Ask the Author: Chris Oler
Answered Questions (8)
Chris Oler
This year it's been more about books I agreed to review, written by friends. Summer is a busy time for us in terms of travel/research and other activities so the list isn't long. My reading for fall, however... top of the list is Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. I really enjoyed his The Lost City of Z and guest-led a book club discussion about it some years ago.
Chris Oler
If I could go to any fictional book world it would probably be Rocky Beach, California, home of The Three Investigators. It is the first place that comes to mind. I want to see the salvage yard where the Investigators' secret hideout is, and hang out there, of course.
Chris Oler
I wanted to do something connected with a legend of Rome for "The Shield of Horatius" and I simply did an internet search for "legend of Rome." The story of Publius Horatius Cocles is by far the most prominent. The idea that something of his survived to present day and people both good and bad were looking for it was the first thing to pop into my head.
Chris Oler
I pose questions that need answered. For "The Shield of Horatius" the question I asked was, "What if an artifact belonging to an ancient Roman legend survived to present day?" More questions follow that must be answered, including "How could that happen?" and "How could it be found?" Figuring these things out required a great amount of research and then painting a picture of it for young readers. I really enjoyed it.
Chris Oler
Three concurrent projects: Molly Goes to Copenhagen, the fifth book in our Molly and the Magic Suitcase series; a chapter book mystery set in Barcelona with the working title "The Builder's Lost Plan" that will be the second book in our Molly and Michael Mystery series; and, we're working on a pilot episode for a Molly and the Magic Suitcase animated series.
Chris Oler
Write as much as you can. It doesn't matter what you write, you get better with repetition. Of course, always have the audience in mind, even if it's just an e-mail to a friend.
Chris Oler
The best thing is sharing new things. My books introduce young readers to different cultures. We research and interview people from the different places (that's fun too!) we feature, then I get to share what I learned through a story.
Chris Oler
I don't. Many days I write down several affirmations that have to do with our books and our business. One of the affirmations is this: I am creative and never lack for ideas. Since I started this practice, I haven't experienced writer's block.
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