Author Interview

Author Interview -- Ken Baker

August 6, 2003

Ken Baker was born in Utah, grew up in California, and now lives in Utah again with his wife and five children. He is the author the children's picture, Brave Little Monster.

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

It's simple. I love to write. I love the fun and excitement of creating and exploring my own imaginary worlds and characters.

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

My favorite character is from a book yet to be published. His name is Benny Buffoni. He's the kind of guy that always gets picked last for games and such. He acts like a class clown, but hardly anyone ever laughs at his jokes. Even though he doesn't have a lot of friends, he's friendly, thoughtful of others and has a lot of determination to try to succeed.

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

It's probably the same wish of many writers, to not be at the mercy of publishers in deciding which of my books will or will not be published.

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

The first piece of serious fiction that I wrote was shortly after I graduated from college. It was a high fantasy novel geared toward the YA or Adult market. However, I'm not sure that was the first fiction that I wrote. In high school I wrote a lot of lyrics for songs that I played on my guitar. When I was really young, I wrote a lot really awful poems that made their way into birthday and Christmas cards for my parents.

5-- Who are your favorite authors?

Some of my favorite children's authors include Jon Scieska, C.S.
Lewis, Roald Dahl, and Barbara Park.

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

Yes, to some day actually make aliving writing children's books.

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

As a teenager, my favorite books were the Lord of the Rings books.
As a young child, before I could read, I loved the Curious George books. Every time my Mom would take me to the library I would head straight for the Curious George books and take several home.

8-- What are you working on now?

I'm always trying to develop new ideas for picture books and reworking ones that I've already written. I'm also in the middle of working on a middle grade fantasy book.

9--Do you ever write about UT?

Not really, but sometimes I take ideas from the different places I visit inside and outside of Utah for the settings of my stories.

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

To keep on writing when you get rejection letter after rejection letter. I haven't decided what kind of rejection letter is worse, the form letter rejection or the personal rejections that state how much they love your book, but they can't publish it because the publisher is changing their focus, or their list is already full, or whatever other reason seems to stand in the way.

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

Is there anything easy about being a writer?

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

Develop your writing skill through writing, reading, and research. Join critique groups and attend conferences to learn from others. Lastly, believe in yourself, keep on working at it and never give up.
 

For more about Ken check out his website at www.bravemonster.com