SIX MINUTES WITH STEWART LEWIS:

Singer-songwriter and author Stewart Lewis joins LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author! Stewart is the author of the young adult books The Secret Ingredient and You Have Seven Messages, as well as the adult fiction books Relative Stranger and Rockstarlet. Stewart’s songs have been featured in these TV shows: Body of Proof, Party of Five, Ghost Whisperer, Laguna Beach, Jockeys, Joan of Arcadia, Dawson’s Creek, The Biggest Loser, and Dante’s Cove. We are pleased to have Stewart, who was made speechless by Annette Bening and has had his cheeks squeezed by Jackie O, spend six minutes with us today!

How did you get started writing?

I was a big fan of Raymond Carver's short stories in college, and after writing a few myself, I got one published in a small publication in Los Angeles. Then I wrote a novel, and my career built up from there.

Who influenced you?

Stephen McCauley was a big influence on my adult books, and for young adult, David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell (whom I share an agent with).

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

I love anything by Maira Kalman--she is brilliant!

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

Experience life. To the fullest. Put yourself in situations you normally wouldn't. Take risks. And write every day in the morning when you awake, when your mind is absolutely fresh.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In bed, with a view of the ocean.

What else would you like to tell us?

I am also a singer songwriter, and my songs have been featured on television and film. I have a French Bulldog named Oliver who basically eats, sleeps, and sits around looking ridiculously adorable. Myself and my husband Steve are building a house on Nantucket. I hope to write many more books there!

Stewart, thank you for joining LitPick for six minutes! Good luck with your career and the construction of your house!