A Nose for Children's Fiction
Richard: The most important part of writing for young people is the same as the most important part of writing for older people. Hold their interest. Tell a good story. Make them laugh, cry, think. That's what I try to do. The moment someone yawns, I've failed. Paula: What are your goals as a writer?
Richard: My goal as a writer is easy. To keep writing. Which I can do only so long as people keep reading my books. If that means it's all about me, then I blush. Writing is all about the writer. Now, I treasure the moments when some kids come up to me and tell me how much they love my stuff, how they laughed so hard milk came out their nose, how my books made them realize that their own lives could be better. That's great. But I don't write for that. I write for me. I'm searching too.
Paula: As a father yourself, do you ever "test" your stories with your children first; do you have them be the first critics of your work?Richard: The only story of mine my kids liked was "Introducing Norbert," which I read aloud as a performance piece. Their reaction to that story told me there was something there, and encouraged me to submit it. Mostly they are bored by my writing. They like the idea of Dad the author, but run like demons if they see me approaching with a manuscript in my hands. All very natural -- I didn't like my dad taking work home either.
Paula: Tell me about your writing influences: what books and authors have inspired you and why?Richard: I read a lot of fantasy when I was a kid. Tolkien and CS Lewis were favorites. So was Walter Brooks -- I like Freddy the Pig because he was a good friend, and because he solved his problems by talking. I loved talkers: Groucho Marx and Peter Wimsey. My absolute hero growing up was Sergeant Ernie Bilko. (Actually, he still is a bit of a role model.) As a slightly more mature writer, I am in awe of people like Dickens, and Russel Hoban, and Raymond Chandler, and PG Wodehouse. Of course I also like Thurber and EB White and Austen and Kenneth Grahame. And GK Chesterton. Probably lots more if I give myself time.
Paula: What advice would you give to a young person
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