Author Interview

Author Interview -- Kim Williams Justesen

April 2, 2004

Kim Williams Justesen holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College. She has taught creative writing and writing for the children's market for almost ten years, and currently teaches English at Stevens-Henager College. She has served as the Utah/So. Idaho Chapter Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1997-2001, and from 2003 until now. She is the coauthor of LOVE AND LOATHING, an adult nonfiction, the first grade language arts component of the Klutz Kwiz for Kids book from Klutz Publishing, and several short stories and articles for magazines.



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

I've written my whole life. I think I just had that "storyteller" gene in my DNA. After spending 12 years in PR and advertising, writing stuff for other people, I decided I needed to get back to just writing the things I wanted.


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

Donald, the four-year-old brother to my main character in the story My Brother the Dog. He was patterned on my uncle, and so I have a lot of ties to that character. This novel was also the product of my creative thesis for my MFA, so it means a lot to me.


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

Spending so much time sitting. I've gained 30 lbs. since I quit working and I can't seem to get rid of it! If I could invent an exercise computer, I'd make a fortune!


4--Do you remember the very first piece of fiction you wrote?
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Saenz, wanted us to write a book report. She took us to the school library and the librarian showed us the shelves we could choose from. The problem was, I had read almost everything on those shelves, and the ones I hadn't read were "boy" books that I had no interest in. So I went home, wrote my own book called "A Pony of My Own," and then wrote a book report about it. Thank the good Lord for teachers like Mrs. Saenz. She not only gave me a good grade on the report, but she encouraged me to keep writing. Of course, she still made me read a book from the library and write a report on it, but I got to choose from better shelves!


5--Who are your favorite authors?

I grew up reading Paul Zindel books, which are still among my favorites. I love M.T. Anderson because he has such a unique writing style; I love Bruce Coville because he is so funny; I love Douglas Adams because of his dry, British wit; and of course, Carol
Lynch Williams because she is so good with characters that I feel I know them personally.


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

I have personal goals for my writing that I try to keep, such as writing a page a day. And I have the goal of always striving to improve my craft. Beyond that, there is too much serendipity involved!


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

When I was 10 I got a copy of Black Beauty and read it cover to cover when I was home sick one day. I cried for hours. I also loved the Betsy and Tacy books. In Jr. High I discovered Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe. Masque of the Red Death still frightens me!


8--What are you working on now?

I'm in the midst of trying my hand at an early reader called Archimedes' Tooth.


9--Do you ever write about UT?

I draw on a lot of settings that I'm familiar with, and since I was born and raised in Utah, I guess that means yes. But I've never set a story specifically in a Utah city.


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

Finding time to do laundry! I'd rather write and spend time with my characters than anything, except being with my husband and kids. But finding time for laundry is never a priority! One look at my laundry room will tell you that!


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

There is never a day I don't want to go to work! I love doing this! The fact I can do it wearing fuzzy slippers and mismatched sweats doesn't hurt either.


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

Write, write, write, and persevere. I know a lot of talented writers who will never be successful because they give up too easily. I know a lot of moderately talented writers who are very successful because they just keep at it. Being successful is a matter of working at your craft, keeping in touch with the industry, and never giving up. Some people are successful the first time out, some take 15 years or so to be successful. The rest of us fall somewhere in between. The biggest part of it, though, is the writing. You have to do this because you love the writing, or none of the rest of it matters.

For more about Kim, check out her website at http://hometown.aol.com/kimorchid/myhomepage/profile.html.