Check It Out

Gary donated a 9 volume set of his popular children’s series, The Adirondack Kids to the Bridget Zinn Auction.  I learned a little more about Gary when he answered a set of interview questions:

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

I have been writing my entire adult life and for seven years co-owned a community newspaper. I began writing The Adirondack Kids® series with my son while in my mid-forties and did not know if I could make a solid jump from non-fiction to fiction. Happily, I found out those journalism skills not only kept me on task in terms of communicating essentials and keeping a story moving, but helped keep the fiction plausible.

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

I am a full time pastor and on my “days off”, my wife has me speaking in public schools to young people about reading and writing. After that, it is hiking in the Adirondack high peaks wilderness area.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

A love to read was nurtured by parents – particularly by my mother. We were not a wealthy family by our society’s standards, but somehow there was always money for books. Once the books were in my hands, many authors took over.

What is your current project?

The ninth book in The Adirondack Kids® series was released less than two weeks ago. We are preparing now for our 10th Anniversary (2010) and hope to release a 10th Anniversary Edition of The Adironack Kids® #1 – as well as #10 in the series.

What books are on your nightstand?

On my dresser, the floor or my nightstand? Really, there are books everywhere. Directly on my nightstand at this moment are The River of Lost Footsteps – a Personal history of Burma; Up Old Forge Way (an regional history of the area our Adirondack Kids books are set); the dead and the gone – a YA novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer and Wordsmith by Dave Darrigo & Richard Taylor – an out of print graphic novel about a pulp fiction writer working in the 1930’s.
Where do you find inspiration?

Real life.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

As child?Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary.
As a teen? The Hobbit by Tolkien.
As an adult? The Writing Life by Annie Dillard.
Genre that stands out? When I am not reading for my full time job, I prefer to read children’s books. I find them generally to be more creative and pure.

Favorite time of the day to work?

To write? 11 p.m. and on into the morning. By then the phone has usually stopped ringing.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

How about fruit? Tomatoes first. Then oranges & strawberries.

Coffee or tea or —?

Never had a sip of coffee in my life. Iced Tea I guess, and water.

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

The only dancing I do is around questions like these ; )

Thanks, Gary for taking the time to anser these questions.  I am hoping that the bidds will be frequent for your donation.

Happy Reading.

MsMac