The Writers’ Clubhouse: Q & A With Michael Gerard Bauer
Welcome to the Writers’ Clubhouse. Join us behind the scenes in the book industry as we talk to prominent authors and illustrators about the process of creating great books for kids. Have you ever wanted to be a writer? Get inspired here!
Michael Gerard Bauer is an author from Brisbane. Over the years he has published many titles for young adults audiences; including his highly claimed “Ishmael” series. He writes full time and is in high demand for school visits and talks; with his titles often being set as class reading texts. More recently he has begun to write for young readers and released his first picture book “Rodney Loses It.” Over his years of being an author his books have won many highly credited awards and have been translated into many different languages.
We spoke to Michael about what inspires her as a writer, and asked what advice she would give to emerging creators.
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Q. You have written some amazing books for children, and now young adults, but what was your professional background before you became an author?
A. I was a secondary school teacher of English and Economics.
Q. What is the best thing for you about being a published author?
A. I love words and stories so being able to share my own words and stories with other people is a huge thrill and a privilege. It’s wonderful when something you have written connects with another person in a positive way.
Q. What are some of the key ingredients that make a great book for kids?
A. It needs to be relevant to kids in some way even if it is not about the world they live in. It needs to be well-paced and honest, with interesting, relatable characters and a storyline that engages both the mind and heart.
Q. What advice would you give someone who is just starting out as a writer or illustrator?
A. Your first and most important audience is you. Write the sort of story or create the illustrations that you love. If you can please yourself chances are you will please others. Also, be determined and keep believing in yourself even when it’s much easier not to. Plus seek out your local writing/illustrating community.
Q. What is your next big creative project?
A. There could be a sequel to my children’s picture book Rodney Loses It and I’ve also been given a Fellowship to write a serious Young Adult novel next year. It will be my first completely serious book since my first published work, The Running Man in 2004.
Looking for some great writing to inspire your work? Visit Michael Gerard Bauer’s website, or look for his many books in stores or at your local library.
