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This Spring on Writermorphosis I’m interviewing great Children’s/YA authors and author/illustrators about tips they were given by more experienced authors/illustrators when they first started in the business, and how those tips have helped them and can help us today.
Our first victim (AKA author) is my friend John Claude Bemis.
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John is the author of The Clockwork Dark, a fantasy adventure trilogy that takes place in a mythical America. The first book, The Nine Pound Hammer (Random House, 2009), was described as “a steampunk collision of heroes, mermaids, pirates, and good old-fashioned Americana” by Booklist, and was a New York Public Library Best Children’s Book 2009 for Reading and Sharing. That was followed by the rest of the trilogy, The Wolf Tree and The White City. His newest book, described as a "futuristic Jungle Book,” is The Prince Who Fell from the Sky. John is a songwriter and musician who found inspiration for his fiction in old-time country and blues music and the Southern folklore at its heart. A former elementary school teacher, he lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his wife and daughter.
So John, tell us. Which more experienced author gave you good advice that’s helped you in the profession? And what was that advice?
I’m fortunate to live in Hillsborough, a little historic town in North Carolina that has a disproportionate number of writers. Walk to the coffee shop or local bookstore, and you’ll likely cross paths with Lee Smith, Jill McCorkle, or Michael Malone. Not long after I got my first book contract, I ran into literary icon Allan Gurganus (Last Confederate Widow Tells All) at a gallery opening.
11 Comments on "Each One Teach One" Author Interview: John Claude Bemis, last added: 4/30/2012
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Great interview! I especially like the "cross-pollination" idea. Lately, I've been trying to branch out past the writing community, too, to connect with people in different fields like science, photography, technology, and others. You never know where you're going to find that little burst of inspiration that grows into part of your writing.
In a few years, when you ask newly published authors about who helped guide them and gave great advice, I bet a lot of people will answer John Beamis. His talks and critiques at SCBWI, his children's book writing classes, and his encouragement in general has meant a lot to a ton of people, including me.
Good point, Kate. I loved that idea too.
And you're so right, Karen! I think a lot of people are learning a lot from you, John!
Great words of advice for all writers! Thanks, Janelle and John!
I've been fortunate to both hear John present and to meet him personally at a conference. I definitely got that he likes to reach out to people (even those of us who are pre-published) and I appreciate his open, friendly ways!
Thanks to both of you for this great interview.
Thanks CL! And thanks John - for being a good example of an author reaching out to the new folks!
Thank you for all the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Janelle, thank you for a fun discussion!
Great advice, especially the note about networking. My experience with the Goalies has kept me writing for years now, as have the SCBWI conferences. John is a very gracious person who always has a smile and words of encouragement for other writers. It is writers like him who inspire the rest of us to become better at what we love.
I think you're absolutely right, Kathy, about John, the conference, and the crit groups. I too love the Goalies.
Thanks, John, for popping back up on here!
Janelle & JOhn,
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation...felt like I was evesdropping on the two of you! Thanks John for sharing what has helped you a long the way; it makes me treasure my critique group even more.
Great interview idea, Janelle. Look forward to your next one!
Carol