Erma Bombeck was a hoot. Such a loss when she died. We had a great time with you yesterday, Barbara. Thanks for coming by the Playground. As for anyone I could interview, I think maybe the Bronte sisters, if I'm feeling literary. JK Rowling for someone still living. Any news on the new blog name?

I have the good fortune to actually know (via blogs or e-mail) a number of the authors I'm reading right now. It's wonderful the number of writers making themselves accessible to fans, who will answer questions on their websites, etc. So that in mind, I think if I could interview anyone, I'd choose Will Eisner. And honestly, I think I'd just rather be there while a really good interviewer was asking the questions, as I suspect I'd be just enough in awe that I'd be unintelligible.

I always loved Erma Bombeck and came to believe her wit, writing skill, and general wisdom was underrated because she delivered it so gently and with such humor. If she had thundered from a mountaintop, she'd have been hailed as a major thinker. Ah well... Who would I interview? Jane Austen, without a doubt. Talk about sly wit! - Clea www.cleasimon.com

Definitely Douglas Adams. What a mind that man had! And I hear he was the ultimate procrastinator, so we'd have had lots in common once we got around to the interview.

I miss Erma. And I miss Lewis Grizzard. That man had a wicked sense of humor. I too am blessed to know a lot of the authors I read. Though I haven't read a book of his in years (they scare me too badly) I think I'd love to meet Stephen King.

It wouldn't let me post the first time, darnit! Anyway, I said I wouldn't want to interview them, necessarily, but spend some time talking with both Stephen King and Phyllis Whitney. I loved both their books on writing. Danniele www.writingplayground.com

We loved having you on the playground, Barbara!! Everyone's mentioned a few of my favs - JK Rowling, Stephen King. Susan Elizabeth Phillips would be another high on my list (we're hoping to have her on the playground soon.) www.writingplayground.com

What an interesting question. I loved interviewing Tom Keneally best of all because he was so chatty (a half hour interview went on for nearly 3, and we still could have gone on for more). I think perhaps I'd like to talk to James Joyce. It wouldn't be an easy interview I know, but that man would have something to say to be sure. Maybe his very practical wife Norah could join in too. Magdalena, www.compulsivereader.com/html

I suppose I would choose an old favorite authro from my childhood - Laura Ingalls Wilder. Jane Austen would also be great but I think that the difference in time periods would hamper my questions to her. I would want to show her more of what an influence she has been more than ask her questions. With LIW, I don't think I would have that problem because the time difference isn't as great. I just adored her books when I was young and I would love to ask her more about her life. Jenne

Erma Bombeck was in inspiration to me when I was a single mother of three boys. After I would read her article in the paper, I knew I had a sole mate. I have written a humber/sitire book, which will be published after my children's book has made it's rounds, but I truly believe my humor book, which is so Erma Bombeckish, is my best so far. I had no idea there were so many Erma fans out there.

neil simon, Dr.Suess, larry david and even jules white make my top 10.TOP 3....BEN FRANKLIN......RICHARD NIXON........LEONARDO DI VINCI

I'd probably like to talk with Janet Evanovich. She strikes a note with her humor, and never disappoints. I'd also like to converse with Jewels Verne, because he had such revolutionary ideals, and in some ways predicted the future. also, I love SciFi.