Hi! I’m an award-winning author of several popular novels and picture books. I’ve spoken at conferences, on television, and on radio as an author and neurodiversity advocate. I was diagnosed as autistic in my middle age, and I have made it my mission to populate young people’s literature with as many characters as I can whose brains operate a bit differently. I also run a website resource called A Novel Mind. I love San Diego and my community. I believe in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights!
Learn more at www.SallyJPla.com
About Sally J. Pla
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband and three grown sons. I’m a brand new first-time grandma, and I’m madly in love with my baby granddaughter, Lizzy.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In the past I have worked as a business journalist and in public education. But my favorite job is what I’m doing now: writing for young people, visiting schools, meeting amazing educators and parents and kids — and spreading a word of acceptance about all the different ways our brains and bodies work, and how we humans can be.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I had always wanted to write a novel, since I was a child. But I’d convinced myself I wasn’t good enough, that it was useless to try. Then, in 2012, a life-threatening illness sparked me to just give it a go. Dive in and write my heart. And this whole midlife career change has blossomed. It’s brought me such joy! So my advice is: Don’t Wait! If you have a dream, don’t discount it. Give yourself permission! Go for it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing on in my journey as an author and advocate, writing more books that help kids feel more at ease in the world.
Sally J. Pla & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many incredible restaurants in SD! I recently had the most magical meal at Wolf in the Woods and can’t wait to go back. But maybe our favorite things are plain, simple, and near us in North County: an early morning beach walk from Moonlight to Cardiff Beach, then an omelet across the street at Ki’s. Or an early dip in the ocean, then a donut and coffee at VG’s, sitting at a metal table by the parking lot, with sand still all over your legs and dried ocean salt prickling your skin.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Going on 15 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Perhaps the most flamboyantly goodhearted was “Cap’n Book,” a most lovely man, who, well into his 80s, would dress up elaborately as a pirate, get into his pirate-ship-mobile, and distribute free books to underserved communities of kids all around San Diego. I used to help collect the books for him.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Coming back from a long trip to see the Phil’s, Pannikin, Elegant Desserts, etc. in the airport – and smiling, because that’s home. Walking past Petco Park when a game’s going on, or a concert, and feeling happy, just hearing everyone having such a good time. All these sorts of little moments.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
That you can walk in the snow in the mountains, then drive to the beach for a swim in the sun an hour later. The incredible beauty of our coast and beaches. Balboa Park, and all it offers. I love San Diego so much!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Hmm, it might have to be a woman writer I admire — Zadie Smith, or Ann Patchett, or Jhumpa Lahiri. A deep writer-thinker. At the Marine Room, so we can watch the crashing waves while we opine about life and love and creative work..
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I recently rewatched (and adored) ‘About Time’ with Domnhall Gleeson. Time travel, and family, and bittersweet love!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My son calls me a human jukebox because I almost never forget a song lyric. I can sing you scads of old 1970s sitcom theme-songs, word for word — both impressive and annoying!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Pacific Ocean
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My community of fellow children’s authors, who are some of the best, kindest, most caring people I know.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I support and/or volunteer and/or donate to Autism Tree, Autism Society-San Diego, Feeding San Diego, A Bridge for Kids, Pro-Kids First-Tee San Diego, Father Joe’s Village, and more.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“This, too, shall pass.” My grandmother’s motto, along with a hug and a piece of apple cake, when the world got to be too much.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Encinitas, North County
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The ocean. The beach-town feel.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A long beach walk. A good swim. Friends over for simple dinner, outside on the patio, around our fire pit. Laughter and relaxation and joy.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sun. Sea. Peace.
www.SallyJPla.com
