Once again I convinced an author to spend a day here presenting to our five elementary schools and finishing up with a signing at the library. To our good fortune, Matthew Buckley was the latest author to agree to this exhaustive schedule.

He’s published two books with a traditional publisher, and is currently in the midst of a kickstarter to get his third book printed. His books appeal to all ages. Seriously. But they’re not serious, they’re hilarious. Elementary-aged boys and girls will laugh at the antics of a family of six boys. Even the teenagers won’t be able to stifle their chuckles. Mom and Dad will relate all too well to the interesting situations created with a houseful of boys. I laughed and laughed while reading. These are the perfect family read aloud books. They’re also available on CD for those long car rides.

I really enjoyed talking with Marion (Matthew Buckley is a pen name) about his work and favorite writing conferences. I was especially interested in his latest project Almost Super. Plus, he introduced me to Kristi, a local writer. Hopefully, we can get together soon. Not only did Marion agree to the whirlwind visiting schedule, he also agreed to a blog interview. Now you can get to know this author, check out the kickstart program for his next book Almost Super, and see a movie trailer for the book.

Kate:  What inspired you to write your first book?

Matthew Buckley:  I wanted to become an author ever since I was little. If only somebody had staged an intervention, I might have been cured at an early age. It’s too late for me now; I’ve been bitten by the writers bug, and I can’t be cured.

Kate:  How much of the book is realistic?

Matthew Buckley: I would estimate that at least 90 percent of Chickens in the Headlights happened to me, my brothers, or my own sons. I basically took many separate experiences I had growing up, and had them occur to the Buckley family over the course of a single summer.

Kate:  I think that’s one reason your books are so funny and appeal to all ages–they’re real. Anyone who’s grown up with siblings can relate. What was the hardest part of writing your books?

Matthew Buckley: For me, writing is a painful process. I really don’t know why I do it. 🙂 I write something and then feel bad when I re-read it. I edit it, edit it, and edit it some more. Throughout the whole process I’m convinced that I’m the worst writer in the world. The only payoff is after the entire process when I share something I’ve written with somebody else. I like to hear somebody laugh at something I’ve written. I guess for me, the irony is that writing is such a solitary and lonely process, but I do it because I like how it connects me with others.

Kate:  You had a good post about that on your blog recently. Do you have a specific writing style?

Matthew Buckley:  I like to think my writing is pretty laid back and easy. Both of my books, Chickens in the Headlights and Bullies in the Headlights are about 180 pages, and yet I meet 7-year-olds all the time who have read and enjoyed the books. At the same time, I’ve heard from many parents who said they enjoyed the fact that the books can be enjoyed by the entire family, and not just written for kids.

Kate:  How did your books change from the first draft to the published copy?

Matthew Buckley: I don’t think my books changed too much. They are always filled with grammar errors, and I always have about a thousand commas that need to be taken out, but for the first two books the story and structure stayed pretty true to the first draft.

Kate: What do your children think about your books?

Matthew Buckley: It’s funny because I wrote this book for my teenage brothers, but it’s been most popular with elementary and middle school grades. I love talking to kids who have read my books because they always have their own stories. I used to think that I had this totally unique experience growing up in a family of ten boys, but as I talk to folks who have read my book, I’ve realized that childhood experiences are pretty similar. I loved my childhood, and it’s always fun to talk to those who are right in the middle of it.

Kate:  I really liked the family element of your books. The brothers annoy each other, but they are each others’ best friends. Tell us about your current project Almost Super.

Matthew Buckley: My latest book is about superheroes, but not like any superheroes you’ve ever met. Rafter and Benny are brothers who are to get their super powers on Groundhog day. But when the day arrives, their powers are nothing like they expect. And to make matters worse, they have to return to school where their arch nemesis, a supervillain by the name of Juanita Johnson, waits to take them out. You can see a book trailer, as well as read the first chapter at http://www.almostsuper.org/

Also, the first book is available for a limited time through a site called Kickstarter. I’m excited about that project, and you can learn more at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/TwHistory/almost-super-a-novel

I also love to hear from folks who have read my books. They can e-mail me at marionjensen *at* gmail *dot* com

Kate: Thanks for visiting our schools with a great presentation and doing a book signing at our local library. I enjoyed getting to know you and having you visit my blog. Good luck with your kickstarter project. I hope it works for you! You can click on the link below to see an interview local sixth grade students did with Matthew Buckley. There are different questions so you can learn some more about him.

http://www.local10.tv/

Also, all you lucky authors attending the LDS Storymakers Conference will get to see and hear Matthew Buckley present and emcee.