LINDA AKSOMITIS

AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What genres do you write?

I have written and published in every genre from poetry to nonfiction to children's books.

What genres would you like to write?

I'm just starting a collection of young adult science fiction stories.

Where do you get your ideas?

My ideas are based on my many experiences in the real world - from snowmobile racing to horse ranching.

Do you pattern your characters after any real people?

Not specifically, no. I decide on a setting and a story, then think about the character who is making the story happen. Of course all characters you create inevitably contain a little of yourself, and everyone you know.

What authors do you admire?

Children's authors: Madeleine L'Engle, Jan Brett, Steven Kellogg, Karleen Bradford, Kenneth Oppel, and many others.

What authors do you read?

I'm a member of many Writing for children organizations, and I like to read the books of the other members.

What genres do you read?

I read every genre - a good science fiction is my favorite however.

What other genres do you see yourself writing?

I'm hoping to write some time travel fantasy, and possibly some historical fiction somewhere down the road.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Writing and teaching. They are the two things that provide me with the most personal satisfaction - especially teaching about writing [which is what I do now]!

Do you see yourself ever not writing?

No. I have always been a writer. Sometimes I do more writing in my head than at the keyboard, but I'm always writing.

What books do you have planned in the near future?

There are sequels planned for each of series of books, and some totally new short story collections, and ...

How did you get started writing?

I've wanted to write since before I could read. I used to lay in bed at night, making up the stories.

What age were you when you started to write?

I taught myself to read when I was about five, and published my first work when I was ten.

When is your next book due?

I have ten book contracts, with only three out, so I have seven books due in the next six months or so.

Was there any author or authors that helped you get your in start writing, or helped you break into the field?

No, although a week at a Writer's Workshop for children's writers was a turning point in my career.

What do you feel makes your books unique or stand out from others in your genre?

I have unique experiences that aren't being used in settings or backgrounds in realistic children's fiction.

What made you choose the genres you write?

The stories come first and the genre comes second.

Do you have a special subgenre?

In children's lit, most of my books are in the picture book or first chapter book categories.

Do you have a favorite place you like to write?

No. One of my books was completely re-written in the high school computer lab on my noon hours at work!

In what order do you write? For example starting beginning to end, combining parts, in random order or in development cycle?

I always know where I'm going with a book, starting with a character and the situation, and ending with how the character will grow as a result of the situation. That comes from living with a story for a long time before sitting down to write it.

Do you feel that the e-books afford authors a bit more freedom of expression in their books?

Yes. Ebook publishers are more open to settings and activities that are not mainstream, so are avoided by traditional publishers.

What do you feel is, or isn’t being done to promote authors?

I think that there are lots of things done to promote authors, with many sites online to showcase new books and new people.

Do you feel that the marketing departments have their finger on the pulse of readers?

I don't think most ebook publishers have a marketing department! I think they're steered by the creative efforts of the writers themselves.

How do you feel about review rating systems?

They seem to be reflective of most components of a book.

Through what venues do you feel most of your books are being sold?

Personally, I've made the most sales locally with CD-ROMs to people I know.

What do you feel is the best part of the publishing industry?

The opening of the marketplace to new voices.

What do you feel needs to be changed about the industry?

Better quality controls and recognition for those who are producing well written tales, as opposed to just publishing ebooks.

Do you think small press and e-books will be the wave of the future?

Not the near future - not until ebook readers are very reasonable, and ebooks themselves are plentiful and of high quality.