author of Lionel's Grand Adventure Series. He was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us for an interview.
Welcome Paul to The Moose Room blog! I know as a reader, I enjoy learning more about the authors that create the books I like to read, so I know that your readers will be very interested in what you have to share with them today.
Q- Were you an avid
reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
Paul -Yes and no. I read
a lot, but it was comic books. I read Archie and Jughead, Beetle Bailey, and
Sad Sack all the time. I can recall my parents worrying that I wasn’t reading
enough books. I have two older brothers and they read books all the time, so I
suppose the fact that I didn’t was the reason for my parents concern. I
eventually started reading books though after I read The Hobbit. That
experience has led me to believe that any reading is great; it doesn’t matter
if it’s books, magazines, or comic books. If a child is picking something up
and reading it, that is good and should be encouraged. Once I began reading, I
read tons of Encyclopedia Brown, the Three Investigators, and choose your own
adventure books. I still think choose your own adventure books are one of the
more clever ideas I’ve seen.
Q-Tell us a bit about
your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
Paul -Lionel Goes to Camp
is the next book in the Lionel’s Grand Adventure series. I felt like the next
logical progression for Lionel was to surround himself with some close friends
to share in his adventures. I loved reading Encyclopedia Brown and the Three
Investigators while growing up. I felt like I wanted Lionel to have some
partners in crime as well as be able to do a little detective work. I also
wanted to pursue some other threads that presented themselves in the first two
books. Lionel doesn’t have a dad around. I thought that was significant and
deserved a bit more attention. I think most children in that situation would
want to know more about their dad. I imagine they would picture their dad as a
daredevil, secret agent, or devise some other reason why they had to leave.
Lionel is no different. My inspiration was to send Lionel on an adventure with
some comrades, like the Three Investigators, as well as do some detective work
while pursuing the mystery of his missing dad.
Q- How would you
describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it
stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
Paul -This particular book was quite a marathon. This book
has undergone numerous transformations. The idea, as is usually the case with
me, came from more of a stream-of-consciousness writing than an outline. I tend
to try to create a rough outline so I have an idea of where I’m going and how I
want to get there, but for the most part, I tend to get there by writing. I’m
not one that can sit and plan out each part of the plot and process. My
inspiration comes from writing. Once I sit down and begin to type things
happen. It just happens to be the case with this book, that I wasn’t happy with
it until now. I always felt like I needed something different or more. I have
to thank all my critique partners for helping to bring this story out. It has
been a real challenge, I have to admit, but well worth it. I’m really happy
with it, and I hope my fans will be too.
Q-Who are your
literary heroes and why?
Paul -Donald J. Sobol and Stephen King. Donald J. Sobol
wrote Encyclopedia Brown. Those books are so dear to me. They are essentially a
collection of short stories in each book which makes them easy and quick to
read for kids. I loved this growing up as I graduated from comic books to
books. I just love and respect the way Mr. Sobol was able to write in such a
simple yet entertaining way. I still pick up Encyclopedia Brown books and read
them to this day. There is so much to learn from reading him. His writing, in
my opinion, is genius. What can I say about Stephen King that hasn’t already
been said? I love his characters. He is the master at great characters. I know
people probably think of the horror or suspense when discussing Stephen King,
but to me it starts with the characters. Who doesn’t have some sleepless nights
thinking about Annie Wilkes in Misery? I love Jake Epping in 11/22/63. What
about the torment Jack Torrance feels in the Shining? Donald J. Sobol and
Stephen King are my literary heroes.
Q- If you could have
been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?
Paul -Abraham Lincoln. I
would have loved to witness him during the Civil War. At a time when this
nation was at a cross-roads and so many critical issues undecided, I would have
loved to witness his thought process and maneuvering to accomplish the things
that he did. I mean, the basic identity and future of our nation was in
question. Would we be a nation of states with a strong central government, or
would be a confederation of independent states? How did he hold things together
and bring this nation through the other side, ensuring the nation we see today?
I think witnessing such a great leader at such a critical time would be fantastic.
Q-If you are a world
builder, what is your favorite part of creating these worlds?
Paul -I wouldn’t call
myself a world builder per say. I have created a fictitious town, but it is
most certainly in our world. I am a huge fan of the 1950’s and ‘60’s (I wasn’t
born yet, no), and wanted to create my story in this world. As a side note, if
anyone loves this era like I do, be sure to read Stephen King’s 11/22/63. It
was a bit of a challenge, but a fun one. I wanted to create a world that didn’t
yet have cell phones and computers. Many of the situations Lionel finds himself
in might be easily remedied if he had access to these things, but he doesn’t. I
think creating a world in a simpler time makes for some challenges. I think one
has to be cognizant of the fact that children today might not connect with such
a world. That challenge was probably my favorite part of creating the “world”
Lionel lives in. I have attempted to create some universal challenges and
dilemmas in a way that transcends time and place. I think children (and adults)
of every era can relate to being bullied, or feeling out of place, as well as
having a crush on a cute girl (or boy) that you’re worried isn’t reciprocated.
Q-Do you belong to a
critique group? How has this helped or hindered your writing.
Paul -I do. I belong to a
critique group as well as work with valued critique partners. My critique group
is great, but we actually all write different genres so it can be challenging
in that respect. I have one critique partner that I just love and value
tremendously. She is just super. I trust her opinion and judgment, and she
really brings out the best in me. I also have several other critique partners that
I tend to exchange work with when it works out. I think working with critique
partners, whether it is a group or individuals, has been a great help to my
writing. I know writing can be a solitary endeavor, but sharing your work with
others and getting their viewpoints and thoughts is critical. Sometimes the
writer can be too close to the project and miss things, or be too afraid to
edit things. A trusted critique is invaluable to the writing process.
Q-Do you write
non-stop until you have a first draft, or do you edit as you move along?
Paul -I like this
question. I have always written beginning to end, finish the first draft,
revise, revise, and revise some more. I like to have my ideas somewhat outlined
and then go to work. However, I have recently purchased Scrivener and it has
made me rethink how I write. One of my favorite things about Scrivener (I still
have a lot to learn) is the way I can break my project into pieces. I actually
wasn’t that interested in this feature when I was looking into buying it, but
after transferring many of my ideas for my next book to it, I have realized its
value. I can break each idea into separate pieces and then work on them,
combining and modifying them as I go. I am really excited to keep working on my
next project this way. So, I guess I am evolving in the way I write.
Q-They say authors
have immensely fragile egos… How would you handle negative criticism or a
negative review?
Paul -I personally, try
to take any and all criticism at face value. I understand that everyone has
different interests and opinions. Unless a criticism or review is blatantly unfounded,
I believe I should view it as a learning experience. Everyone’s views matter,
and if I make certain I value it, then there stands a pretty good chance that I
can learn something from it and improve as a writer. While it is difficult to
hear negative things about yourself or your writing, I want to improve so it
doesn’t benefit me if I don’t hear the truth.
Q- What book are you reading now?
Paul -Ambasadora: Marked by Light written by Heidi Ruby Miller. I love Heidi's writing. You asked about being a world builder earlier, well, Heidi is a master of world building. I absolutely love the world she has built in her books (I've also read Greenshift by her). It is truly amazing all the details she has created. I also love her characters. She is a master of creating a great heroine. I'm not sure she'd use that term for her leading ladies, but I will. I really like them, root for them, and believe in them so, to me, they are heroines. I cannot fathom all the research and time that must have gone into creating such a real, complex world. I highly recommend these two books by Heidi.
Thanks so much Paul for sharing details about your reading interests, your writing process, and helping readers get to know you better!
As I've said before Lionel Snodgrass is a great character!
Congratulations on your latest book, Lionel Goes to Camp, which will be released on June 4th!
You can pre-order your copy today by clicking this Amazon link~
You can also visit Paul Hewlett's website for the latest news, links, and information about all of Lionel's Grand Adventures~
