Nov 22 2022

Author Exposed – Steve Metzger

The Neophyte Writer would like to introduce the author, Steve Metzger. His new graphic novel “The Bumble Brothers: Crazy For Comics!” is now available. Scroll down and check out the featured interview to learn more about Steve.

The Junior Library Guild has chosen The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics as a Gold Standard Selection. For a chance to win a copy please stop by Kristi’s Book Nook.

TNW: How long have you been writing?

SM: I’ve been writing since 1996, so that would be 26 years.

TNW: Have you always written for children?

SM: In my writing career, it’s always been for children. Before I started writing, I experienced a variety of jobs, including hotel room clerk, taxi driver, dishwasher, import manager, and most importantly, teacher. Teaching and writing were the best!

TNW: Why did you choose graphic novels?

SM: Graphic novels are an increasingly popular genre of children’s books. They seem to fit the kind of humorous storytelling of the Bumble Brothers’ adventures.

TNW: How difficult was it for you to work with an illustrator to get your ideas put into cartoons?

SM: The illustrator, Brian Schatell, is super-talented. We share a natural chemistry about humor and that made him extremely easy to work with.

TNW: What drives and motivates your writing?

SM: When writing the Bumble Brothers, I am driven to get reluctant readers excited about reading and learning to read.

TNW: Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

SM: In the world of children’s books, my favorite authors/illustrators are Leo Lionni and Tedd Arnold. Leo Lionni because his books are so wise and Tedd Arnold because his books are so clever and funny.

TNW: What books for writers would you recommend?

SM: I would recommend Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud and Show Me a Story: Why Picture Books Matter and Comics Confidential: Thirteen Graphic Novelists Talk Story, Craft, and Life Outside the Box, both by Leonard Marcus.

TNW: What advice do you have for new writers?

SM: It sounds trite, but I would say to write what’s in your heart and not to try tapping into publishing trends. Write what you would enjoy writing about…and read, read, READ!

TNW: What is your next project?

SM: Since the Bumble Brothers will be a three-book graphic novel series, I am now working on finishing up book #2 and I’m still writing book #3.

Author Bio

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, The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics! is a middle-grade graphic novel chosen by the Junior Library Guild as a Gold Standard Selection.

Other Information

Website:  http://www.stevemetzgerbooks.com

Facebook: @stevemetzgerbooks

Instagram: stevemetzgerbooks

Goodreads: Steve Metzger

Thanks so much, Steve for sharing. Be sure to stop by Kristi’s Book Nook to learn more about Steve and his books for kids.

By Kristi Bernard • Posted in Writing
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