The Proust Questionnaire, popularized by the French essayist and novelist Marcel Proust, is said to reveal a person’s true nature through a series of probing, soul-searching questions. In the hot seat today: Arianne Costner, author of the MG debut, MY LIFE AS A POTATO (Random House Children’s Books, March 24).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Just hanging out with my husband and kids at home! Especially if there’s good food around 😊
What is your greatest fear? Losing a loved one.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I worry incessantly. About my writing, the kids, the future, the state of the world. I wish I could learn how to better relax.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty!
Which living person do you most admire? My mom. It’s cliché but she’s pretty dang awesome, and super selfless.
What is your greatest extravagance? Hmmmm… Sometimes I buy fancy ice cream. Does that count? 😊
What is your current state of mind? Excited and exhausted—life of a debut author!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Patience. Probably because I don’t have any myself.
On what occasion do you lie? Okay, fine… sometimes when I compliment food I don’t totally mean it. It’s really important to compliment food.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I totally use LOL unironically. All. The. Time.
Besides writing, which talent would you most like to have? I’ve always yearned to sing! Unfortunately, I was born with a quiet, breathy voice that squawks a little when I try to belt.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising my three kids. Momming is not for the faint of heart.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? I wouldn’t want to be anything but me! It’s just too creepy to think about!
What is your most treasured possession? My piano. I love how it plays.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Hmm… I’m pretty impatient, so maybe waiting for a response to an important email. Basically, querying in a nutshell.
What do you most value in your friends? The ability to just chat about a variety of topics.
Who are your favorite writers? Gordon Korman, Chris Grabenstein, Shannon Hale.
Who is your hero of fiction? It seems like everyone hates him, but I actually super love Holden Caulfield.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Oh, man… I don’t know. No one is really coming to mind, as boring as that sounds.
What is your motto? “Just do it!” Nike stole it from me 😉
ARIANNE COSTNER lives in the middle of the desert with her husband and three children. She is a former English teacher who believes that writers should crack up at their own jokes. When she isn’t writing, she can be found playing the piano and composing music. Her favorite kind of potato is the tater tot, with mashed potatoes coming in close second—as long as they’re not gluey. Learn more about Arianne on her website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 
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