Author Spotlight: Anne Mason

As an explorer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, Anne Mason’s life reads like an extraordinary adventure book. Her journey began as a young girl traveling and studying throughout Europe, where she developed her love of teddy bears. In the following years, she took to exploring new heights, literally, as she scaled the frigid ascent to Mt. Everest’s Base Camp (17,600 ft). Today, she continues to write the Mr. Biddle book series and has formed a nonprofit, Biddle’s Scholarly Explorers. 

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area of Southeastern Michigan.

Did you read a lot as a child? 
I loved to read as a child, especially at night before going to bed.

What were some of your favorite authors and books? 
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White; Swallows and the Amazons by Arthur Ransome and The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. 

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
I always had aspirations to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Tell us about some of the jobs you’ve had before you became a writer. 
After graduating from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, I commenced work in Boston in the investment industry, primarily composing interoffice brochures and correspondence. In the ensuing years, I travelled back to my home state of Michigan and worked for Automatic Data Processing, where I successfully developed, proofread, and edited training manuals for online databases. Still in Michigan, I developed marketing materials for a related automobile business.

How did you get started writing? 
One of the fondest memories of my childhood was spending time with my parents and reading classic picture books together. Sharing stories with your children is a valuable way to get them on the path to loving books. This concept is what inspires me to write—creating engaging and edifying stories that families can enjoy reading amongst one another and re-telling throughout the years.  

Why do you write books? 
I enjoy sharing my imagination, creativity and positive expressions. These elements allow me to write naturally and unhindered.

What do you like best about writing? 
The best thing about writing is when a story catches fire and comes to life on the page. Suddenly, it all makes sense and you know what it’s about and what the characters are saying and doing—you get to feel like both the creator and the audience. Everything is instantaneously both obvious and surprising ... it’s magical and wonderful. When I sit down to write, I have the opportunity to revisit the many fond memories of my childhood. 

What do you find the most challenging about writing? 
The most difficult thing I find about writing is refining an idea into only a few potent words to say the most important and entertaining things.

What do you think makes a good children’s story?
Children want to be challenged, made to think and reconsider; they want to learn and grow and become wiser. Young readers will always like a book with a wonderful story. However, they will only love a book that makes them see the world in a new way. 

Where do you get your inspiration?
I find my inspiration by observing the everyday interactions of wildlife in various settings. With a notepad in hand, I jot down my observations and ponder where these interplays could lead and where they could go. I think of a story. 

Tell us about your latest book.
I have recently completed a new Mr. Biddle book entitled,  A Very Good Christmas Indeed. This is a delightful English story about the spirit of the holiday season and the subtle importance of hope, love, and charity. 

What’s next for you?
I will always continue to pen the Mr. Biddle series of books. In addition, I have formed a nonprofit, Biddle’s Scholarly Explorers. This organization strives to promote literacy and environmental stewardship on a global level through access to reading materials, environmental guides and activities and compassionate educational services. 

Is there anything that we didn’t ask that you’d like people to know about you or your books? 
My current book, Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel’s Tale may be purchased on Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, and mrbiddle.com.

A cinematic book trailer may be viewed in Nigel’s Nook on mrbiddle.com.