Kin Eagle Interview

INTERVIEW WITH KIN EAGLE FROM TheCelebrityCafe.com ARCHIVES

DM) How many stories might you have told to your children which never made it even close to the book stage?

KE) Well, in the context of being parents, a large, unknown number--I would say this is probably true of most, if not all, parents. The books I have had published as of this date are not really tales, for the most part, although I do have a few stories in the works. Therefore, the stories I do tell to my kids are just variations on common themes, much like any other parent would do. However, when I do write a tale, I share it with them, and thus far I have a perfect publishing record in that none of them have seen print as of this writing.

DM) But how do you write things of quality and not just meaningless narratives?

KE) You may very well end up writing some of each! There are times I have written things that I thought were very profound and, in retrospect, or when shared with others, I find that the potential sale might actually have been limited to one--me! Other times I have written just a ditty which, having received a warmer response than I might otherwise have imagined, went on to become a more compelling work. I don't know that anyone could answer the question "How does one write things of quality?" Certainly not myself. After all, writing is as subjective as reading. It's risky! There's no guarantee that anyone else will like what you have to say, no matter how brilliant you think it is!

DM) What advice do you have for any up-and-coming writers?

KE) Well, as for me, that would be easy: Write, write, write. Write about the exciting things that make you happy. Write insights you have had that you want to share. Write about your feelings that you think others have or might want to know about. Write about the little boy next door who warms your heart when he plays with his dog and a red rubber ball. Write about the mundane details of writing. And before, during, and after, read about all of these things, too. We are all social beings and in some way, no matter how small, what some other people say DOES count! I won't speak for Kim here, but I imagine she would say draw, draw, draw! Paint, color, play, watch, and think!

DM) Do you find that you have some children who are fans come to the signings?
KE) Yes, although most don't know they are fans at the time. This is partially due to the fact that we use a pen name (Kin Eagle) for some of our better-known, more commercially viable titles. But there have been many occasions that we have made an appearance at either a bookstore or a school where our works have been recognized, and generally we are warmly received.

DM) Do you feel you need to adjust how you think and write to reach the children's level?

KE) No, that is what comes naturally to me at the moment. I may have other works hiding inside me--I'm sure I do, in fact--but for the moment, as the song goes, I gotta be me.

DM) How does the writing process change when you write children's stories as opposed to "standard" stories?

KE) Well, I'm sure I wouldn't know, because at this point in my life, children's stories ARE standard stories. I'd like to think I have a sense of responsibility and commitment, but no one has ever accused me of being too much like an adult. And while I enjoy reading non-fiction, when it comes to stories, I'm sure I don't know what you people read! I am hoping one day to find out the answer you are searching for, as I do plan on writing for different audiences...but for now, well, I have some children's works in me; and until I feel drained, they are my standard.

DM) What books were read to you as a child that influenced your stories today?

KE) We have each had different influences, of course. My favorite authors as a child included Baum, and I have always been a very big fan of folktales, especially from Asia. Of course, as a very young child, I was--and remain--very fond of the Babar stories, Curious George, Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel...Kim's influences include Eric Carle, E.B. White, Ronald Dahl, and Dr. Seuss (the latter three of which were also favorites of mine). And, as for to folktales, Kim was very attracted to fairy tales.

DM) A marriage can be difficult enough at times... do you find that the co-writing causes more problems, or does it help your relationship?

KE) No. I wish I had a lot more to say about this, something deep, philosophical, wise words about relationships, but the truth is we love each other and work well together. However drippy that is, well, it's true. Ultimately, I think our relationship is strengthened by our being co-creators, and I know Kim agrees.

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