Interview With Author Leland Gamson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in an ideal setting along the Potomac River, which provided a Huck Finn boyhood with ready access to our nation’s Capitol. The success of the campfire stories I told as a nature counselor showed me that I have a gift for creating original stories. After retiring from the VA and the U.S. Army, I am focusing on writing children’s books. I have written twenty so far, with more coming. I also do Bible characters and am involved in jail ministry. I read my books on my website and Vimeo. My books are found in the Indiana State Library’s Young Readers section.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SAMUEL AND THE MYSTERY PUPPY, is one of my latest books and is about a street urchin living in Africa who wants a canine companion. It was inspired by my nephews urban ministry with street children in Kenya.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unfortunately, my best ideas come at night, forcing me to get up and write them down or lose them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, George McDonald, Dr. Seuss, Gertrud Compton, Aesop, the Bible
What are you working on now?
IF YOUR RABBIT WERE A HUMAN, and a children’s activity book for the Marion, IN police department
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still searching for it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For those writing illustrated children’s books, read all of the Caldecott winners and test your books on kids before declaring them complete.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow the Golden Rule.
What are you reading now?
The book of Ruth and Thomas Riley Marshall’s autobiography
What’s next for you as a writer?
The older I get, the faster the ideas come, resulting in my having eight children’s books at various stages of development. The sequel to MALGRIM JOINS A GANG is almost complete.
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?
A book on how to survive on a desert island, the Bible, a collection of classic poetry, and Aesop
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