Glenn,
welcome to Writers on the delight of reading the first pages in a contest last year and am thrilled to see this now available to readers. I’m curious over what you read. Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a read? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?
Courage
and resourcefulness to overcome physical danger, if well done, usually snags my
attention. I like a relatable, imperfect character who somehow finds faith/hope
and the grace to overcome.
Yes,
that makes for excellent reading! What was the most out-of-character book
you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?
The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson. I’m not
normally into teen girl romantic problem situations—but I review Christian
fiction for tweens and teens, and the title grabbed my attention. This book is
intriguing, a frumpy nerd is transformed by her new step mom into this hot
chick, who turns out to become—well—a jerk magnet. The transformation like, What
Not to Wear, plus, plus was educational, and the character transformation
was likewise intriguing. And the author’s portrayal of teen guys was IMO pretty
much right on.
Okay,
I’m intrigued. Sounds like a fun book. As a writer, you should know better, but
as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the
cover”? How did it work out?
Robot Wars, Death Trap by Sigmund Brouwer. I really
didn’t like the cover, but inside was an interesting sci-fi concept that the
2015 movie, The Martian echos (I think). It was well done with great
character development as well.
Do
you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines
ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your
last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?
I
like to read at night before I go to bed. Actually due to my visual impairment,
I don’t actually read but listen. I usually have two books on hand. One, an
exciting (hopefully) current YA/MG title or just about any westerns, then when
I really need to actually sleep, I switch to a boring historical. I’m thankful
for the auto 5-15-minute-turnoff-function because those usually put me right to
sleep.
Hah!
That’s fun. (And I can say even though there’s nothing I’d rather read than a
good history book, lol.) What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put
down? Why?
Recently,
Waterfall by Lisa Bergren.
Interesting historical/fantasy, great character and action, and I was just
wondering how the protagonist would extricate herself from the delightful mess.
Another
excellent recommend. Uh-oh, this interview is going to be just terrible for my
to-read list! I don’t think I want to ask, but…did a book recently make you
laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?
I
mentioned this on my website, but Jack
Staples and the Ring of Time by Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark, with
vivid Biblical analogies excited me spiritually, reminded me of the reality of
the deadly spiritual battle that rages around me everyday. Similarly, I too
want to excite and encourage my readers spiritually while providing such
intense entertainment.
Good
for it—and good for you! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which
novel do you first remember reading?
Yes. I got hooked on reading in sixth
grade. Somehow I found myself in the library and picked up a copy of Jack
London’s Call of the Wild . . . The rest is history.
When
did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this
desire?
C.S.
Lewis dazzled me with his Christian allegories, but his genius was too high to
encourage me to move in that direction. I think Bodie Thoene’s Zion Zion
And
I’m so glad you did! BTW, Bodie Thoene is my favorite modern author, the author
who first incited my respect for the Christian Ficiton genre all those decades
ago! So, now I know I just have to
add all the books you’ve recommended, including yours, to my reading list! Has
any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?
I
reread much of Experiencing God by
Henry Blackaby in January, and it encouraged me yet again to draw close to God
and join Him in His amazing adventure that lays before me each and every day!
With
a cozy winter upon, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal autumn
reading experience?
Okay
how about Spring! J. I’m actually looking
forward to writing my third novel in my Intense
series. Working title, Hyde, and it’s about modern day pirates, buried
treasure. There’s murder and kidnapping in the mix and a thorny teen problem to
dive into. I get excited thinking about it!
You’ll
have to let us know when it’s available! Is there a book you are looking
forward to rereading?
So
many new books to read, I can’t think of a fiction that I’d reread instead of
something new at this point.
If the
antagonist/protagonist in one of your books were to pick a book from today’s
shelves, what do you think it would be?
Thirteen-year-old
Tyler
Those
sound like perfect fits! What a fun interview. Thanks so much for visiting and
letting us get to know you better as a reader, Glenn! Folks, you can continue
to connect with Glenn Haggerty—and find out more about Run and any of his upcoming, intense MG/YA books!—at the links
below.
BIO:
Glenn
is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision
Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, father of six and grandfather of six. He
likes tandem biking and kayaking, and lives in Minneapolis
Website:
www.glennhaggerty.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GlennHaggertyAuthor,
Twitter,
@grhaggertyjr
Blog(Youth Book Reviews): www.christianbooksfortweensandteens.com
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