Author Interview Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Dianne Salerni

Dianne Salerni’s first novel, We Hear the Dead, was a YA historical based on the real story of 19th century teenage spirit mediums Maggie and Kate Fox. We Hear the Dead was the inspiration for the Canadian-produced short film, The Spirit Game, which premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Her second novel, another YA historical, The Caged Graves, was a Junior Library Guild Selection and was inspired by two real caged graves in an abandoned Pennsylvania [...]

By Lisa Lewis Tyre|2015-01-28T16:29:24-05:00January 27th, 2015|Author Interview|2 Comments

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Lisa Yee

Award winning author, Lisa Yee has published ten middle grade books, several short stories and articles and has a new YA coming out soon. She has around two million books in print and has earned loads of awards. Before becoming an author, Lisa used her creativity as an advertising copywriter, journalist, creative director, television writer among other jobs including once being paid to eat chocolate. Middle Grade Mafia: I’m always interested in how experienced authors [...]

By Debbie D'Aurelio|2015-01-22T16:28:28-05:00January 22nd, 2015|Author Interview|0 Comments

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Tom Angleberger

On Twitter one day, I saw author Tom Angleberger commenting on what ingredients are in pickles and I knew I had to respond. Not only was he as surprised with pickles as I, he agreed to be a part of our Writer’s Block series. Every kid under the age of 18 knows Tom for his incredibly creative Origami Yoda series, but he has also written a number of other wonderful books (Fake Mustache, Horton Halfpott, Crankee [...]

By Kevin Springer|2015-01-21T03:47:22-05:00January 20th, 2015|Author Interview|0 Comments

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Shelby Bach

The incredibly talented author of the EVER AFTERSCHOOL series, Shelby Bach, took some time between book promotions and edits of her next book to answer our questions. I loved the opportunity to get to know her a little and pick her brain. The result was a wonderful interview that I know you all will enjoy! Middle Grade Mafia: Your bio mentions that you spent a brief time working for a major publishing house. Did that experience prepare you for when [...]

By Kevin Springer|2014-12-12T21:49:16-05:00November 24th, 2014|Author Interview|1 Comment

Author/Illustrator Showcase: Jeff Kinney

“In 1998, Jeff Kinney came up with the idea for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a story about a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley. Jeff worked on his book for almost eight years before showing it to a publisher in New York.” – www.wimpykid.com As both a writer and an illustrator, I was excited to have the opportunity to interview Jeff for the Middle Grade Mafia. His books, which have changed the genre to include [...]

By Alison Hertz|2015-05-05T21:05:10-04:00November 4th, 2014|Author Interview, Book Launch, Illustrator Interview|2 Comments

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Jennifer Holm

As we continue to expand the Middle Grade Mafia community, we have been able to meet some of the amazingly talented authors. This week is no different as I had the opportunity to connect with Jennifer Holm, author of the recent release THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She is a two-time Newberry Honor winner and has worked with her brother on the BABYMOUSE and SQUISH graphic novels. I am honored to bring to Jennifer Holm... Middle Grade Mafia: It is always fun to [...]

By Kevin Springer|2014-10-28T14:16:33-04:00October 29th, 2014|Author Interview|1 Comment

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Marcia Wells

Today’s author interview is with debut author, Marcia Wells, who recently released her uber fantastic middle grade series Eddie Red Undercover. We asked Marcia about her inspiration behind the mystery series and her experience with the launch of our her new book. Middle Grade Mafia: As a debut author, can you tell us your experience with the launch of your first book, Eddie Red Undercover? Marcia Wells: I was really lucky to be a part of Houghton [...]

By Debbie D'Aurelio|2014-10-27T15:06:31-04:00October 20th, 2014|Author Interview|0 Comments

The Writer’s Block: An Interview with Katherine Applegate

We at the Mafia have been very lucky to have interviewed some amazing authors. When Katherine Applegate, Newberry winner for THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, said yes, I was super excited. Her writing has inspired many and we are grateful to share our interview with you all. Middle Grade Mafia: It is always fun to hear the path bestselling authors have taken to their first book deal, what was yours? Katherine Applegate: My very first book deal [...]

By Kevin Springer|2015-05-05T21:08:13-04:00October 15th, 2014|Author Interview|2 Comments

The Writer’s Block – An Interview with Christopher Healy

As a writer/reader of Mid-Grade books, and the father of a Mid-Grade reluctant reader, it is refreshing to come across a book that is smart, witty and keeps readers wanting more. Almost two years ago, I came across Christopher Healy and his wonderful fractured fairy tale world of Prince Charmings – The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. Together, my son and I enjoyed the series so much that we would push bedtime back a [...]

By Kevin Springer|2014-10-05T01:36:44-04:00October 1st, 2014|Author Interview|2 Comments

The Writer’s Block – An Interview with Cornelia Funke

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with the wonderfully talented Cornelia Funke, author of bestselling Inkworld Trilogy. The stories she has created have captured our imaginations and inspired writers worldwide. For this interview, she pulls back the curtain a little and shares her insights on writing and more. Now, without further ado, Cornelia Funke… Middle Grade Mafia: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Cornelia Funke: I was so bored by the stories I was [...]

By Kevin Springer|2014-10-15T18:35:34-04:00September 22nd, 2014|Author Interview|0 Comments