Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the bestselling and award-winning author of 19 multicultural/multilingual books and more than 50 ebook titles (reviews by Kirkus, School Library Journal, The Horn Book blog, ForeWord Reviews). Raised in San Jose, CA, he has a B.A. in journalism from BYU, an M.A. in international relations from APU, and a broadcast & film certificate from Film A. Academy. Since 2004 he has run Premio Publishing. His survival western, To Swallow the Earth won a 2016 International Book Award. A college media instructor, Beckstrand has presented to Taiwan’s Global Leadership for Youth, city and state governments, festivals, and schools. Beckstrand’s nationally lauded Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, ESL/ELL Spanish/bilingual books, nonfiction, and wordless books feature ethnically diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. His work has appeared in: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Border’s Books, Costco, Deseret Book, iBooks, The Children’s Miracle Network, LDS Film Festival, the U.S. Congressional Record, Papercrafts Magazine, and various broadcasts. FB, Twitter, http://KarlBeckstrand.com, http://PremioBooks.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living. I wrote this after seeing a lack of kids’ curriculum on how money is made—how to earn a living. I used to be a recruiter in Silicon Valley; today’s graduates don’t seem as prepared for work as their parents. Many young people don’t know that failure is normal and can nourish future success.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I research or write a little family history each day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love history, so anything by David McCoullugh is ideal. Other authors I love: Tolkien, Harper Lee, C.S. Lewis, Clancy, Grisham, Shel Silverstein
What are you working on now?
Biographies of immigrant children
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book promotion sites like Awesomegang
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day and join a writer’s group–but also, get out and travel (and not just to major cities).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be wise
What are you reading now?
Major Problems in American Colonial History
What’s next for you as a writer?
Larger biographies and more bilingual books
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Scriptures, the complete works of Shakespeare, and a compilation of historic figures’ biographies
Author Websites and Profiles
Karl Beckstrand Website
Karl Beckstrand Amazon Profile
Karl Beckstrand Author Profile on Smashwords
Karl Beckstrand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
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