6 Questions: An Author Spotlight with Amie Borst and Bethanie Borst

Amie Borst and her daughter, Bethanie, answer our questions!  Amie's and Bethanie's books, Cinderskella and Little Dead Riding Hood will be available at YA Fest Jr.

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire? 
One of my favorite *new* MG authors is Claire Legrand. I love her spooky and creepy stories. Classics would have to be Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume.

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?
Amie: The Year of Shadows by Claire Legrand. (Do you see a trend here?)
Bethanie: Kit Grindstaff's The Flame in the Mist (although that's 2013, I think)

How/why did you start writing?
Amie: I've always known I would be a writer. When I was an adolescent I watched Stand By Me, a movie based on Stephen King's novella The Body. It was that moment, at 11 years old, as I watched the movie featuring four boys on their way to find a dead body - one of the boys was a writer - that someday I would be an author. I also make sure there is a vomit scene in the books I write. Thanks Gordy.
Bethanie: I was in fourth grade and the librarian was talking about Cinderella retellings. Since they were all about princesses and I hate princesses, I decided to write a book I'd actually want to read!

One piece of advice for young writers?
Amie: Don't give up!
Bethanie: Put the words on the page. You can't edit what's not there.

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)
Snow Fright (book three in the Scarily Ever Laughter series).
(I don't have this ready yet! eek!)
I can guarantee that it will be the best yet in the series!

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?
We do feature characters and/or characteristics of real people in our stories, for sure! It would be impossible not to draw upon our real-life experiences, relationships and interactions.

Jennifer Murgia is interviewed by The Mixed Up Files...!

Check out Jennifer's amazing interview promoting YA Fest Jr at THE MIXED UP FILES...OF MIDDLE GRADE AUTHORS.

Click the image to be redirected to the interview.

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Interview with Donna Galanti

Donna Galanti, author of JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD, answers our questions!

Favorite MG authors you admire?
So many! And a mix across the board from contemporary to fantasy. Some of these authors write for both MG and YA and include; John Flanagan, R.J. Palacio, Neil Shusterman, Joan Bauer, Stefan Bachmann, Sarah Prineas, Jennifer Nielsen, Michael Northrup, and Jenny Nimmo.

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?
The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen, The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, and Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

How/why did you start writing?
I fell in love with writing because of reading, really. The tooth fairy brought me every Roald Dahl book that was out. And the first book I remember falling in love with was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I would curl up in a nook at school to hide away and read it. Aslan, the lion in the book, was my hero and I even got a special lion ring to wear to feel close to him. Soon after I wrote my first screenplay, a murder mystery, at seven years old and acted it out with the neighborhood kids. I was hooked! I attended school in England then in a magical castle like Hogwarts where my imagination ran wild in an itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included). I suppose that inspired me to write my first fantasy story when I was ten about Dodo birds, wizards, and a flying ship. I still have that story.

One piece of advice for young writers?
You are just as qualified to be a writer as I am as a grown up, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! You are actually even better qualified because your creativity and imagination is all shiny and new. As a grown up I have to work harder at it! When it comes to writing, the best piece of advice I can give you that helped me is: Do not self-edit while writing your first draft. Give yourself permission to write freely and without judgment then go back and see what gems you find in your writing to polish. Don’t be embarrassed by your first draft. No one has to see it but you. J

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)

I’m working on both books two and three right now in my Joshua and the Lightning Road series. 

In book 2, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, Joshua is called to free his friend, who’s been enslaved as a power pawn in a queen’s quest to rule all. But when Joshua becomes bait in her hunting game, loses his powerful lightning orb, and his friends turn on him, he wonders if he can survive on wits and instincts alone and not only save his friend—but himself.

In book 3, Joshua and the Fire Realm, when Joshua is recruited by his mortal Child Collector enemies to join their revolution in the Fire Realm, he discovers a person’s strength is defined not by the scope of his power, but how he chooses to use it. His wisdom is put to the ultimate test, however, when he must weigh his personal quest to claim his lost family with his obligation to save a whole world.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?
I write fantasy so I wish the stories were inspired by fantastical events! They are only real in my mind. The characters are very real though! In my book, Joshua and the Lightning Road, Joshua calls his grandfather, Bo Chez, which stands for the Big Cheese–and what my godfather is called by his kids. Bo Chez is like my godfather, big and strong with a booming voice. I also envision Joshua’s mentor Leandro, a mysterious cloaked man, as my hero in Lord of the Rings, Aragorn. He was a character that was very real to me. Long before the movie came out, I even dressed up like Aragorn for Halloween of what I thought he would look like. Long hooded cape, boots, and long hair. No one knew who I was but me. And then there is Joshua, who is based on my own son, Joshua.

6 Question: An Author Spotlight with Matt Myklusch

Writer and illustrator Matt Myklusch answers our questions! 

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire?

I don’t read very much middle-grade, as I don’t want to be influenced by what else is out there in my category. I have, of course, read the new classics, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. JK Rowling and Rick Riordan are both amazing. (Really going out on a limb, aren’t I?)

On the subject of illustrators, I have to give a shout out to Owen Richardson who painted the covers for my Jack Blank books and the Artemis Fowl series too. Also, Matt Armstrong, who did the cover for Seaborne: The Lost Prince. I couldn’t be happier with the way that one turned out. Growing up, I was incredibly influenced by comic book pencillers. There are too many to list, but I’ll say Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Arthur Adams, Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, and Joe Quesada to name a few. I’m still a huge comic book fan, so that list grows every year.

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?

I actually didn’t read any! I read a ton of books, but nothing in my category. I will say that Brandon Mull had a new series kick off last year, and I think his Beyonders and Fablehaven books are excellent. I’d recommend anything he does sight unseen.

How/why did you start writing?

When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time reading comic books like the X-Men, watching TV shows like GI Joe and the Transformers, and movies like Indiana Jones and Star Wars. I always walked away from those things wanting to create my own version of them. I would spend hours drawing my own superheroes and super-villains. My own Transformer and GI Joe characters. My own space adventurers and dauntless archeologists. For some reason, it was never enough to just watch. I always wanted to get in the game.

I think creativity is a compulsion. No matter what form it takes (writing, drawing, singing, acting, etc…), it starts out as an idea that you feel a need to express. A voice in your head that won’t shut up. That’s what gets me started on every new story. I don’t know why I feel a need to do it. I just know I love it and can’t stop. Maybe that’s the reason.

One piece of advice for young writers?

You only fail if you quit. Don’t think about the odds and don’t give up. If after years of writing, you are still trying to get published but haven’t quit, then you haven’t failed. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been at it. A screenwriter named Josh Olson wrote, “You can’t discourage a writer. If I can talk you out of being a writer, then you’re not a writer.” I totally agree. Life is going to present you with no shortage of excuses for giving up. The important thing to remember is that’s all they are— excuses. They’re not reasons. Have faith in yourself and your story.  You can do anything if you want it bad enough.

Also, write for YOU. No one is forcing you to sit down and write, so write the story you want to read. The one you will have the most fun writing. There’s no guarantee anything will ever happen with it, so you better at least have fun writing it. I happen to believe that makes the book come out better in the end.

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)

I’m working on a book that is a cross between Johnny Quest and Indiana Jones, with a little bit of James Bond mixed in. I’ve got a first draft complete, but it needs a few tweaks. I’m still trying to find my groove with this story, but it will be a lot of fun once I do.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?

I think we’re all the sum total of our experiences, so it’s impossible to separate yourself completely from your art. Often, it’s only when I look back on a finished project that I realize, “Oh, I’ve been writing about myself.” Maybe not on a story-detail level (as I have never been a pirate or super-hero), but on a thematic level definitely. I see elements of that in Seaborne and Jack Blank, and I didn’t even realize I was doing it while I was writing the books. That’s one the amazing things about writing— a book can still have surprises in store for its author!

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Don't forget!  Matt is going to be hosting a half hour art lesson at YA Fest Jr!

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Series with Paul Acampora

Paul Acampora, author of I KILL THE MOCKINGBIRD, answers our questions.

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire?

I have so many favorites! Off the top of my head (and in no particular order): Kate DiCamillo, Bruce Coville, Lisa Graff, Anne Martin, David Lubar, Patricia Reilly Giff, Rick Riordan, Josh Berk, Deborah Wiles, Raina Telgemeier, Jordan Sonnenblick, Tim Federle, Lisa  Yee, Rodman Philbrick… If I think for another 5 minutes, I’ll come up with 50 more.

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?

UNDER THE EGG by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH by Jennifer L. Holm

EL DEFO by Cece Bell

RAIN REIGN by Ann M. Martin

How/why did you start writing?

I love stories – reading them, hearing them, telling them – so I had ideas in my head. I guess I wanted to see what happened next. And I wanted to see if I could do it. Also, I like to construct a good sentence.

One piece of advice for young writers?

Read everything. Keep a journal. Write every day. (Is that 3 pieces?)

What are you currently working on? 

Novels. Short stories. Op/Ed pieces. A musical. Screenplays. Comedy. Having a good day. Being a good dad. Succeeding at my day job. Making people laugh. Not being an idiot.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?

Yes. People should be careful what they do and say around me. If they’re interesting, they’ll definitely end up in my journal. They might end up in a book.

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Series -- David Lubar

David Lubar, author of more than thirty books for middle grade and teen readers, answers our questions!

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?

 

I Kill the Mockingbird (by YA Fest Jr author Paul Acampora!)

How/why did you start writing?

 

I loved to read, and I had lots of stories running through my mind.

 

One piece of advice for young writers?

 

Learn to love revision.

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)

I'm writing short stories for my 8th Weenies collection. These are short, creepy or funny stories. They've been called "Twilight Zone" for kids.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?

 

 

I get ideas from events, but then  I like to give them a twist.

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Series: Todd McClimans

Todd McClimans, author of Time Traitor, answers our questions!

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire?

Lois Lowry is my all-time favorite author.  I was a fifth grade teacher and I loved using her books in my classroom.  She provides so many opportunities for kids to think and grow along with her characters.

How/why did you start writing?

I had always enjoyed writing, but I really got started writing stories for my fifth graders.  One of the best ways to get them excited about writing was to write stories for (and about) them.  It never failed to bring great stories out of them as well.  That's where my idea for Time Traitor came from.  Part of our curriculum was the Revolutionary War and I wanted to write something that would entertain kids and trick them into learning some real lessons about history as well.

One piece of advice for young writers?

Write what you know and write about what you love.  Writing is a way to escape into fantastical worlds where you make the rules and determine the outcome.  Think of the most amazing place you'd want to go, real or imaginary, and travel there with your characters.  Smell the air, talk to the animals, and even get into a sword fight or two.  Have fun with it and write something you'd like to read!

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)

I'm working on a sequel to Time Traitor, Time Underground.  Kristi, one of the main characters from Time Traitor, discovers that her great-great-great-great-great grandfather was a slave who'd escaped to the north along the Underground Railroad.  But she also discovers that her grandfather had a brother who had run away with him, but was captured by slave catchers and never heard from again.  Kristi and Ty go back to 1858 to find Kristi's ancestors and bring them both to safety along the Underground.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?

All of the events in my stories are real event, or epochs, in American History.  My characters are somewhat of a conglomeration of many of the interesting students I've worked with over the years.  No one in particular, but bits and pieces of many.  

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Series -- Debbie Dadey

Debbie Dadey, author of the bestselling The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids, answers our questions!

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire?  
Richard Peck-I can't tell you how many times I've reread A Year Down Yonder.  I love the illustrations that Tatevik Avakyan has done for my Mermaid Tales series with Simon and Schuster.

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?  


Cress by Marissa Meyer

Webmaster Note:  Marissa Meyer's series are for 12+ readers.

How/why did you start writing? 

I love to read and wanted to create something that someone else might enjoy.

One piece of advice for young writers? 
If you find something you want to do, like writing, don't give up when it's hard.  Because, believe me it will be hard at times.

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)  

I am just getting ready to start on a new Mermaid Tales book.  It will be book #15 in the series.  I am brainstorming what it should be about.  I will hash about several ideas and then pass them onto my editor to see which one she likes the best.  Then I'll take that little summary and create an outline.  I'll show that to my editor and we can tweak it before I begin to write the story.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events? 

Yes, how could they not be?  I think everything that happens to a writer somehow finds its way into a story.

As a bonus, here's a peek at the newest Mermaid Tales book cover!

6 Questions: An Author Spotlight Series: Cecelia Galante

Cecilia Galante, author of the Little Wings series answers our questions.

Favorite MG authors? Illustrators you admire?

E.B. White, Louis Sachar, Rebecca Stead, Kate DiCamillo, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Favorite MG books from the past year (2014/2015)?

Wonder by R.J. Palacco

How/why did you start writing?

I started writing as a teenager to try to make sense of the world around me. I had an unusual childhood and writing about it gave me the sense of securing my footing for the first time.

One piece of advice for young writers?

Read everything!

What are you currently working on?  (Give us your elevator pitch!)

I am very superstitious about not talking about what I am currently working on, since it seems to “break the spell.” I can however, tell you that it is another middle grade novel and it is set in an environment that I’ve never written about before.

Are your characters/stories inspired by real people/events?

I usually start off with a character or situation that I’m familiar with and then watch as things start to take a life of their own. By the end of my novels, the characters are so far from what I originally thought they would be that I barely recognize them!