Kevin O'Malley

Interview

     We were very fortunate for the opportunity to communicate with Mr. O'Malley to ask him some questions about his writing and illustrations.  You can see the questions and his answers below.

Q:  What are the steps of getting your books published?

A:  First you have to come up with an idea you love. Write a story you'd want to read. In my case I then draw the pictures in a 'dummy book'. Then you send the book off to a publisher and cross your fingers.

Q:  What was the first book you wrote? Illustrated?

A:  'Froggy went a Courtin' (1989) A re-telling of the old folk song

Q:  How long have you been writing/illustrating?

A:  I wanted to illustrate books since I was in third grade

Q:  How long does the writing process take?

A:  It depends on how long the idea takes to germinate.  Sometimes books take years to develop.  Once you have the idea firmed up it only takes me about two weeks to write it up.

Q:  Where do you get the ideas for your stories (ie. character names, plot, etc.)

A:  I keep a book of ideas. I write down any idea that pops into my head. Things that happen in real life or thing that appear in dreams. Anything and everything can make a book.

Q:  Where do you do most of your writing/drawing?

A:  In my studio in the attic of my 70 year old townhouse.  My window has a beautiful view of the alley below.

Q:  Why did you want to be an author?

A:  POWER BABY! The power to control peoples minds!

Q:   Who is your favorite author or illustrator now?

A:  Jean Shephard (he wrote the movie 'A Christmas Story'); William Stieg

Q:  Who was your favorite author or illustrator as a child?

A:  I didn't really like reading to much when I was a kid.  I liked Bugs Bunny cartoons.  "Where the Wild Thing Are," and Mr. Maurice Sendak's work sure did impress me though, as well as the art of William Heath Robinson and Russell Hoban.

Q:  Do you ever get writer's block? How do you solve that problem?

A:  Sure, I get it all the time.  It does last long if you keep your eyes open and relax, thank heaven.

Q:  Do you have any advice for young authors/illustrators?

A:  Write what you like.  Write for yourself.  Rewrites are painful but it always makes for a better book.  You can never be the best.  You can only try.  One more, I stopped drawing when I was in fifth grade because I looked at this kid's drawing of a monster car.  I figured that since I couldn't draw that well I might as well give up.  Look at me now, I still think my work is just so-so. But baby I just keep trying!