Children's author Dan Gutman to sign 'Genius Files'
SPARTA — Dan Gutman started writing about 28 years ago and has since published more than 100 books. Though some were geared toward adults, when he started writing for children he realized he liked it and has never looked back.
He will be appearing at Sparta Books on Friday, April 5 to sign his third book in 'Teh Genius Files' series: Mission Unstoppable.
"The main reason I started writing children's books is because my son Sam was born in 1990," he said. "I wrote for grown ups at the time and was getting tired of reading the same books so I decided to give it a try. I realized that this is what I'm good at and that this is what I should have been doing all along."
His first children's book, "Baseball's Biggest Bloopers," was published in 1993. He now writes quite a few different series, all geared at different age groups.
"I write for kids in kindergarten through the sixth grade," he said. "I have picture books for kindergarten and then the 'My Weird School' series for about first to third grade and then my other books, including 'The Genius Files' are for older kids."
With so many different age groups covered, you would think that Gutman would be interested in trying his hand at a series for adults, but that is not the case.
"No. I got that out of my system. I am better at children's books," he explained.
Gutman acknowledges that it is a bit "crazy" to have so many series' being published at once but he knows it is necessary.
"There is a book due every four months usually," he explained. "'The Genius Files' books come out once a year so I'm always working on more than one or even more than two at a time. It is good though."
Gutman will be at Sparta Books to talk about his newest series, "The Genius Files." The third book, Mission Unstoppable came out in January and the fourth will be available next year.
"'The Genius Files' are action adventure books about twin siblings, a boy named Coke and a girl named Pepsi," he said. "They are traveling cross country for their summer vacation and there are bad guys trying to kill them."
Gutman will be visiting a school in the area as well. He tries to coincide visits to schools and with local independent book stores. At Sparta Books he will talk to those present for about 10 or 15 minutes before signing books. He will also bring along some door prizes.
As for advice for aspiring young writers?
"Don't try and write the next Harry Potter," he said. "Find your own voice, your own style. Don't try to impress readers with fancy words. I have tips on my website for young authors and a book at the end of May called "My Weird Writing Tips for grades two through four."