Lisa wrote the poem 7-Headed Dragon
Gnome & UnGnome Facts About Lisa:
Lisa Rogers is an award-winning author who became inspired to write for children during her career as an elementary school librarian.
The daughter of an Italian immigrant father and a mother of Italian ancestry, she grew up on traditional stories told by her grandmother and reading Italian folktales.
She majored in English Literature at The College of William and Mary in Virginia, earned a Master’s in English Literature from Boston College, and a Master’s of Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University.
Absol’s Q&A with Lisa:
Hello Lisa! Thanks for being our LEGEND of the WEEK!
Tell us what magical or legendary creature you’d be if you could?
Enbarr, an Irish horse that galloped over land and sea and was faster than the wind. I love horses, running, the ocean, and mythology!
Oooh, I’ve never met an Enbarr, that sounds so much better than a Mermaid…I mean, that sounds like a fun thing to be!
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be a part of Gnomes & UnGnomes? I know you’ve had some terrific poems in the last anthology. I’ve been a Loft member for years and love all the opportunities it offers writers. Lofter Dave Pasquantonio encouraged me to submit to the Friends & Anemones anthology, which I did, and I was thrilled when two of my poems were selected.. It was so fantastic to be part of this beautiful book and among the fabulous artist and writers who created it that I was eager to submit poems for Gnomes & UnGnomes.
Tell me how you came to write about the seven-headed dragon?
My dad emigrated to the US from Italy when he was a child, and after he grew up and had a family, his mother came to live with us. She’d often regale me with Italian legends, and I loved reading Italian folktales. Like many, I’m fascinated by dragons, and the myth of the seven-headed dragon originated not far from my father’s home in southern Italy.
What’s great in your life right now that you want to share, personal or professional? Some wins?
Besides being excited to be part of this anthology, I’m thrilled to be a contributor to another collection of poems, from Candlewick Press, in 2025. IF is edited by Irene Latham and Charles Waters and illustrated by Olivia Sua. BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE MUSIC OF JOHN CAGE, from Anne Schwartz Books/Penguin Random House, brilliantly illustrated by Il Sung Na and authored by me is new in fall 2023. Two Little Golden Books and three more picture book biographies are on the way.
What’s something writing-related you are grateful for?
The Loft’s knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging community directly helped me realize my dream of becoming an author for children. I’m ever grateful!
Well Lisa, congratulations on your successes this past few years, and thanks for your time!
writersloftpress.com 