Get Inspired: Paul Kropp

Paul Kropp is the author of more than sixty novels for young people as well as an educator who speaks frequently to teachers and librarians.

His work includes nine award-winning young adult novels, many books for reluctant readers and five illustrated books for beginning readers. He has also written non-fiction books and articles for parents. Mr. Kropp is a popular speaker for teachers and librarians on issues related to literacy.

1. How did you become a writer? Why do you write books for young adults?

I started writing for young adults shortly after I began teaching high school. I felt we needed some realistic fiction for the young men I taught, so began by writing Wilted, about a young man searching for love or life or himself (probably the basic search of everyone).

2. Did your education prepare you to become an author? Were there experiences you felt were helpful in preparing you for a writing career?

My education was in 17th century English devotional poetry. To the extent that much of my work has been writing carefully controlled books for kids who don’t like to read, it perhaps resembles the process of creating a sonnet (as in, working hard against formal requirements).

Otherwise, my education gave me a day job – teaching – that left me with a little time to pursue writing.

3. Today North American young people are constantly bombarded with faster entertainment options such as the internet or TV. Where does reading fit in?

Personally, I find TV and the internet very slow. I’m trapped by the speed of the presentation. In reading, I can go fast or slow, backwards or forwards. I can create my own images and develop my own responses to situations I read about.

Nonetheless, reading does take time – especially serious reading (I’ll discount text messages and email). We all have lots of time; it’s just a matter of setting priorities.

4. Do you feel there’s something special about Canadian literature for young adults?

Absolutely. There is a whole set of Canadian experience that will never be captured by Hollywood filmmakers, New York television producers or European directors. If we fail to represent out own experiences honestly, then our experiences will no longer seem to matter. That would be tragic – especially to ourselves.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read much; live with your eyes wide open; write every day. The first three tries at a book/story/poem will be a failure … but number four will come close. Number ten might even be pretty good.

6. If you could tell your teen self one thing, what would it be?

The best is yet to come.