Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you get your ideas?
- From lots and lots of places – ideas are everywhere. I get ideas watching, listening, reading, talking, dreaming, even swimming.
- Did you always want to be a writer?
- Yes, since I was six years old. I wanted to write a book about a bus driver.
- How many books have you written?
- About 30.
- How long does it take you to write a book?
- Probably about a year (I don't do any writing in the school holidays).
- How does a story get made into a book?
- I send my story in an envelope to some people called a publisher. The publisher has a big machine which prints the story into pages and sticks it all together.
- Do you draw the pictures in your books?
- No, the publisher finds the artists to do all the pictures. I can only do the words.
- How do you pronounce your name?
- Ersh-ala Doob-oh-sars-kee.
- Where does your name come from?
- "Ursula" means little girl bear cub in Latin. "Dubosarsky" is my husband's last name. He is from Argentina but his grandparents were from Russia so it's a Russian name.
- How much money do you get?
- I get about a dollar for each book sold, so it depends how many are sold.
- Have you won any prizes?
- I have won a few prizes - once I even won a medal!
- Are you famous?
- If I was famous, you wouldn't have to ask that question!!!
- Do you ride in a limousine?
- No, a 1986 Silver Volvo.
- Do you have any kids?
- Yes, three. A girl called Maisie, and two boys, Dover and Bruno.
- Why do you write about guinea-pigs so much?
- They are my favourite mammal. I like the way they squeak and hide under their little blanket.
- What's your favourite book that you wrote?
- Honey and Bear.
- What's your favourite book that you've ever read?
- "Biquette the White Goat" by Francoise. I also love the Australian picture book "Come By Chance" by Madeleine Winch.
- Do you know anyone famous?
- I once saw Prince Charles on the street and once the purple Wiggle waved at me (I think).
- Do you have any pets?
- Yes - two guinea pigs called Einstein and Sooty and two chickens called Belinda and Snowy White. Now, we have a dog named Argus.
- What's your favourite food?
- White chocolate cheesecake.