David Lubar’s books include: HIDDEN TALENTS (Tor, 1999); DUNK (Clarion, 2002); and WIZARDS OF THE GAME (Philomel, 2003). This interview was conducted via email in July-August 2002. Visit: David Lubar.
Humor writing is obviously important to you. Could you tell us about writing humor, perhaps offering some advice to beginning writers? Why do you think humor appeals so much to young readers?
This interview was conducted by Jane Kurtz in April 2002.
JK: It’s pretty unusual for a person’s first three published books to be three different genres: picture book, upper middle grade novel, chapter book. Do you have any thoughts on what it takes for a writer to be that versatile?
CLS: Writing for diverse genres isn’t so much up to the author as the characters who speak to her.
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s-YA Author Cynthia Leitich Smith »
Carolyn Crimi’s books include OUTSIDE, INSIDE, illustrated by Lynnea Asplind Riley (Simon & Schuster, 1995) and DON’T NEED FRIENDS, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (Doubleday, 1999) as well as a nonfiction book for middle graders, KIDDING AROUND CHICAGO (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2000). This interview was conducted via email in December 1999.
Your first book, OUTSIDE, INSIDE, is a poetic look at Molly on a rainy day.
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Carolyn Crimi »
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is the author of: JUAN BOBO: FOUR FOLKTALES FROM PUERTO RICO (An I Can Read Book), illustrated by Ernesto Ramos Nieves (HarperTrophy, 1995); IN THE SHADE OF THE NISPERO TREE (Yearling, 2001) and POET AND POLITICIAN OF PUERTO RICO: DON LUIS MUNOZ MARIN (Scholastic, 1995). This interview was conducted via email in April 2001. Visit: Carmen T.
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s Author Carmen T. Bernier-Grand »
B.J. Stone is the author of OLA’S WAKE (Yearling, 2002) and GIRL ON THE BLUFF (Eakin, 1999). This interview was conducted via email in May 2000.
OLA’S WAKE is dedicated to your mother for having inspired the book. Can you share with us a bit more about the history behind that dedication and your inspiration?
In her later years,
April Lurie is the first-time author of DANCING IN THE STREETS OF BROOKLYN (Delacorte, 2002). This interview was conducted via email in August 2002.
Your debut novel is set in 1940s New York and features Norwegian Americans. What was your interest in this era, locale, community, and what, if any, research was necessary in writing this novel?
I’ve always been fascinated with the stories my parents have passed down to me from their childhood.
Annette Curtis Klause is the author of novels such as ALIEN SECRETS (Delacorte, 1993), BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (Delacorte, 1999), and THE SILVER KISS (Delacorte, 1990). This interview was conducted via email in December 2001.
What could you tell us about your childhood experiences as a writer?
Well, I was always writing, that I can say, and I still have some of those early tales.
Continue Reading Interview: YA Author Annette Curtis Klause »
Anna Myers is a children’s and young adult novelist. Her books include: STOLEN BY THE SEA (Walker, 2001); WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS (Walker, 2000); and FIRE IN THE HILLS (Walker, 1996). This interview was conducted via email in July 2002.
You’ve written many psychologically riveting novels. Which was the most difficult emotionally? Which was the most difficult in terms of craft?
Continue Reading Interview: Children’s-YA Author Anna Myers »
An Na is the debut author of A STEP FROM HEAVEN (Front Street, 2001), a finalist for the National Book Award, and winner of the Michael J. Printz Award. A STEP FROM HEAVEN is her first novel. This interview was conducted via email in December 2001.
Your first novel is for teens. Could you share with us a bit about your own teen years?
Alex Sanchez is the debut author of RAINBOW BOYS (Simon & Schuster, 2001). He received his master’s in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University. For years he worked as a counselor of youth and families in the United States and overseas.
Born in Mexico to parents of German and Cuban heritage, he may be found at: www.AlexSanchez.com.