Greg Trine

Greg Trine has been a buddy of mine for many years.  We came up through the ranks together of the SCBWI and for 12 years I saw him at every workshop, Writer's Day and critiquenics.  He worked on his manuscripts and learned his craft.  A couple of years ago, in a writing class, he read Melvin Beederman, Superhero, a hilarious story of a newly graduated superhero who is posted to L.A.  After languishing in the slush pile at Holt for awhile, it was discovered and, lo and behold, Greg now has a deal for an 8 book series. Today is the release of the 4th book in the series, Terror in Tights.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I had been a life-long non reader up until about age 33, when I began to notice books.  About this time I received a post card in the mail from The Institute of Children's Literature, advertising their correspondence course. The course took me two years to complete.  In that time I sold my first five magazine stories.  A few years later I discovered the SCBWI and have been immersed in the field of children's books ever since.

What is the most valuable advice you can give to someone who wants to write for kids?

Learning to write for kids begins with taking a class.  I did the through-the-mail version, but I've also taken conventional classes. The value of the traditional classroom is the interaction with other writers and getting immediate feedback on your writing.  The second thing I would advise
is immersing yourself as a reader and staying with it for...uh...the rest of
your life.  It takes most people about 10 years to sell their first book. 
It took me twelve.

What is one of your favorite books that you'd like to recommend?

My all-time favorites books are the Bloody Jack series.  I think they are
written by L. A. Meyers.  I also like David Lubars books.  I good way to
begin, though, is to read all the Newbery Medal and honor books.  When you
find a book that's stands out to you, follow that particular author and see
what else he/she has written.

If you were a superhero what power would you have?

I'd like to be able to be invisible, so I could get into the movie theater
for free.

What is your favorite dessert?

Any kind of ice cream with chocolate in it.  Major sweet tooth here.

Greg Trine  lives  in  Ventura, California with his wife of 23 years, two teenage daughters, cats William and Jasmin and their dog Montana, who also likes chocolate if he can get his paws on it.
http://www.melvinbeederman.com

Comments

[Barbara Bietz]

Tina,

Great interview with Greg - I never realized how terrific he looks in hats!

I think we are all thrilled for Greg's well-earned success!

Barbara

[Mary Hanson]

Terror in Tights!!! What kid could resist?

Congrats, Greg!
~Mary

[Robin La Fevers]

Well, it may have taken you 12 years to get published, but then you went and sold eight books in like, what? Twelve minutes? I'd say you're making up for lost time. ;-)

Congratulations on Number Four's publication!!

Robin

[Greg T.]

Thanks, Tina. Nice job, and don't I look like a party animal! Greg

[Tina]

I only keep the pictures that show the true spirit of the SCBWI. Of course I can be bribed out of publication with some chocolates.

[Mary Hershey]

Great interview, Tina, and Greg!

Hey! I think I took that same course through the Institute of Children's Literature, too. Nice people there.

Yeah, to be invisible and get into the movies free!

Congrats on number four out today! Cool!
Mary Hershey

[Heather Tomlinson]

Fun interview, guys.

So, Tina... do you keep a file of blackmail-worthy pictures on all your writing buddies?

just askin'....
H