Long distance: Andrea White

Here: Three-year-old girl

There: Author, attorney and wife of former Houston Mayor Bill White

When did you leave Baton Rouge?

I left when I was two or three. My grandparents Vera and George Wells lived on Chatfield [Avenue]. All I remember is a big beautiful tree in the front yard, and the grill that my grandfather kept going in the backyard, frying catfish.

What kind of legal work did you do in Houston?

I did real estate for Locke, Liddell, & Sapp and was the second female partner. It felt wonderful to be included. I liked my partners and really enjoyed the practice of law.

How did you get into writing historical fiction for young adults?

I write history because I like to teach children. I write science fiction because I like to create new worlds. Therefore, most of my books are a blend of the two. I’ve set several books in 2083, including my new book, Windows on the World. In this book, it’s against the law to not have a television. Public schools are closed and everything is taught on television. Policemen come around to make sure you’re watching 40 hours a week. When I go to a middle school, I ask the kids how they would like it if school were on TV. The younger ones think it’s a good idea, but the older kids have reservations.

Your book about being the mayor’s wife—how did that come about?

I pieced together my book about Bill’s six years as mayor of Houston from emails and letters that I sent during that time. It was an honor to represent Houston. Plus, we met so many wonderful people from Louisiana during the tragedy of Katrina. But lots of funny things happened also. For instance, once I was at a church, and the minister asked me to come up to the pulpit. As I walked down the aisle, he said, “Now, Miss Andrea is going to lead us in song.” The only song that I could think of was “Happy Birthday.”

You must have been privy to some very interesting details of mayoral life.

For the insights and stories from mayoral life, [you’ll have to] read my book, Passionate Supporter and Political Spouse. But yeah, it was never dull.

What do you miss about Baton Rouge?

I love the Cajun food.

What don’t you miss?

I was so young, I don’t miss much, but I do remember the friendly people.

What does Houston have that you wish Baton Rouge had?

Brennan’s in Houston. But it’s fun to be in Louisiana where it all started.