We work with some pretty incredible writers here at Walrus Books and we thought that a good way for you to get to know them better would be to grill them ruthlessly with 7 death-defying questions and then post their responses on this blog. Because of the extreme nature of these questions, it was obvious that our first subject should be Pam Withers, the author of the Take it to the Extreme series.
So…for your enjoyment we humbly present our inaugural 7 Questions With…
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How did your first book change your life?
It led to a series that turned into a career change. I was phenomenally lucky and I can’t think of anything more fun than being an author for young adults.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, what is it?
When my son was young, I established the only writing routine that was possible: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So that’s pretty much what I stick with now. I can’t write more than six hours a day, physically or creatively. And often, that six hours includes research or interviews or outlining as well as writing.
Is there an age range that you tend to write for? Any theories about why?
Most of my books are for kids ages 11 to 13. Partly because that’s the age my son was when I began writing, but also because I spent six years running a summer camp for pre-teens learning whitewater kayaking, so I feel pretty comfortable aiming my material at that age group.
Do you have any advice for young writers? Care to share it?
Keep a journal, attend a young writers camp or workshop if you can find one (such as the Vancouver Public Library’s summer camp for young writers) read the kind of material you like to write, check out various links on my website for young writers, and check out the books at WritersDigest.com.
What’s your favourite word?
Sinuous (to describe a river)
If you hadn’t become a writer, what profession do you think you might have tried?
A psychologist, because they also have to “get inside people’s heads,” but getting inside imaginary people’s heads is more fun.
What was your favourite book when you were a kid?
The Wizard of Oz
Be sure to check out Pam’s books, which include Mountainboard Maniacs, Adrenalin Ride and Peak Survival.
Thanks, Pam!
The Margaret A. Edwards award is awarded each year to an author who makes a lasting contribution in the field of young adult literature. Instead of honoring one book, the award seeks to acknowledge a lifetime's worth of work.
For this challenge, I'm asking people to read 3-5 books by any of the award-winning authors.
2008, Orson Scott Card
2007, Lois Lowry
2006, Jacqueline Woodson
2005, Francesca Lia Block
2004, Ursula K. Le Guin
2003, Nancy Garden
2002, Paul Zindel
2001, Robert Lipsyte
2000, Chris Crutcher
1999, Anne McCaffrey
1998, Madeleine L'Engle
1997, Gary Paulsen
1996, Judy Blume
1995, Cynthia Voigt
1994, Walter Dean Myers
1993, M.E. Kerr
1992, Lois Duncan
1991, Robert Cormier
1990, Richard Peck
1988, S.E. Hinton
The time frame for this mini-challenge? February 1, 2008 - June 1, 2008.
Lists? Well, you can make a list of 'official' and 'alternate' books IF you want. Or you can just decide as you go. I know *many* people (myself included) have a hard time following lists even if we enjoy making them at the time. I also know many people rely on the library for their selections. And I *know* it is hard to predict just what will be on the shelves at your local library. So keep it simple.
I would encourage everyone to read The Giver by Lois Lowry if you haven't already done so. And of course, I'll be pushing folks to read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. (But it is by NO means a requirement for signing up.)
There are so many great authors on this list, and so many books. If you're like me, you've probably heard of quite a few of them, but never quite found the time to read some of these.
Edited to add: As far as authors go, I don't care if you want to read three (or five) different authors to add variety. Or three (or five) books by the same author. Split up your reading list however you want. (2 by Lowry, 1 by Peck, 1 by Card for example) In other words if you wanted to make this the "read 5 Judy Blume books" challenge, you have my okay.
Edited to also add: Overlapping with other challenges is fine. I don't have a problem with it. And for the record, you could also LISTEN to audio books if you would like.
To sign up, leave a comment. I'll add you to this post as a participant. (A blog is NOT required.)
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