Hi, Brendan,
Thanks for posting. I’ll be happy to answer your questions, since you had me at “devoted fan” and “love your books.”
1. Most authors don’t really require what you call “inspiration,” Brendan. We write because we have something to say, a story to tell. That’s just about all it takes to start us scribbling. It’s also what makes writers different from other people.
2. I admit it. I was good in English and spelling. It seemed to come naturally to me.
3. Favorite authors: Douglas Adams, who wrote THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY; Joseph Heller, whose CATCH-22 is a masterpiece; and my very favorite, Kurt Vonnegut, anything of his, especially THE SIRENS OF TITAN, which is the most amazing book I ever read!
4. Right now I’m working on a sequel to UNGIFTED.
5. The time it takes varies, of course. The shortest I ever wrote was WHO IS BUGS POTTER? which took only 6 weeks, and the longest was a Y/A called LOSING JOE’S PLACE, which took a whole year and almost drove me crazy!
6. I have a wife and 3 kids and a house in the suburbs. What spare time? Actually, I watch my older son (17) play football, my younger son (11, and a school reporter like you) play soccer and basketball, and my daughter (14) perform in various shows — she’s a gifted singer and actress.
7.Advice to young author: read a lot and write a lot. That’s how you develop skill with language. Your writing will go more smoothly, and will very likely read more smoothly as well. And NEVER put down a single word until your story is well-planned. Yes, you can change things, add and subtract characters and events. But the basic story must be there before you write a single word. That’s the prime directive.
OK? How’s that? I hope it gives you material for your article.
Thanks again for writing, Brendan. I appreciate your interest in me and my work, and I hope you’ll continue to be such a loyal fan.
Best regards,
—-Gordon Korman—-