Author Interview! Starring Gordon Korman!

My first author interview posted on this blog (can you believe it?)! Today's author interview features bestselling author of Ungifted, The Hypnotist, Schooled, and Masterminds Gordon Korman! I asked him a couple questions about his books, and writing in general,which he gratefully responded to.

Q1- What was your inspiration for writing these amazing stories? For example, how does one simply think to write about an ungifted kid going to a gifted school?

A1-  My story ideas just come to me. I don’t want to question it too much, because I would hate to have it stop happening! But really, most authors don’t require what you call “inspiration.” We write because we have something to say. That’s just about all it takes to start us scribbling.

Q2- I feel like you’ve been asked this a million times, but your strategy for avoiding writer’s block?

A2-Can you believe it? I’ve never had writer’s block. I think my reason is that I plan my story thoroughly before I ever put down a single word. So I always know what’s next. Planning. Highly recommended.

Q3- Another popular asked questions, but is there any advice for fellow writers/bloggers like me who want to write stories but don’t know where to begin?

A3-  As I said in #2, planning is everything. If you plan it all in your head, in detail, before you start to write, you’ll have no trouble picking where to begin. Yes, you can make changes, add and subtract people and events. But the basic story must be there before you start. As for marketing, that’s a whole different matter. I recommend a book in the reference section of your library, subject: Writers’ Markets. It’s got everything you need to know about choosing where to send your manuscript. Said manuscript should be typed, 8-1/2″x11″ white paper, one side of the page only. Numbered pages, loose, preferably boxed. PERFECTLY copy-edited. Covering letter introducing yourself and a bit about your book. That’s it.

Q4- Did you/do you have another job before you got into writing? How long ago did you start writing middle grade?

A4- My job before I started writing was passing 6th grade. My first book, THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL, was written as a 7th grade English project when I was 12. Watch for the movie called BRUNO & BOOTS: GO JUMP IN THE POOL, coming soon on Netflix, I think. That’s Book #2. And there’s another movie in the works.

Q5- What are other authors/books do you recommend?

A5- Other authors highly recommended: Jack Gantos, Jerry Spinelli, and Tom Angleberger to name just a few.

There you have him folks, Gordon Korman! Go check out his books. Like Right Now. Please. Stop Reading this. GO!