Trudi was born and raised in the Seattle area and still lives there with her husband and their cats. She has been a television news reporter and weather forecaster (for Spokane’s own KREM TV and Yakima’s KAPP TV), a media specialist, and a freelance journalist. Since 2002, Trudi has published more than 70 fiction and non-fiction books for kids, including the Julep O'Toole & Secrets Of A Lab Rat series' for middle grade readers.

Read more about Trudi and what it’s like to be a PNW bestselling author in her own words:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was in the second grade, my teacher taught us how to write complete stories and illustrate our work. From the moment I wrote that first tale (a ghost story) I was hooked. In fourth grade, I wrote and directed original plays (I would cast my friends in the roles and we would practice at recess). At that early age, I didn’t know what kind of writer I would be, but I knew that the rest of my life would, somehow, revolve around storytelling.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Whenever I am waiting for inspiration to strike, I cuddle up with my cat on the sofa, close my eyes and imagine as many possible roads for the story to take as I can. I don’t shut out any ideas, and I just keep asking myself ‘What if?’ When you free your mind to imagine anything, it will take you to all kinds of wonderful places (much like dreaming when you are asleep!).

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Bungee jumping. No, not really! I love photography, gardening, crocheting, and traveling with my husband, Bill.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Publishing books is a business, first and foremost. Because my part of the process is all creative, I thought that once I found a publisher, the magic door would open and everything from that point on would be smooth sailing. Wrong! Getting published is merely the first step on your journey as a writer. You need to expand your focus beyond the creative aspect and learn about sales, marketing, and promotion, because without any of that, no one will be reading your books.

What do you think makes a good story?

A fresh angle, powerful characters readers can champion, a fast-paced plot with lots of twists and turns, and strong dialogue.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a reporter, which is just what I did. I worked in TV news at KAPP TV in Yakima and KREM TV in Spokane.

Who is your favorite author?

So many! Beverly Cleary, probably, for her humor, simplicity, and clarity in writing.

Do you have any advice for children who want to become writers?

Read and write as much as you can for FUN! Write songs and poems, too. Go to author signings and ask them questions about their work (we love this!). Take classes at school that will help you develop as a writer, like newspaper, yearbook, poetry, and creative writing.

Any advice for a parent out there who may have the desire to write a Children’s book?

Write it. Many people say they want to write a book, but most never do. So write it. But write it for yourself, because you have something you want to express, not because you want to be famous or rich or see your name in print (very few writers can quit their day jobs). I would also ask, how badly do you desire to write books? If you don’t really hunger for it, you’re probably not going to stick with it. You’ll have to juggle your schedule to find time to write, learn the craft from the inside out, face plenty of rejection (it’s part of the learning process), and be patient and persistent as you press toward publication. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Tell us your latest news?

The third title in the Secrets of a Lab Rat series, Scab for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer? will be released in April of 2010. All three of the books in the series will also be out in paperback at that time, and will all be available on e-book as well.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you! Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for writing to tell me how my work has made a difference in your life. Thank you for your encouragement. And please, keep reading!