Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

answers the Usual Questions

Author Elizabeth Ann Scarborough says, "I love folk music, cats, chocolate, beading, good books, good conversation and a good laugh. I'm a terrible punner (and have been known to have punning duels with Todd McCaffrey, which he usually wins)."

Apart from her own solo award-winning work, Scarborough is know for co-writing science fiction books with Anne McCaffrey.

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

Not that I can think of. People tend to say, about the same book or parts of a book, "That was my favorite part" or "I liked it except for that part."

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

With fans, publishers, or other pros? Winning the Nebula for Healer's War in 1989 stands out, as does the day Anne McCaffrey asked me to work with her.

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

Terry Pratchett is one I can re-read with great joy because his work is very layered and has so many sly little things that are both funny and wise that it's easy to miss something the first time.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

Couldn't we just sit and chat in a nice cafe somewhere over tea? I really don't like to be trapped in things.

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

See above.

book cover, Healer's War, by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough; 140x219

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

My cats and their luggage (box, food, treats, toys, dishes) a notebook, assuming the ship would have a computer, and I hope there would be something like a reader I could carry my library on and still be able to access the books even in space. Also, if at all possible, my beads. And an address file of some sort so I could send my friends post cards or whatever.

Oh, could I add to my space ship packing a couple of good songbooks and a guitar?

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

I would like for my readers to find it something that makes them feel better when they are troubled, as I have so often found other peoples' work to be for me.

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

I like the magic parts -- not that I write the magic but when I've worked and wondered about a particular issue and all of a sudden something just clicks and everything shifts into place like a puzzle box.

submitted by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

27 August 2014

For other answers to The Usual Questions Click here

Just the facts:
Born: Obviously, yes.
Resides: Washington State, Olympic Peninsula
Bibliography/Awards:
1989 Nebula Award for The Healer's War.
For more information see web site

Web site:

scarbor9.wix.com/beadtime-stories
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