Special Edition: An Exclusive Interview with Jeanne Birdsall & N.D. Wilson
Today you’re in for a treat… I’ve got an exclusive interview between New York Times bestselling author, Jeanne Birdsall (The Penderwicks series) and best-selling author, N.D. Wilson (100 Cupboards, Outlaws of Time, and others).
Jeanne and N.D. are good friends, and in this interview held at Anderson Bookshop in Illinois, they talk about:
- why their books are more alike than you might think
- the author who inspires both of their books
- what they really hope to do for kids with the stories they tell
Watch the Video:
On the go? Listen instead of watching by clicking the play button below:
Relevant Links:
- Jeanne Birdsall’s website
- N.D. Wilson’s website
- N.D. Wilson’s episode on RAR #44: Magic & Fear in Children’s Books
Books by Jeanne Birdsall & N.D. Wilson:
(All links are affiliate links.)
Wow! I could listen to ND Wilson talk all day. His way of putting together words reminded me of Lin Manuel Miranda.
This was so fantastic! I loved hearing from these two talented authors and learning how such very different books could share similarities. I shared N.D. Wilson’s story about his dream and Sam Miracle with my 12yr old boys and their friend – and now they’re waiting for a high fever and bad dream to stike with some inspiration!😂😂. Thanks for sharing!
I love both of your books!!
ND Wilson, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE finish the Dragon’s Tooth series!!!
This was so great to watch – thank you for posting! I personally have read all the Penderwicks books (love them!) and the first two 100 Cupboards. I’m excited for my son to try Outlaws and I may read that “with” him. Wish Jeanne would have talked more about Penderwicks, but it was great fun to watch the two friends.
That was awesome…we have finished all of the Penderwicks on audio book, guess we’ll start on Wilson. After we finish Narnia is. So many books, so little time!
Wonderful! Could you please tell me what C.S. Lewis book they referenced in the video, I couldn’t catch it.
It’s That Hideous Strength. I think they referenced the whole space trilogy.
The cover picture for this post beautifully captures these two wonderful writers! Really enjoyed watching their conversation.
On a different note, Sarah, how are you doing TODAY? (Please don’t feel obligated to answer.) I emphasize today because grief is a day to day emotion. You have been in my prayers. I know I’m not the only one who is lifting you and your family up at this difficult time. Stay strong, know you are loved, and don’t be afraid to take a break if you need it. XO
Michelle–thank you so much for your kind words and wise heart. Your prayers are a gift. <3
And you're right, that picture is priceless!
Thank you, Michelle. It’s a day-by-day, sometimes hour-by-hour thing, isn’t it?
This was lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us. You can see the genuine friendship and admiration for one another they share.
Thanks for posting this, Sarah. Two of my very favorite authors before I knew they were mutual fans and complimented each other so well. There interview was a treat. I was beginning to think I only gravitated to authors who wrote in the 1950s and earlier, (E. Nesbit, Eleanor Estes, Elizabeth Enright, CS Lewis) but Jeanne Birdsall changed that for me. My kids and I read everything these two create, so here’s to more fever dreams.
When, oh when, does the next Penderwicks book come out?!
I know she’s working on it right now. When I know more, I’ll let you know!
i love you people.
That’s how I felt after watching it too! ❤️
So much fun! Loved the fact that both authors found value in the other’s thoughts and works. Thanks for sharing!
This was such a fun interview to watch. I find it interesting how they stressed their diversity in children’s literature, but they had similar goals. I do not find this at all surprising. My three boys have read books by both authors – and loved them. We all need a relatable and heart warming tale,, as well as something to scare us and inspire us. Sometimes simultaneously, sometimes separately. As a life-long reader I enjoy well-crafted prose.
BTW, was this interview conducted before or after Wilson’s surgery. We have prayed for his recovery.
Just before his surgery, I believe.
Oh my gosh. My 9 year old daughter-who has read nearly everything by both authors-is going to freak out!!!!
This is fantastic, Sarah, thanks for bringing it to us!
My 11 year old is going to be VERY excited to listen to this one. She’s a HUGE Jeanne Birdsall fan – especially the Penderwicks series. She has plot ideas for the next book and has started several letters to Ms. Birdsall to ask when the next book will come out. :)