Lisa: In The Enchanted Flounder, the fisherman’s wife got just what she wanted. I really don’t think she got it the way she wanted to get it, though. So she found out that her actions had consequences.
In CinderElla, the stepsisters and stepmother saw Ella transformed before their eyes into the mysterious silver lady. They knew that she and the Prince were going to be married and live happily ever after.
Then we come to Snow White. Even though Queen Amber tried in several devious ways to keep Snow White from winning the beauty contest, Queen Amber still won. There were no repercussions for her devious actions. Snow White and her Prince did marry, but why didn't the Queen suffer any kind of repercussions for her deviousness? Do you feel that in some way this is saying that it is alright to be devious, that you will still get what you want anyway?

Susan: Actually, I thought they both won, and in some way, both lost. The queen won her wish of eternal beauty but it is a shallow existence. Snow White won her perfect man but, again, a kind of shallow existence. The lesson for children is that things have a way of working themselves out. Also, the queen’s actions were somewhat harmless and provided comic relief - even thought she tired to spoil things it didn’t work. She would have won anyway if she had only had confidence in herself.

Lisa: Alright, I can see that. Words that may be new for young readers are underlined throughout the book and are defined in the back of the book. That was a terrific idea. How do you decide which words go in this “New Words” portion of the book?

Susan: That is up to Catelyn.
Catelyn: I decide by if the words are words that I struggle with, then they are too difficult for young readers since I am reading on a 10th grade level. If the sentence doesn’t flow I ask Grandma to pick a different word.

Lisa: Your granddaughter, Catelyn, is your editor. Does she by any chance give you ideas about what should happen in the stories? Well, you have already partially answered that one, but does she regularly give you ideas, besides editing and words that need to be underlined for the dictionary?

Susan: Yes, things such as adding or subtracting parts of the stories. If it doesn’t flow and needs a new idea, I ask her.
Catelyn: I am also working on my own book.

Lisa: Rumpelstiltskin is my favorite story so far, followed closely by Little Red Riding Hood and The Enchanted Flounder. Which one is your favorite? Which one is Catelyn's favorite? Why?

Susan: I think the Enchanted Flounder is my favorite because it is funny, lyrical and is full of good lessons. Also, the "princess/flounder" is a redhead, as am I... and I loved her wriggling her toes goodbye.
Catelyn: My favorite story is a book coming out later this year that I am in the process of editing. It is Sleeping Beauty because it teaches about hardship and growing up (or sleeping :) It also talks about how grandmothers help you and I agree 100%.

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