“For me, there is nothing finer than holding a real book in your hand.” – Interview with Mike Thaler

mike-thaler-interview-japanMike Thaler is an American children’s book author. He was born in 1936 in Los Angeles but now lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. Mike has published over 200 books and is known as “America’s Riddle King.” He has also been called “The Court Jester of Children’s Literature.” In this interview, Mike talks about his books, his love for God, reading and writing.

Voicu Mihnea Simandan: You have been a story writer for most of your life. How has your writing evolved over time?

Mike Thaler: Hopefully, it’s gotten better.

VMS: Where did the ideas for the Black Lagoon series come from?

MT: From a movie title called The Creature from the Black Lagoon.  I changed Creature to teacher and I had the inspiration for a book.

VMS: Illustrations are a very important factor in any children’s books. The Black Lagoon books (started in 1989) are hilariously illustrated by Jared Lee. What was your work relationship with the illustrator?

MT: Jared and I were originally put together by a publisher for our first book.  Since then, we have become very good friends and partners.  We have worked together for over 30 years and done over 75 books together. We are one of the few author/illustrator teams in children’s books.

VMS: You have started as a cartoonist for grown-ups but have moved on to write children’s books. How did you find the transition?

MT: Very easy.  My cartoons grew longer and longer and developed into picture stories.

VMS: You’ve also branched out from children’s books and have written a whole series of well-received chapter books. Do you employ similar skills when writing books targeted for an older readership?

MT: The picture books are far more simplified. The chapter books are more complex.

mike-thaler-talent-showVMS: There are 20 books in the Black Lagoon picture books series and 19 in the chapter books series (started in 2004)! What will come next in these series?

MT: We have two chapter books due out in 2012: The 100th Day and The School Play from the Black Lagoon.

VMS: You’ve also authored a series called Tales from the Back Pew (started in 2009). Was it received with the same enthusiasm as the Black Lagoon series?

MT: By the people who have read them, yes.  But it will take time for more people to read them.  It’s the Black Lagoon goes to church.

VMS: How has your belief in God influenced your writing career?

MT: My books more directly serve God.

VMS: Everyone seems to believe that children no longer read and, with the availability of affordable e-readers, many believe that, sooner or later, children will no longer want to hold books in their hands. Please comment.

MT: I can’t predict the future.  For me, there is nothing finer than holding a real book in your hand, but whatever the means of communication, it is still the quality of the content that is important.

VMS: You maintain an excellent website. How important is it for writers these days to be “out there” on the Internet, interacting with their fans?

MT: It is not I who maintains that.  It is maintained by my beautiful wife, Patty, who does an excellent job communicating with all my fans.

mike-thaler-school-riddlesVMS: You’ve recently been on quite a few school visits. What were some of the highlights of these visits?

MT: Inspiring kids to create their own riddle books, hearing them laugh and bring them a message of hope for their futures.

VMS: Do you still read children’s books and young adult fiction?

MT: No, but I read them as a child.

VMS: What book are you working on right now?

MT: Two more chapter books, called Earth Day and Picture Day From the Black Lagoon

VMS: What is your writing routine?

MT: I write whenever the spirit moves me.  I don’t have a regulated schedule.  If I wake up at 4 am with an idea, I start writing.

VMS: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

MT: Write!!!  Keep a notebook with you at all times to record your ideas.

VMS: Thank you for your time.

MT: Those were some interesting questions.  Best wishes.

Listen to Mike read from Tales from the Back Pew:

Voicu Mihnea Simandan
Bangkok, Thailand
October 29, 2011

Author V.M. Simandan

is a Beijing-based Romanian-born counsellor, coach, psychology teacher, and former competitive archer

More posts by V.M. Simandan

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V.M. Simandan