When Marilla Cuthbert’s brother, Matthew, returns home to Green Gables with a chatty redheaded orphan girl, Marilla exclaims, “But we asked for a boy. We have no use for a girl.” It’s not long, though, before the Cuthberts can’t imagine how they could ever do without young Anne of Green Gables–but not for the original reasons they sought an orphan. Somewhere between the time Anne “confesses” to losing Marilla’s amethyst pin (which she never took) in hopes of being allowed to go to a picnic, and when Anne accidentally dyes her hated carrot-red hair green, Marilla says to Matthew, “One thing’s for certain, no house that Anne’s in will ever be dull.” And no book that she’s in will be, either.

Young Adult:You’re an extremely prolific author, having published 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays…How do you do it?

Lucy Maud Montgomery: I used to get in trouble as a child for day-dreaming, I supposed you could say my imagination is on fire constantly. I just write down anything and everything and try to organize it as I go. Trust me, it’s a process but Anne sort of writes herself. She’s how I synthesize the world and I love to be engaged.

Young Adult: Please, tell us more about Anne.

LMM: I was teaching, which I did not love but loved for the fact that it allowed me generous time to write. I took large parts of my own childhood and tried to tweak them just enough to make them relatable to others. I also have to admit I was inspired by formula stories at the time. I’m not ashamed and I’m glad it caught on.

Young Adult: Eventually you tired of Anne though, no?

LMM: Tired is a strong word. I just wanted to explore different characters. Anne will always hold the most special place in my heart.

Young Adult: Do you have any advice for those wishing to write?

LMM: Try to tell your story the most honest way possible. Find a character you love and hang on to him or her for dear life.

Young Adult: What do you think of the film adaptations of your work?

LMM: They’re sweet but I’m a wordsmith above all else. Always have been, always will be.