In Conversation with Josh Allen
The best introduction to Josh as an author comes from his own webpage: "I believe in monsters. Really. And I hope you do too. Because a world filled with monsters—with mysterious terrors and unknown creatures that hunger for your heart—is a world full of wonder and mystery. It’s a world of imaginings and daydreams and chills that keep you up at night. It’s a world of flashlights tucked under your pillow and covers pulled all the way over your head. It’s a world I long to live in." I hope you join us in this conversation. |
Summary of the Conversation:
Steven and Josh discussed the author's writing career, upcoming book releases, and the importance of capturing young readers' interest in literature. They also explored the enduring fascination with horror fiction, its role in helping children navigate and cope with difficult emotions, and the benefits of reading, particularly for younger readers. Lastly, they talked about the challenges of balancing a full-time job with their passion for writing, the central themes present in Josh's upcoming book, and the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving writing
Steven and Josh discussed the author's writing career, upcoming book releases, and the importance of capturing young readers' interest in literature. They also explored the enduring fascination with horror fiction, its role in helping children navigate and cope with difficult emotions, and the benefits of reading, particularly for younger readers. Lastly, they talked about the challenges of balancing a full-time job with their passion for writing, the central themes present in Josh's upcoming book, and the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving writing
Author Josh's Writing Career and Collaboration
Steven and Josh discussed the author's writing career and upcoming book releases. Josh, who primarily writes short stories for middle-grade readers and focuses on horror, has published two collections and a third is set to release in August. He shared that his writing is inspired by the fantasmagoric possibilities of everyday objects and that his collaboration with illustrator Sarah Coleman began with his first book, which was not originally intended to have illustrations. Their professional relationship is based on mutual respect, allowing each to focus on their respective areas of expertise.
Steven and Josh discussed the author's writing career and upcoming book releases. Josh, who primarily writes short stories for middle-grade readers and focuses on horror, has published two collections and a third is set to release in August. He shared that his writing is inspired by the fantasmagoric possibilities of everyday objects and that his collaboration with illustrator Sarah Coleman began with his first book, which was not originally intended to have illustrations. Their professional relationship is based on mutual respect, allowing each to focus on their respective areas of expertise.
Discussing Children's Literature and Education
Josh and Steven discussed their shared passion for writing for children and young adults. Josh expressed gratitude for the current publishing space in this genre, which was not available during his early writing years. They both agreed on the importance of capturing young readers' interest in literature, particularly during their formative middle school years. They emphasized the need to let students choose what they read and to teach them literary elements, rather than pushing them too quickly out of their comfort zone. They also shared their own experiences with this philosophy, with Josh revealing he started as a technical writer to pay bills and Steven talking about his diverse career in English and education.
Josh and Steven discussed their shared passion for writing for children and young adults. Josh expressed gratitude for the current publishing space in this genre, which was not available during his early writing years. They both agreed on the importance of capturing young readers' interest in literature, particularly during their formative middle school years. They emphasized the need to let students choose what they read and to teach them literary elements, rather than pushing them too quickly out of their comfort zone. They also shared their own experiences with this philosophy, with Josh revealing he started as a technical writer to pay bills and Steven talking about his diverse career in English and education.
Josh's Journey to Horror Fiction Publication
Steven and Josh delved into Josh's enduring fascination with horror fiction, rooted in his childhood exposure to 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.' They also discussed Josh's evolution as a writer, from being discouraged from writing such tales during college to his recent success in getting a story published in 'Cricket Magazine.' The meeting highlighted the challenges of entering the children's literature genre and the significance of mentors and connections in the writing industry, with Josh's relationship with writer Gary Schmidt and his current agent, Rick Margolis, being cited as pivotal in his journey towards publication.
Steven and Josh delved into Josh's enduring fascination with horror fiction, rooted in his childhood exposure to 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.' They also discussed Josh's evolution as a writer, from being discouraged from writing such tales during college to his recent success in getting a story published in 'Cricket Magazine.' The meeting highlighted the challenges of entering the children's literature genre and the significance of mentors and connections in the writing industry, with Josh's relationship with writer Gary Schmidt and his current agent, Rick Margolis, being cited as pivotal in his journey towards publication.
The Benefits of Reading, Particularly for Younger Readers
Steven and Josh discussed the benefits of reading, particularly for younger readers. Steven noted that reading Stephen King and other authors helped students develop coping mechanisms for anxiety-inducing situations in real life. Josh expanded on this by expressing his passion for short fiction, arguing that it can help introductory readers overcome the sense of failure and intimidation that can come with tackling lengthy novels. He suggested that short story collections provide a sense of achievement with each completed story, which can encourage continued reading. Steven agreed with Josh's views, mentioning his own positive experiences with short story units at the beginning of the school year.
Steven and Josh discussed the benefits of reading, particularly for younger readers. Steven noted that reading Stephen King and other authors helped students develop coping mechanisms for anxiety-inducing situations in real life. Josh expanded on this by expressing his passion for short fiction, arguing that it can help introductory readers overcome the sense of failure and intimidation that can come with tackling lengthy novels. He suggested that short story collections provide a sense of achievement with each completed story, which can encourage continued reading. Steven agreed with Josh's views, mentioning his own positive experiences with short story units at the beginning of the school year.
Balancing Writing and College Professorship
Steven and Josh talked about the challenges of balancing a full-time job as a college professor with their passion for writing. Josh shared his daily writing practice of aiming to write three pages every day, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing writing and carving out space in a busy schedule. They discussed the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving writing goals and the benefits of setting achievable daily writing targets to maintain their writing skills. Both agreed on the necessity of learning to work in tiny chunks and being flexible with their writing time.
Steven and Josh talked about the challenges of balancing a full-time job as a college professor with their passion for writing. Josh shared his daily writing practice of aiming to write three pages every day, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing writing and carving out space in a busy schedule. They discussed the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving writing goals and the benefits of setting achievable daily writing targets to maintain their writing skills. Both agreed on the necessity of learning to work in tiny chunks and being flexible with their writing time.
Discussing Upcoming Book Themes and Anxieties
Steven and Josh discussed the central themes and anxieties present in Josh's upcoming book. Josh clarified that his writing aims to encourage children to see the world in new and interesting ways, and that his third book delves into deeper, more complex themes such as the dangers of popularity and the fears of being invisible. Steven expressed his anticipation for the book's release and his enjoyment of their conversation, and the two looked forward to potentially more meetings in the future.
Steven and Josh discussed the central themes and anxieties present in Josh's upcoming book. Josh clarified that his writing aims to encourage children to see the world in new and interesting ways, and that his third book delves into deeper, more complex themes such as the dangers of popularity and the fears of being invisible. Steven expressed his anticipation for the book's release and his enjoyment of their conversation, and the two looked forward to potentially more meetings in the future.