An Interview with Ann, Author of Images of America: Seattle’s Ravenna Neighborhood

What was your inspiration for writing the book?

My parents – they moved to the neighborhood in 1947 and both were active residents until they passed away. I had a great childhood in Ravenna and am lucky enough to now be living in my childhood family home and raising my children in the neighborhood as well.

How did you research the information for the book?

I’m a librarian and informational researcher by training and performing the background research on the book was very interesting and lots of fun. I spent a lot of time in local libraries and archives, was fortunate enough to have access to wonderful online resources such as HistoryLink.org – the online encyclopedia of Washington state history, and attended a class on Nearby History put on by the Museum of History and Industry. But probably the richest source of information, and the most engaging, was talking with local residents about their personal collections.

What will readers find interesting about the book?

Everything! Ravenna is a fascinating neighborhood, rich with history and populated with residents who believe in intense community involvement. Readers will be especially interested in the vintage images of Ravenna Park and at being able to trace the changes in local businesses and the residential neighborhood.

What writing advice would you give to aspiring authors and historians?

My editor is given to frequently quoting Mary Heaton Vorse - "The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of your pants to the seat of your chair." I think authors and historians have to be led by an innate insatiable curiosity and a desire to engage with the world and understand our place within it. I think if you have that, then as Woody Allen said, all you really need to do to succeed is show up.

What lasting impact do you hope your book will leave?

It is my hope that Ravenna residents will see themselves, the generations that came before, and the generations still to come contained and celebrated in these images.