet?
My parents, my sister, her family and my Aunt Joan took a vacation to Cape Cod a few years ago. That week was filled with insanity and would make a great novel. But they'd probably never speak to me again.
Most important lesson you learned from your mom?
It used to bug me when I was little and my mom's friends would brag about their kids while my mom remained silent. One day I asked her why she never talked about me. She said, "The only people who care about you are your family. These women are all boring each other to death." Whenever I want to brag about my kids, I bite my tongue. I know my kids are great. I don't need to tell the world! Oh wait, I just did.
How will you spend Mother's Day?
I don't know yet; my family is full of surprises.