Do you want to be pen pals?
I am afraid not. I just don’t have the time. First I have to write my books. That takes most of each day. Then, each and every day I get letters from my readers. I try to answer them all.
And then there is the rest of my life . . . .
Why do you write for young people and not adults?
1. I really like kids.
2. Kids are great readers.
3. Kids take stories and make them part of their own lives.
4. Kids write interesting letters to authors.
What made you think of writing Crispin, The Cross of Lead?
I listened to a talk about Medieval Times by professor Teofilo Ruiz. It was so fascinating that I decided I needed to know more about that period of history. My reading led me to write the book.
How long does it take you to write a novel?
Usually it takes about a year.
Are your characters based on real people?
Not many. That said, all are shaped by my knowledge of people over many years. Also, in some of my historical fiction, like Crispin, the Cross of Lead, (John Ball) and Iron Thunder, (John Erikson) I’ve tried to write about real people.
When you were young like me did you want to be an author?
The thought never crossed my mind. The first thing I wanted to be was a garbage collector!
What is your favorite thing to write about?
What I most love to write are stories that people want to read.
Will you visit my school?
I’d be happy to visit. The best way is via Skype. Ask your teacher to check my website. It will explain how a Skype visit can be set up.
Why did you become a writer when you were not good at it?
Most of all I loved reading. Second, I thought writing would be fun to do. Third, it’s great fun to do something well when no one thinks you can do it at all.
Is it true that McKinley, the dog in THE GOOD DOG, is your real dog?
I think the dog in the book is a lot smarter than our dog, whose is name McKinley. But out McKinley, is very sweet, loyal, a real family dog. And at around five o clock everyday, when its time for his dinner, he starts to talk, with all kinds of growls, sounds, barks, and noise that does sound as if he wishes to chat with us.