While Dori Hillestad Butler always knew she wanted to be a writer, it wasn’t until a serendipitous encounter in her freshman year creative writing class that she considered writing for kids. Hillestad Butler was struggling to complete a short story assignment, when a classmate majoring in Elementary Education apologetically announced that she’d written a children’s story. Hillestad Butler was inspired to do the same and thus began a prolific career connecting with young readers.
An avid reader in childhood, Hillestad Butler cites Judy Blume, the Betsy-Tacy series (set in Minnesota where Hillestad Butler grew up), and the Boxcar Children series as favorites. As an adult, she’s ghostwritten Boxcar Children books, and says “If I could whisper in 8-year-old Dori's ear 'one day you'll grow up and write books for this series,' I think I would've blown her mind!”
She primarily writes in her home office, but when Hillestad Butler needs a change of scenery she sits at Marsh Park and watches the water. “Sometimes it’s nice to get away from my desk, it helps me get unstuck,” she says. She visits the downtown Kirkland library (she’s a former board member) several times a week.
Where does Hillestad Butler get her best ideas? From her dogs: First Mouse, now Bear!
Dori Hillestad Butler / kidswriter.com
Among this local author’s books are the two-time Geisel Honor award winning King & Kayla series and the Edgar Award winning Buddy Files series. She’s also a hiker, therapy dog partner, classical mandolinist, and mentor to young writers. And she loves a good game of Scrabble!