Here's a brief overview of how she became an author:
* Early Life & Education: DiCamillo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Florida. She then went on to get a Master of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
* Teaching: DiCamillo taught elementary school for a few years. This experience was significant in shaping her understanding of children and their world, which later influenced her writing.
* Turning Point: While working at a bookstore in Minneapolis, DiCamillo discovered a passion for children's literature. This sparked a desire to write her own stories.
* First Book: In 1998, she started writing "The Tiger Rising," her first novel.
* Success and Recognition: The book was a critical and commercial success, earning DiCamillo numerous awards.
* Continued Success: DiCamillo has since written numerous acclaimed children's books, including "Because of Winn-Dixie," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Flora & Son."
It's worth noting that while her teaching career was short, the experience of being a teacher definitely influenced DiCamillo's writing. She has said that she wants her books to be "funny and wise and full of hope." This is evident in her characters and themes, often dealing with themes of kindness, friendship, and the power of imagination.
So, Kate DiCamillo didn't choose to be an author – it was a path she discovered by chance. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling careers are not planned but rather found through passion and a willingness to take a leap of faith.