Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Connecticut with my wife, three sons and one goldfish. I ave only written one novel so far – a middle grade book called Flicker – although I am working with my agent on a series about an ordinary boy who has the most extraordinary adventures.
When I am not writing, I work as a qualitative researcher, specializing in kids’ and families’ media habits. It’s a great job that takes me all over the US, chatting to 3-75 year-olds about TV, apps, websites and magazines.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is called Flicker. I really am not sure what inspired the story – I can only say that one morning I thought to myself, “I wonder what would happen if you woke up one day and nobody knew who you were.” With that simple idea, Flicker was born.
Flicker is a book for 9-12 year-olds (although some of its biggest fans are adults!) about a boy called Joel. He is a regular kid who loves soccer, frozen yogurt and hanging out with his friends. His life is pretty typical until the day he wakes up and discovers that nobody knows who he is. . . not his friends, not his family, nobody.
He thinks he is all alone until he meets Sara – a teenage girl who has also been forgotten by everyone she knows. Joel and Sara team up to try and understand what is happening to their lives, but things quickly turn from bad to worse. Before long, it becomes clear that time is running out for them both.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I only like to write when I am wearing my Superman pajamas and my Curious George hat. I also like to sing the words as I am writing them.
OK, none of that is true, but it sounds much better than the real answer, which is “No.”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow – that is a hard question! I have read so much that I don’t t really know where to begin. But, since you’re asking the question, here is an incomplete list of authors I can recall at this moment:
Michael Bond
AA Milne
Ann Patchett
John Irving
Agatha Christie
Douglas Adams
Barbara Kingsolver
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Robinton Mistry
Bill Bryson
Mary Doria Russel
What are you working on now?
I am working on a new middle grade novel about a boy called Kyle, his best friend Sofia, and his cat. It is a sci-fi adventure with plenty of humor and surprises.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh how I wish I knew the answer to that! I can only say that I am using an eclectic mix of strategies, including Countdown deals on Amazon.com, selling the book through local bookstores in Connecticut and making myself known through websites such as this one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – get ready for the best, worst, most fun, most frustrating, exciting, boring, surprising, predictable experience of your life! 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot. Write something every day! When you have finished your first draft, take a break before editing and revising.
What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading The Widowers Tale by Julia Glass. Next up is Bubble Screen by David Chill.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I still have a far amount of work to do on my middle grade sci-fi novel. Since I have very little time for writing (that pesky family and full-time job really get in the way), that will keep me occupied for some time.
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?
I have never been good at questions like this. I find it impossible to name my favorite movies, songs, TV shows, books, etc. Three’s just too much stuff that I love. So I guess my answer would be, I wouldn’t get stranded on s desert island (did you see Cast Away? That man went nuts!).
Author Websites and Profiles
Rob Hunt Website
Rob Hunt Amazon Profile
Rob Hunt’s Social Media Links