Write Now with Gideon Sterer

Who are you?

Gideon Sterer, writer, Hudson Valley, NY

What do you write?

I always loved being read to as a child and stories in any form so I thought being a children's book author would be a cool job. I love what I do. I get to make stuff up all day and follow my nose. Thematically I seem to always be coming back to the liminal space between the animal and human world and animals doing weird stuff, generally.

Where do you write?

I like to be on a couch and try to avoid a desk! A fireplace is nice if it's seasonally appropriate. I write outdoors sometimes. I like to plot and figure things out on paper and then move onto a computer once I have a decent grasp on the shape of a story.

When do you write?

Unfortunately, my process is very chaotic and inconsistent. As a picture book author there aren't that many deadlines because you are originating the work and project but it would probably help me if there were. If I'm working for a few good hours a day, I'm generally happy but it's really more about what I can get done in that time as that varies. I would like to get my process more disciplined.

Why do you write?

Making stuff up that I like is really satisfying, I guess! Children's books are really important for like a 100 reasons or more that I don't need to explain to anyone reading this so being able to be part of that ecosystem is an honor.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I like to have a few projects going at once until I've reached "the homestretch" with one of them, so it's a gift and a curse to be able to flit between one. But I think the real answer is that you just have to dedicate time no matter what you are getting done.

Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?

I am a big pickleballer when I am not frequently injuring myself!

My thanks to Gideon Sterer for today's interview.