Brent and I have made contact a few times over the years. He has been on my lists of authors to interview for a couple of years. Finally, we made it work. Brent is one of the early writers of queer YA literature. A couple of his books, most notably, Geography Club and The Last Chance Texaco, standout as quality literature. Over the last two decades Brent has continued to stay viable and present through a wide variety of writing projects. Most notably, he has a presence on Substack as a digital nomad. Join us for our conversation surrounding Brent's first entrance into the world of Young Adult Literature and to a discussion of how he exists in the writing world. Join us in our conversation. |
Summary
Steven and Brent Hartinger discussed their personal lives, writing careers, and the challenges they faced in the publishing industry. They also explored the impact of ebooks on accessibility, the relevance of books in today's world, and the evolution of their blog. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the unpredictability of success in the arts and the importance of supporting each other in their respective careers.
Steven and Brent Hartinger discussed their personal lives, writing careers, and the challenges they faced in the publishing industry. They also explored the impact of ebooks on accessibility, the relevance of books in today's world, and the evolution of their blog. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the unpredictability of success in the arts and the importance of supporting each other in their respective careers.
Brent's Digital Nomad Lifestyle Discussed
In the meeting, Steven and Brent Hartinger engaged in a conversation about Brent's life as a digital nomad. Brent shared that he and his partner have been traveling continuously for about 8 years, living in over 30 different countries. They prefer to stay in second-tier cities, where they feel more welcome than in tourist centers. Brent expressed his delight with this lifestyle, stating that it has been life-changing and mostly positive. Currently, they are residing in Bristol, UK. Steven also mentioned his daughter's experience living in Aberdeen, UK, where she has been for 23 years. The conversation then shifted to Brent's career as a YA author, with Steven expressing interest in Brent's backstory. Brent's first book, The Geography Club, was published in 2003.
In the meeting, Steven and Brent Hartinger engaged in a conversation about Brent's life as a digital nomad. Brent shared that he and his partner have been traveling continuously for about 8 years, living in over 30 different countries. They prefer to stay in second-tier cities, where they feel more welcome than in tourist centers. Brent expressed his delight with this lifestyle, stating that it has been life-changing and mostly positive. Currently, they are residing in Bristol, UK. Steven also mentioned his daughter's experience living in Aberdeen, UK, where she has been for 23 years. The conversation then shifted to Brent's career as a YA author, with Steven expressing interest in Brent's backstory. Brent's first book, The Geography Club, was published in 2003.
Publishing Challenges and Success Stories
Steven and Brent discussed their writing careers and the challenges they faced in publishing their works. Brent shared his experience of writing a book about a gay teenager, which was rejected by numerous publishers before being published by Harper Collins. Despite initial doubts about its marketability, the book became a success, selling over a hundred thousand copies. Brent attributed this success to the right timing and the support of his editor, Stephen Fraser. Steven, an English teacher, expressed his interest in quality literature and how Brent's work fit into this category. Brent also discussed the shift in the publishing industry, noting that books with gay characters are now more mainstream and widely accepted.
Steven and Brent discussed their writing careers and the challenges they faced in publishing their works. Brent shared his experience of writing a book about a gay teenager, which was rejected by numerous publishers before being published by Harper Collins. Despite initial doubts about its marketability, the book became a success, selling over a hundred thousand copies. Brent attributed this success to the right timing and the support of his editor, Stephen Fraser. Steven, an English teacher, expressed his interest in quality literature and how Brent's work fit into this category. Brent also discussed the shift in the publishing industry, noting that books with gay characters are now more mainstream and widely accepted.
Brent's Publishing Industry Frustration
Brent shared his experiences with traditional publishing, expressing his bitterness and frustration with the industry's handling of his work. He recounted how he had multiple editors and conflicting directives, which led to confusion and a sense of being undervalued. Brent also discussed his transition to self-publishing, which he found more fulfilling and lucrative. He criticized the industry's lack of trust in authors and its tendency to micromanage, which he believes stifles creativity and daring storytelling. Brent also touched on the impact of social media backlash and the fear of controversy on the publishing industry, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ content.
Brent shared his experiences with traditional publishing, expressing his bitterness and frustration with the industry's handling of his work. He recounted how he had multiple editors and conflicting directives, which led to confusion and a sense of being undervalued. Brent also discussed his transition to self-publishing, which he found more fulfilling and lucrative. He criticized the industry's lack of trust in authors and its tendency to micromanage, which he believes stifles creativity and daring storytelling. Brent also touched on the impact of social media backlash and the fear of controversy on the publishing industry, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ content.
Market Challenges and Writing Truth
Brent expressed his concerns about the current state of the market, which he believes is not favorable for middle-grade fantasy books. He also shared his experiences as a writer, mentioning his satisfaction with his current career despite past frustrations. Brent acknowledged the need to make room for a new generation and reflected on the fleeting nature of success. Steven agreed with Brent's observations, highlighting the fickleness of marketing and the tendency of publishers to focus on successful authors. He also discussed the importance of honesty and truth in writing, using the example of William Faulkner's portrayal of a black woman in his novel, The Sound and the Fury.
Brent expressed his concerns about the current state of the market, which he believes is not favorable for middle-grade fantasy books. He also shared his experiences as a writer, mentioning his satisfaction with his current career despite past frustrations. Brent acknowledged the need to make room for a new generation and reflected on the fleeting nature of success. Steven agreed with Brent's observations, highlighting the fickleness of marketing and the tendency of publishers to focus on successful authors. He also discussed the importance of honesty and truth in writing, using the example of William Faulkner's portrayal of a black woman in his novel, The Sound and the Fury.
Ebooks, Libraries, and Cultural Differences
Steven and Brent discussed the impact of ebooks on the accessibility and affordability of books, particularly in poorer countries. They also lamented the loss of tangible books and the potential for rediscovering libraries as a resource for students and researchers. Brent shared his observations of cultural differences in attitudes towards gay issues and the relevance of Geography Club in various countries. Steven suggested that if kids and teachers could learn to use libraries effectively, many more doors would open for them. The conversation ended with Steven considering setting Brent up with other people interested in documenting the history of YA.
Steven and Brent discussed the impact of ebooks on the accessibility and affordability of books, particularly in poorer countries. They also lamented the loss of tangible books and the potential for rediscovering libraries as a resource for students and researchers. Brent shared his observations of cultural differences in attitudes towards gay issues and the relevance of Geography Club in various countries. Steven suggested that if kids and teachers could learn to use libraries effectively, many more doors would open for them. The conversation ended with Steven considering setting Brent up with other people interested in documenting the history of YA.
Brent's Writing Habits and Perfectionism
Steven and Brent discussed Brent's writing routine and habits. Brent revealed that he has a neurotic tendency to finish whatever he starts, which has been beneficial for his career. He doesn't have a strict daily routine but sets goals for himself each day, which he must complete before going to bed. Brent prefers to be a planner rather than a Pantzer, believing that more work done ahead of time results in less work down the line. He has become more perfectionistic with age, which has slowed down his writing process. Despite this, Brent feels fortunate to have more writing projects than he can complete.
Steven and Brent discussed Brent's writing routine and habits. Brent revealed that he has a neurotic tendency to finish whatever he starts, which has been beneficial for his career. He doesn't have a strict daily routine but sets goals for himself each day, which he must complete before going to bed. Brent prefers to be a planner rather than a Pantzer, believing that more work done ahead of time results in less work down the line. He has become more perfectionistic with age, which has slowed down his writing process. Despite this, Brent feels fortunate to have more writing projects than he can complete.
Adapting to Changing Content Landscape
Brent discussed his ongoing conversation with his agent and himself about the relevance of books in today's world. He shared his experiences with screenwriting work and the challenges faced due to the decline of the streaming industry. Brent also mentioned his travel newsletter, which has a significant following, and his media empire that syndicates through Yahoo. He expressed his belief in the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities in the ever-changing world of content creation. Steven asked about Brent's approach to social media and the potential for expanding his newsletter's reach through multiple platforms. Brent acknowledged the challenges of the traditional industry's decline but also highlighted the emergence of new opportunities for content creators.
Brent discussed his ongoing conversation with his agent and himself about the relevance of books in today's world. He shared his experiences with screenwriting work and the challenges faced due to the decline of the streaming industry. Brent also mentioned his travel newsletter, which has a significant following, and his media empire that syndicates through Yahoo. He expressed his belief in the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities in the ever-changing world of content creation. Steven asked about Brent's approach to social media and the potential for expanding his newsletter's reach through multiple platforms. Brent acknowledged the challenges of the traditional industry's decline but also highlighted the emergence of new opportunities for content creators.
Revamping Blog Strategy for Relevance
Steven and Brent discussed the evolution of their blog and its relevance in the current market. Steven shared that his blog, which focused on young adult literature, was popular from 2014 to 2020 but has since lost its appeal due to the rise of podcasts and reels. They considered revamping the blog, possibly monetizing it or focusing on quick reels to attract readers. Brent suggested the potential of a newsletter as a way to maintain a loyal audience. Both agreed on the importance of adapting to the changing market and the need for disruption in the industry. They also discussed the fleeting nature of success in the arts, with Steven noting that even successful writers can face challenges in maintaining their popularity.
Steven and Brent discussed the evolution of their blog and its relevance in the current market. Steven shared that his blog, which focused on young adult literature, was popular from 2014 to 2020 but has since lost its appeal due to the rise of podcasts and reels. They considered revamping the blog, possibly monetizing it or focusing on quick reels to attract readers. Brent suggested the potential of a newsletter as a way to maintain a loyal audience. Both agreed on the importance of adapting to the changing market and the need for disruption in the industry. They also discussed the fleeting nature of success in the arts, with Steven noting that even successful writers can face challenges in maintaining their popularity.
Challenges and Uncertainties in Writing
Brent and Steven discussed the challenges and unpredictability of their careers as writers. Brent expressed his concern about the lack of a cultural phenomenon like Harry Potter or Twilight in recent years, and how this could impact their work. He also shared his experience of adapting to changes in the industry and the need to reinvent oneself. Steven agreed, using the example of Kwame Alexander's success as a writer, and how it took time and perseverance before he became widely known. They both acknowledged the risks and uncertainties of their profession, but also the potential for success and the importance of supporting each other.
Brent and Steven discussed the challenges and unpredictability of their careers as writers. Brent expressed his concern about the lack of a cultural phenomenon like Harry Potter or Twilight in recent years, and how this could impact their work. He also shared his experience of adapting to changes in the industry and the need to reinvent oneself. Steven agreed, using the example of Kwame Alexander's success as a writer, and how it took time and perseverance before he became widely known. They both acknowledged the risks and uncertainties of their profession, but also the potential for success and the importance of supporting each other.
Embracing Unpredictability in the Arts
Brent and Steven discussed the challenges and unpredictability of success in the arts. Brent shared his experiences of comparing himself to more successful peers, and the eventual realization that success is not always a reflection of talent. He emphasized the importance of writing for oneself and accepting the unpredictability of success. Steven agreed, highlighting the importance of supporting and promoting lesser-known artists. They also discussed the legacy of their work, with Brent expressing satisfaction in having created something that will continue to exist and touch people. The conversation ended on a positive note, with both acknowledging the impact of their work and the importance of supporting each other.
Brent and Steven discussed the challenges and unpredictability of success in the arts. Brent shared his experiences of comparing himself to more successful peers, and the eventual realization that success is not always a reflection of talent. He emphasized the importance of writing for oneself and accepting the unpredictability of success. Steven agreed, highlighting the importance of supporting and promoting lesser-known artists. They also discussed the legacy of their work, with Brent expressing satisfaction in having created something that will continue to exist and touch people. The conversation ended on a positive note, with both acknowledging the impact of their work and the importance of supporting each other.