Kevin O’Malley: Short and Sweet

Kevin O’Malley is the author and or illustrator of more than 70 books for kids. Of those books that are still in print and haven’t been turned into third world fuel or Ikea table tops, his more popular titles include: “Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude,” “Cinder Edna” and the long running Miss Malarkey series of books. Kevin has been on the New York Times Best Seller List and people have given him awards. Both these facts surprise nobody more than his parents.

When did you become an author/illustrator?
1989

What is the most challenging part of writing?
Coming up with an endless stream of new ideas

Why did you choose to write and illustrate children’s books?
I saw a picture of a boy in a wolf suit chasing after his dog with a fork

What comes first, the story or the illustrations?
Depends on the book.

My students love the story, “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude”! They want to know where the idea came from and why there are not any dragons?
My wife likes ponies. I could never understand that.

What advice do you have for kids who are reluctant to write?
Why worry about it. Just try and have a little fun with you thoughts

You always bring a boy’s perspective to fairy tales, what made you decide to take this approach with stories like “Cinder Edna” or “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude”?
I really don’t think I do that. But I do try and write books that make the little boy in me smile.

Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Everywhere and anywhere.

You have collaborated with many other authors or illustrators, how do you decide who to work with or what to work on?
Author and illustrator rarely, if ever, meet.

How long does it take you to write a book?
I’ve been working on one book for about 10 years now.

What advice do you have for kids who love writing and want to become authors?
Be ready to except the fact that people will tell you ‘no’ quite a bit of the time.