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We sent TFK Kid reporter Tracy Rodrigues on assignment to interview the author of some of the world's creepiest stories. Click here to see what it was like meeting the famous author and read on to get the scoop on Stine.
TFK: Where do you get ideas for your stories?
R.L. Stine: Wow, that's a hard one. In every interview I go to that's always everyone's first question. And sometimes I'll just be walking Nadine (R.L. Stine's dog) through the park and a name or idea will pop up and I'll just work from there.
TFK: How does it feel to be a part of kids' WB!'s first-ever live-action series?
R.L. Stine: I feel happy to terrify kids.
TFK: What are the elements needed to scare kids or get under their skin?
R.L. Stine: Not much, because I think kids enjoy safe scares, like reading about a monster but knowing the book won't go too far or be too disgusting. So, at the same time they know they're safe, just reading in their room, and that there will always be a happy ending.
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Tracy poses with R.L. Stine and his dog, Nadine.
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TFK: What inspired you to become an author and, did you ever think you would become this famous?
R.L. Stine: I started writing when I was 9 years old and when I was a kid there were these great comic books called "Tales From The Crypt" and "The Vault of Horror." They were gruesome. I discovered them in the barbershop and thought they were fabulous. I used to get a haircut every Saturday so I would never miss any of the comic books. I had practically no hair when I was a kid! No, I never even thought that I would become famous.
TFK: What do you do when you suddenly develop a case of writer's block?
R.L. Stine: Nothing. I never get writer's block. Unlike other writers that start with a story and then make their title I do the exact opposite, and I have a cheat-sheet for each one of my characters about their personality, the way they look, etc. So there is no possible way that I could have writer's block.
TFK: If possible, I'd like you to clear your mind. Now, as fast as you can, think of three words that describe you.
R.L. Stine: Uh, I'm not that good at this. I guess I'm way too kind and generous, and a saint - if you can believe that!
TFK: Do you still get dressed for Halloween? What was your favorite costume as a kid?
R.L. Stine: Actually the last three or four Halloweens I've been working! When I was a kid my family was really poor and I remember one Halloween I wanted to dress up really scary and my parents came home with a duck costume. I wore that costume for years! I hated it.
TFK: What advice do you give to kids who might want to become authors?
R.L. Stine: Read. Read. Read. Just don't read one type of book. Read different books by various authors so that you develop different styles.
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Notice the "goosebumps" down the spine of this skeleton in R.L. Stine's office?
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TFK: What is the best present you've ever received?
R.L. Stine: Well, when I was 13, for my bar mitzvah I received my first typewriter. And that was special.
TFK: What did you like best about school?
R.L. Stine: Making my class laugh and getting in trouble. I was the class clown.
TFK: What's your worst habit?
R.L. Stine: Thinking my writing's good. When I'm done with my book my editors edit it, but I never want to fix anything. Once I'm done with a book, I want to move on to the next one!
TFK: When your son Mathew was younger, would he read your books or manuscripts? Was he frightened?
R.L. Stine: Are you kidding? My son is 21 and he's never read a single book, although I know he used to sell lead parts in my books to his friends. I think he does it just to make me crazy!
TFK: Why do you think people are fascinated by scary stories - especially kids?
R.L. Stine: I think everyone enjoys a good scare once in a while.
TFK: Where do you see yourself 20 years from now?
R.L. Stine: Here, still typing 15 pages a day each morning.
TFK: When do you think you'll stop writing?
R.L. Stine: When kids stop reading, but I think they'll let me know when it's time to go.
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