John-Mark Dyer, author of Jeremy's Tussle With His Terrible Tantrums, and Matias Arredondo, author of Little Lighthouse, interview each other.
John-Mark, at what age did you start writing, and what inspired you?
I wrote my first book when I was in 3rd grade, The Attack of the Killer Toothbrush. I guess I've always had a vivid imagination! I enjoy the process of bringing my ideas to life.
What themes are you most passionate to write about? Why?
Each book is my attempt to take a deep lesson I've wrestled with and share it with others creatively. My first book is about what makes each one of us unique. My second book is about overcoming fear. And in my newest book, I'm trying to help kids see that it's better to give than receive.
Name a few children's books that impacted your childhood.
I love the illustrations in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. And Douglas Gorsline's illustrated version of The Night Before Christmas always felt magical. Those books shaped my imagination and gave me an appreciation for the power of a story.
What is something unique about your books?
My books are fun to read because they're full of beautiful rhymes and rhythms. I enjoyed reading Little Blue Truck to my nephew and knew I wanted to recreate something like that. Another important theme in my books is the father-son relationship. It's such a significant part of a healthy family. I wanted to celebrate the powerful impact engaged fathers have on their children.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to take more risks. I learned so much through the process of creating. Each project advanced my learning, it's a great way to grow fast. I always fought the pressure to create a masterpiece. It was helpful to remember that I was on a journey and each project would get me closer to becoming the creator I knew I could be.
Where can we buy your books?
You can find them on Amazon.com or directly from my website LevelHouseMedia.com.
Matias, what inspired you to write a book about the islands?
This story about a lighthouse came to me about 10 years ago. I didn't know what to do with it, so I wrote a paragraph with the main idea and left it at that. Then one day, after we had lived several years on the Big island, I thought why not placing it here in Hawai'i? When I learned about the Kīlauea Lighthouse in Kauai, it suddenly felt right and the whole story naturally came together.
Who helped you in your creative process?
My wife Samantha is my personal editor and a terrific writer. We always brainstorm together. She gives honest feedback about what works and what doesn't in a story, and has an eye for flaws in the plot. Little Lighthouse is as much mine as it is hers, and I'm grateful for having her by my side in my writing journey. Another friend that helped me is, Mona Hodgson, who taught me how to write children's books and helped me polish Little Lighthouse.
Do you have any other books in the works?
Yes! I'm currently illustrating a picture book that seeks to affirm boys in their identity. Also, my wife and I are co-writing another children's picture book that takes place in the Hawaiian islands. It's about finding where you belong. We are refining it before we send it to our publisher.
What is the most rewarding part of the creative process for you?
I enjoy seeing how the main character overcomes the challenges he or she faces. I'm the writer, of course, but my characters often come alive and take the story in a direction I hadn't considered before. It feels like I'm discovering a story instead of writing it. I truly love that.
Share a few book titles that have influenced your writing.
Since my son was born, I've read many children's books. Yet, my favorites are The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The Story Book Knight by Helen & Thomas Docherty, and What Do You Do With And Idea? by Kobi Yamada.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a children's book?
Read as many children's books as you can. Take notes on what you like and what you don't. Think like a child.
Where can we buy Little Lighthouse?
You can order it on Amazon or at WelcomeToTheIslands.com. You can also support our local bookstores by buying it in Kona, Waimea, and Hilo.
Books shaped my imagination and gave me an appreciation for the power of a story.