INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN DITTMER:
Steve is the author of the Brewster Boys series.
How did you get started writing?
I used to write a lot when I was younger but never thought about novels. It was mainly poetry. My main focus was singing, which I still enjoy doing when I have a chance. A few years ago two of my students (I teach high school history) told me they were writing books. Then it hit me! Why can’t I write one too?
Who influenced you?
I would have to say those two students influenced me to take up writing. Also, I had recently found out about an old high school buddy of mine who had been publishing kids’ books. It all seemed to fit together. It was time for me to write a book as well.
Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?
Well, so far I only have two books in my Brewster Boys series. Both are historical fiction and take place in the present and the past. So, I would say my favorite topics to write about would have to be the major historical events of the 20th Century. My main characters are two teenage boys, Jon and Pete Brewster, and one girl, Abby. The setting changes from chapter to chapter!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?
All you have to do is write! And write for yourself, not for others! Of course it is an amazing feeling to have others enjoy your work, but satisfying your own writing endeavor comes first!
Where is your favorite place to write?
I do all of my writing while sitting on my recliner couch! I usually have the TV on, but if I am distracted I will turn it to a music station. The only music I can listen to is Classical, since there are usually no lyrics for me to sing along with!
What else would you like to tell us?
I have really enjoyed writing The Brewster Boys and the Eve of Infamy, and The Brewster Boys and the Red Revenge. I look forward to writing more in the series in the near future! They are available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. You can LIKE my fan page on Facebook!