Author Steve Metzger has written more than 80 books for kids. He is an award-winning author and he has a new book out. I had the opportunity to share an interview with him last year and am honored to do it again.
Neophyte Writer Author Exposed Interview:
You’ve been writing for more than 26 years and now you’ve completed another fun Bumble Brothers book. Tell me about the writing process for this one.
The writing process for this one – “The Not-So-Secret Clubhouse” — began with memories of the time my 3rd-grade pal, Teddy, and I started a secret clubhouse behind a bunch of bushes. It was just a place where two 8-year-olds could be by themselves before being called home by our mothers for dinner.
Have you always written for children?
Yes, only for children. As I was a teacher for 15 years, the world of childhood is where I’m most familiar and comfortable.
What is your writing process and how disciplined are you?
I’m pretty disciplined. When something is on my “To Do” list, I make sure to do it. My writing process is to make lots of notes and use them for the story outline I’m currently working on. When the sequence of my outline feels like it’s going to work, I start writing by hand on a notepad. When that feels right, I start a word doc. After that, I make changes with each revision…and there are lots of revisions – until it feels right.
You stated before you love writing for reluctant readers. What is their reaction when they see you in person?
Some kids are really excited to meet me; some kids are pretty ho-hum about it. But they all ask great questions and most of them LOVE graphic novels.
Have you written something other than graphic novels for kids?
In addition to the three Bumble Brothers’ graphic novels – the 3rd one is being published in October ’24 – I have written many picture books and one chapter book — “Toto’s Story: My Amazing Adventures with Dorothy in Oz.”
Do you read other graphic novels? If so, which ones?
I’m a big fan of graphic novels and I’m excited to see that middle-grade kids are really attracted to them. A few of my favorites are: “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang, “Blankets” by Craig Thompson, and “Why Is Everybody Yelling: Growing Up in My Immigrant Family” by Marisabina Russo.
Do you attend writer’s conferences, and if so which ones?
I don’t go to many writers’ conferences. A conference that stood out was one offered by the Highlights Foundation. Highly recommended–great staff in a beautiful, bucolic setting.
What are you working on now? Since the 3rd Bumble Brothers’ graphic novel is complete, I’m turning my attention back to a couple of picture books. Both of them are in different stages of development.
Thank you so much Steve for the opportunity to learn more and about your writing process and reading your latest addition to the Bumble Brothers.
Stop by Kristi’s Book Nook to check out Steve’s Author Highlight and learn more about why he writes for kids.
Steve Metzger – Biography
Steve Metzger is the award-winning author of more than 80 children’s books, including The Way I Act (approved for classroom use by the California Department of Education), Detective Blue (IRA-CBC Children’s Choice List, SLJ starred review), Pluto Visits Earth! (ABC Best Books for Children), and Yes, I Can Listen!, a Eureka Honor Award winner from the California Reading Association. His latest graphic novels, The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics! (chosen by the Junior Library Guild as a Gold Standard Selection) and the just-published The Bumble Brothers: The Not-So-Secret Clubhouse!
Steve lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.
Website
https://www.stevemetzgerbooks.com/
@stevemetzgerbooks
stevemetzgerbooks
The Neophyte Writer 