Unlock the Secrets Behind Jeanne Walker Harvey’s Most Powerful Writing Techniques—Are You Ready to Transform Your Words?
Ever wonder what it’s like to snag the dream job of writing children’s books—especially ones that spotlight artists and architects who don’t always get their due? Jeanne Walker Harvey’s journey is nothing short of inspiring (and honestly, a bit contagious). From roller coaster operator to attorney, to educator and museum docent, her path wasn’t a straight line, but her perseverance reminds us that sometimes the best stories take their sweet time to unfold. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a furry “helper” snoozing on their keyboard during a writing session? Join me as we dive into Jeanne’s colorful world, where creativity, hard work, and a dash of feline mischief come together in THE GLASS PYRAMID. Curious about how she balances carpal tunnel recovery with live Zumba dance-offs before settling into her writing loft? Stick around—you’re in for a treat.
Today’s Write Now interview features Jeanne Walker Harvey, author of THE GLASS PYRAMID.
Who are you?
My name is Jeanne Walker Harvey and I have the dream job — writing books for children! Except for a brief childhood stint in Illinois, I’ve always lived in California, beginning with Southern California and now Northern California in Sonoma.
What do you write?
My focus is picture book biographies of creative people, particularly artists and architects who may not be as well-known as some of the bigger names. I absolutely love what I’m doing. I’ve had a variety of jobs — an amusement park roller coaster operator, a software licensing attorney a long-time school group docent at the San Franciso Museum of Modern Art, and a credentialed middle school Language Arts teacher. But I always tell children that no matter what job I had, in my own time I was writing stories. It just took a really long time to get published. So I feel like I’ve won the literary lottery with nine published children’s books.
Where do you write?
I have a delightful quiet writing loft filled with children’s books and my children’s artwork. I had carpal tunnel surgery a few years back, so I’ve learned that I need to protect my wrists and hands. I now work with a flat keyboard, an adjustable desk and a desktop computer. I try to stay off my laptop which I once took to coffee houses and libraries. I always write and take notes with Word, and my chief “helper” is my cat who has a propensity to sit on my keyboard. I have many photos of my cat “helping” me, and she’s quite the star of school presentations.
When do you write?
I try to sit down to work after I have coffee and do a morning online Zumba or other dance class. But I’ve learned that the classes need to be live scheduled ones so I can’t procrastinate. I try to put in a good couple of hours researching or writing before lunch. Sometimes I do more work in the afternoon, but I often instead review other writers’ books or read novels for my own pleasure.
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