Let's Talk Books Episode 013: Interview with Steve Altier

Let's Talk Books with Robin Van Auken

Steve Altier is the author of the books for young people, and is best known for his children’s books, the Gabby and Maddox adventure series. Not content with lessons for little ones, he’s written a Young Adult novel, “Lizardville, the Ghost Story,” and he’ll soon release a sequel. Steve grew up in Mill Hall, a small town in central Pennsylvania, on Lizardville Road, so yes, it’s a real place. He’s given up the snow for life in sunny Florida, and he lives in the Tampa Bay Metro area with his wife, and a herd of cats. The couple reared four daughters and are now grandparents. When he’s not working his day job, or at his desk writing stories, his days are filled with reading, bowling, and spending time at amusement parks. He loves to travel, take trips to the beach, or just laying around the pool, spending time with family and friends. Steve said he’s had aspirations of being a writer since he was young, and he took a journalism course in high school. After graduation, however, he joined the Air Force, and spent four years serving and protecting his country. He has a rule he tries to live by, “Always’s follow your dreams.” Right now, his dream includes being an author and promoting his independently published books. He keeps busy with book promotion, also, participating in book signings at local Barnes & Noble, attending elementary library events, signing up for guest spots on radio and podcast shows, and he’s active on social media. He also spends a bit of time blogging, sharing photos of his Lizardville Bowling Team and their awards. Steve says that writing is his hobby, but the truth is, it’s a bit more than that. Although it’s not his career, he’s on his way to a new profession. One that he’s joyful about. Steve has a couple of suggestions for writers: Find a social media platform the you can enjoy using, and share news about your books. If you have a website, start blogging. Let people know what’s new books you’re working on. Don’t lose your enthusiasm. Stay happy and positive and invite people to learn more about your stories. Steve has great advice, but the most important is to put your book into people’s hands and encourage them to read.