In Conversation with Bill Konigsberg
| Bill is a fabulous person. I wish I knew him better. This conversation was a great opportunity to move closer to that goal. From the first conversation I had with Bill I have been struck by how kind and generous he is. I have always found his books to be, to borrow from his books' titles - open, honest, and true. Within the covers of Bill's books you will find characters that resonate with young readers. If you don't know his books, it is time that you picked up a couple. In the mean time, join us in this conversation. |  Photo by Gregg Edelman |
Summary of the Conversation
Steven and Bill Konigsberg reminisced about their first meeting and discussed their shared interests in sports and writing. They also discussed Bill's contributions to young adult literature, his writing process, and the challenges of writing about complex characters and societal issues. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of reaching out to schools and helping students, and the sharing of their writing processes and experiences.
Steven and Bill Konigsberg reminisced about their first meeting and discussed their shared interests in sports and writing. They also discussed Bill's contributions to young adult literature, his writing process, and the challenges of writing about complex characters and societal issues. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of reaching out to schools and helping students, and the sharing of their writing processes and experiences.
First Meeting, Sports, and Writing Journey
Steven and Bill Konigsberg reminisced about their first meeting at an event -- an ALAN Workshop, where Bill was shy but they had a pleasant conversation. Bill shared his recent struggles with spine surgery and his recovery process. They discussed their shared interest in sports, particularly baseball, with Bill sharing his experiences as a sports kid and his passion for statistics. Bill also transitioned from sports writing to fiction writing, pursuing an MFA in fiction and writing his first published novel during the program. Steven appreciated Bill's courage in writing a novel that wasn't just a sports book, but a story that resonated with characters.
Steven and Bill Konigsberg reminisced about their first meeting at an event -- an ALAN Workshop, where Bill was shy but they had a pleasant conversation. Bill shared his recent struggles with spine surgery and his recovery process. They discussed their shared interest in sports, particularly baseball, with Bill sharing his experiences as a sports kid and his passion for statistics. Bill also transitioned from sports writing to fiction writing, pursuing an MFA in fiction and writing his first published novel during the program. Steven appreciated Bill's courage in writing a novel that wasn't just a sports book, but a story that resonated with characters.
Discussing Bill's Contributions to Young Adult Literature
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed Bill's contributions to young adult literature and his approach to honesty and authenticity in his work. Steven praised Bill's ability to address difficult issues directly and his courage in doing so. They also discussed the award in Bill's name through the Allen Association and others. Steven highlighted the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in Bill's books, particularly in "The Music of What Happens," which portrays characters trying to overcome past experiences while connecting with each other.
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed Bill's contributions to young adult literature and his approach to honesty and authenticity in his work. Steven praised Bill's ability to address difficult issues directly and his courage in doing so. They also discussed the award in Bill's name through the Allen Association and others. Steven highlighted the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in Bill's books, particularly in "The Music of What Happens," which portrays characters trying to overcome past experiences while connecting with each other.
Writing Processes and Preferences Discussion
Bill Konigsberg discussed his writing process and preferences. He revealed that he prefers to write in the morning and enjoys writing quickly when he's in the zone. He also mentioned that he often engages in 'outside writing', which involves writing from the character's point of view to help with his creative process. Bill also shared that he tends to be more productive when he's not in a traditional writing environment, such as when he's gardening. Steven, on the other hand, shared his own experience of struggling to write academically while teaching full-time.
Bill Konigsberg discussed his writing process and preferences. He revealed that he prefers to write in the morning and enjoys writing quickly when he's in the zone. He also mentioned that he often engages in 'outside writing', which involves writing from the character's point of view to help with his creative process. Bill also shared that he tends to be more productive when he's not in a traditional writing environment, such as when he's gardening. Steven, on the other hand, shared his own experience of struggling to write academically while teaching full-time.
Book Writing Process and Feedback
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed the process of writing a book. Bill shared that every book is a painful process and that the average time between the original idea and completion is about a year and a half. He also mentioned that he tends to keep his work private until it's ready for feedback, and that he usually goes through a book multiple times before sharing it with others. Steven found this insight helpful and suggested that it could be a useful guideline for his students.
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed the process of writing a book. Bill shared that every book is a painful process and that the average time between the original idea and completion is about a year and a half. He also mentioned that he tends to keep his work private until it's ready for feedback, and that he usually goes through a book multiple times before sharing it with others. Steven found this insight helpful and suggested that it could be a useful guideline for his students.
Discussing Writing, Challenges, and Societal Issues
Bill and Steven discussed the development of Bill's writing, with Bill revealing that his characters often come first, followed by the situation and problem. They also discussed the challenges of writing, with Bill mentioning that each book presents a new degree of difficulty. The conversation then shifted to the topic of societal issues, with Bill and Steven expressing concern about the current political climate and the need for awareness and action. They both acknowledged the complexity of the issue, with Bill emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and Steven highlighting the need to stand up for principles.
Bill and Steven discussed the development of Bill's writing, with Bill revealing that his characters often come first, followed by the situation and problem. They also discussed the challenges of writing, with Bill mentioning that each book presents a new degree of difficulty. The conversation then shifted to the topic of societal issues, with Bill and Steven expressing concern about the current political climate and the need for awareness and action. They both acknowledged the complexity of the issue, with Bill emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and Steven highlighting the need to stand up for principles.
Discussing Neighbor's Views and Book Recommendations
Steven and Bill discussed their experiences with a neighbor who initially had anti-Muslim sentiments but later changed his views after getting to know them. Steven recommended a novel, "Pedro and Daniel," by Federico Erebia, which he found to be a good debut novel. The conversation ended with Bill being asked about the difficulty of imagining parents and relatives embracing the issue of their children's sexuality.
Steven and Bill discussed their experiences with a neighbor who initially had anti-Muslim sentiments but later changed his views after getting to know them. Steven recommended a novel, "Pedro and Daniel," by Federico Erebia, which he found to be a good debut novel. The conversation ended with Bill being asked about the difficulty of imagining parents and relatives embracing the issue of their children's sexuality.
Discussing Complex Characters and Mental Health
Bill Konigsberg discussed the challenges of writing characters with complex emotions and backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of understanding their motivations and experiences. He shared his experience with his book, "The Bridge," which dealt with depression and suicide, and how it was initially met with mixed reactions. Steven acknowledged the book's structural strength and its exploration of mental health issues. Bill also mentioned the difficulty of writing "The Bridge" due to its complex nature and the need to delve into the characters' stories. The conversation ended with Steven expressing his own struggles with mental health and the importance of staying engaged with other activities for his well-being.
Bill Konigsberg discussed the challenges of writing characters with complex emotions and backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of understanding their motivations and experiences. He shared his experience with his book, "The Bridge," which dealt with depression and suicide, and how it was initially met with mixed reactions. Steven acknowledged the book's structural strength and its exploration of mental health issues. Bill also mentioned the difficulty of writing "The Bridge" due to its complex nature and the need to delve into the characters' stories. The conversation ended with Steven expressing his own struggles with mental health and the importance of staying engaged with other activities for his well-being.
Byron's Story and the Toe Tag Monologues
Steven shared a story about a retired police officer, Byron, who had saved a man from committing suicide on a freeway overpass. Byron's acting troupe, the Toe Tag Monologues, is working on a book that associates monologues with young adult novels about various issues. Steven and Byron are seeking a publisher to help them take the book to schools. The story highlights the importance of understanding and supporting others in their struggles, as exemplified by Byron's actions. Steven also mentioned that the Highway Patrol in Nevada is considering funding for Byron's tour of schools in the state.
Steven shared a story about a retired police officer, Byron, who had saved a man from committing suicide on a freeway overpass. Byron's acting troupe, the Toe Tag Monologues, is working on a book that associates monologues with young adult novels about various issues. Steven and Byron are seeking a publisher to help them take the book to schools. The story highlights the importance of understanding and supporting others in their struggles, as exemplified by Byron's actions. Steven also mentioned that the Highway Patrol in Nevada is considering funding for Byron's tour of schools in the state.
Discussing Empathy, Writing Processes, and Connections
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed the importance of reaching out to schools and helping students. Steven mentioned that he needed to finalize the editing of a book with Shelly and Gretchen. Bill Konigsberg shared his experience of spending several months in 2015 talking to young people about suicide and depression. They both agreed on the significance of empathy and understanding in helping others. Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed their writing processes, with Bill revealing his secret revision processes and Steven sharing a similar technique used by Kimberly Willis Holt. They both agreed that their writing processes involve creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to try new things. Bill shared his struggles with memory loss and the importance of keeping drafts of his work. Steven and Bill discussed their shared experiences and connections, particularly in relation to their time at NCTE and ALAN. They expressed their desire to reconnect in the future, possibly through a barbecue at Jim's house.
Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed the importance of reaching out to schools and helping students. Steven mentioned that he needed to finalize the editing of a book with Shelly and Gretchen. Bill Konigsberg shared his experience of spending several months in 2015 talking to young people about suicide and depression. They both agreed on the significance of empathy and understanding in helping others. Steven and Bill Konigsberg discussed their writing processes, with Bill revealing his secret revision processes and Steven sharing a similar technique used by Kimberly Willis Holt. They both agreed that their writing processes involve creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to try new things. Bill shared his struggles with memory loss and the importance of keeping drafts of his work. Steven and Bill discussed their shared experiences and connections, particularly in relation to their time at NCTE and ALAN. They expressed their desire to reconnect in the future, possibly through a barbecue at Jim's house.