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. I didn't really know how to write, but I pretended to write it in the dirt with a stick.

How many books have you written?

About 60. But some are very short!

How long does it take you to write a book?

Probably about a year for a long book. Usually less for a short book (although not always...)

How does a story get made into a book?

I send my story to some people called a publisher.  They are the people who decide which stories they will turn into books. The publisher takes the story to some other people who have 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 near 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 know anyone famous?

I once saw Prince Charles on the street and once the purple Wiggle waved at me (I think).

Do you ride in a limousine?

No, a Toyota Corolla.

Do you have any kids?

Yes, three. A girl called Maisie, and two boys, Dover and Bruno. But they are grown up now. I even have a granddaughter called Lucy!

Why do you write about guinea-pigs so much?

They are my favourite animal.  I like the way they squeak and hide under their little blanket.

What's your favourite book that you wrote?

"Honey and Bear". You can read about it here.

What was your favourite book when you were a child?

"Biquette the White Goat" by Francoise was my favourite, and I also loved "Gone is Gone" by Wanda Gag, and "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie" by May Gibbs. Now three of my favourite children's books are "Come By Chance" by Madeleine Winch, "My Dearest Dinosaur" by Margaret Wild and Donna Rawlins, and "The Shack that Dad Built" by Elaine Russell.

What's your favourite food?

White chocolate cheesecake. Oh, and fairy bread of course!

Do you have any pets?

Yes, a fluffy white dog called Argus. He’s a Japanese Spitz. (That's him in the photo.) But he died a little while ago after a very long and very happy life.