Monday, September 1, 2008

*Contest* Interview with Hal Lanse

** CONTEST** Leave a comment on this interview to have a chance to win a copy of Hal's book! If you also visit www.authorvbt.blogspot.com and leave a comment that qualifies you for a second entry :) so please comment for your chance to win. Make sure to leave an email address so that I can contact the winner Monday ( 9/8)
Author Pen Name: Hal Lanse


CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?


HL: My latest book, Read Well, Think Well, is an informational book for parents who want to help their children become good readers. It’s also a book that teachers can use to plan instruction. Since my publisher has asked me to send a proposal for another book, it’s likely that I will continue to write books for parents and teachers.


CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?


HL: Well, I started writing poems in kindergarten; but I started thinking about becoming a professional writer after I completed my Ph.D. I realized that if I could complete a book-length dissertation (for which I won an award) then I could write other books.


CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?


HL: My inspiration is the children and adolescents I teach. I want them to have great futures; so everything I write is to support them, their parents, and teachers.


CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?


HL: When I wrote Read Well, Think Well I was asked to complete the manuscript during my two month summer vacation. I basically lived at my computer for eight weeks and saw very few people other than the Chinese take-out guy. Next time around, I’ll ask for six to eight months and work mostly on the weekends.


CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?


HL: Accomplished


CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?


HL: My answer’s not surprising. What’s every author’s favorite activity? I love to read. I’m a very promiscuous reader. I go with a lot of different genres. I also love the opera, especially Mozart. Walking is a blissful activity for me. There’s a beautiful wooded park near my home. And of course it’s summer, the time my son and I go to see every action movie Hollywood can come up with. A shout out to my pal Hell Boy!


CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?


HL: I wrote two sci-fi books for kids. They didn’t sell very well. (J.K. Rowling’s not tossing in bed worrying about competition from me—LOL.) Now, I’ve written Read Well, Think Well. It’s by far my favorite book because I feel that I’ve contributed something valuable to the world.


CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?


HL: I can be contacted at www.readwellthinkwell.com. There’s also a link to my blog on the site and links to Amazon and B&N. The brick-and-mortar B&N stores have the book in the education section.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the comments. This book seems so important to help children read and enjoy it.
JOYE
JWIsley@aol.com

windycindy said...

Happy Labor Day! What a wonderful sounding book. I think that parents and teachers can all use ideas for helping children read and hopefully, enjoy it! My sister is a first grade teacher and would also enjoy utilizing this book! Please enter me in your delightful book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Martha Eskuchen said...

This book sounds very interesting!
I had to check out your site and learn more about it. I have a 4 year old grandson (and 8+ month old granddaughter). I am an AVID reader and have been encouraging my grandson - such an interesting, smart, but sometimes shy, character. I'm going to share this with my daughter. We let him play certain games on computer to help his skills but I would much prefer to get him reading! (I listen to books on my mp3 when I walk!)
Good luck to you!
Martha

Anonymous said...

This is such an incredibly valuable book. Huge thanks to Mr Lanse for unleashing it onto the world. I can imagine it takes quite a bit of time, sweat and effort to write a book such as this one. It look marvelous, and our kids are better off for it. Thank you!
~Cannibal Rose (cannibalrosecreations can be Yahooed)

Zulmara said...

Great interview...I love what you have written...as an educator and a literacy instructor...I salute, mi amigo...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

Rebekah E. said...

Great interview. Sounds like a wonderful book. We need more books like this out there.

Rebekah E.

Anonymous said...

There is too much emphasis on visual media nowadays and anything that can get kids focusing back on the written word, has my vote.

Crystal Adkins said...

Cannible Rose is the winner for Hal's book!! Thanks so much everyone for posting it really means a lot to me and the authors ;)