Author Interview

Author Interview -- Becky Hall

November 5, 2003

1--Why did you decide to become a writer?

I was walking on the beach in the Bahamas and made the decision. I had been writing stories and not finishing them for years. Finally while my 2 kids, my husband and I were on a year's leave from Salt Lake City. I spent more time working on my writing. I gained enough confidence to decide to work 1/2 time and see if I could get something published.


2--Who is your favorite character that you have written? 

I have written about a cat named Homer. He has special gifts and helps his owner who has problems learning how to read.


3--If you could change one thing about being a writer, what would it be?

I wish I could write first drafts happily. They are a torture for me because they always seems SO bad. I wish I could learn to be patient with myself, knowng that all first drafts improve. 

4--Do you remember the very first piece of fiction you wrote? 

Yes, it was about a mouse who stayed behind in a beach house after the summer people left.


5--Who are your favorite authors?

I think that E. B. White was brilliant. I love how he never pandered to children. He really respected kids. I also love Susan Meddaugh who is clever and funny. She wrote the Martha books. Martha Calling, etc.


6--Do you have any specific goals as a writer?

Yes, I have published nonfiction and now I would like to break into the fiction market. Then someday I will finish the many middle grade novels I have started.

7--What was your favorite book as a child?

I read every single children's biography in my local library. There was also a series called The Twins. It told the story of twins (a boy and a girl) in different countries. I loved learning about kids around the world.


8--What are you working on now?

Now I am returning to an early chapter book and reworking it. I also will be writing a counting book on Utah.


9--Do you ever write about UT?

My first book is A is for Arches, a Utah alphabet. It is all about the state.


10--What is the hardest thing about being a writer?

When I get rejections, I have to work hard at getting the fighting spirit back. Sometimes I just don't feel like writing for a while afterwards.


11--What is the easiest thing about being a writer?

I really enjoy revisions. It feels good to fine tune a story and clean it up.


12--What good advice do you have for people who want to be writers?

They should read as much children's literature as they can. They should also spend time with kids. You need to know the crazy way kids think and react to the world. Picking a mentor text is a good idea too. I don't mean copying someone else's style, but if you have a writer who is a mentor for you, you begin to notice what makes their writing work. That includes typing out their text and really studying it. Then a writer has to find his own style and have lots of faith, grit and determination. Never give up.