Where did you grow up?

Margaret: I grew up with Tom and his family in a house with a yard. We lived in one house and then moved to anther one that was bigger and smelled better. As for Tom, he still hasn’t grown up.

Tom: I grew up in a small town in New Jersey that’s for people who work in lower Manhattan, insurance, or pharmaceuticals. It’s a dull place.

How did you become a writer?

Margaret: I’m not. I’m a collaborator. As a collaborator, I get to watch Tom work, and then I get to take credit for anything that’s good.

Tom: By hanging out with Margaret and writing.

Why Margaret?

Margaret: If you mean, “Why am I called Margaret?” ask Tom. Names mean nothing to me. If you mean, “Why collaborate with Margaret to write a book?” that’s obvious when you read the book.

Tom: We were looking for a name that sounded like royalty. Even when Margaret was a puppy, you could sense her regal nature, and we wanted a name appropriate for that. My brother suggested we name her Margaret and call her Peg — Peg the Pug — and Margaret stuck, even if Peg never did.

How long did it take to write the book?

Margaret: A day? Forever? Ask Tom.

Tom: About two years. That includes editing, design, layout, publishing — the whole process. We have enough material now for three books.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Margaret: I still don’t want to be a writer. I’m only doing this for treats.

Tom: Yes, but I didn’t always know it, and for a while I tried to avoid it. I’m very happy with being a writer, but really, I’m just a translator.