Author Interview with Lee Bantle author of David Inside Out and GIVEAWAY!!

Here we go....

How did you come up with the idea for David Inside Out? What inspired you?

1. David Inside Out is a novel about a teenage boy who discovers that his romantic and sexual feelings are for other boys. While this happened to me, I came of age at a time when gays and lesbians were not open or accepted. My idea for the book was to explore this subject in the contemporary world. Gay/Straight Alliances have been formed in many high schools. Will & Grace plays often on television. The LGBT community is vibrant. So, it’s a different world. Yet, for many, the internal struggle still exists. This book focuses on how one boy got through his struggle.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

2. I always liked to write and majored in journalism in college. But then I went on to law school. It wasn’t until I was grown and practicing law that I decided I wanted something more from life. I was thumbing through a New School course catalogue when I saw an evening class on writing for children. That intrigued me so I took the course. Then I started going to writing workshops. The more I worked at it, the more I enjoyed being creative. And after lots of rejections, Simon & Schuster bought my first novel, Diving for the Moon. I have been writing ever since (along with still practicing law – because children’s authors don’t make much money.)

What constantly makes you smile?

3. White water rafting trips. Cocktail parties. Good reviews (but only if they’re honest). Having the jury come in with a verdict for my client. Searing fresh scallops from the farmer’s market and eating them right out of the skilletpan.

Know a good joke? :)

4. This joke comes from the novel I am now at work on: The Memoirs of Odell P. Livingston, Grade 6 about a biracial boy in the Age of Obama. It is sixth grade humor (which always works for me):

Odell: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Jimmy: I don’t know. Why?

Odell: For a Chinese newspaper. Do you get it?

Jimmy: No.

Odell: Neither do I. I get the Daily News.

Do you read much? What's the last thing you read? What's your favorite book?

5. When I was a kid, I used to go to the library once a week, check out ten books, read them all, and then get 10 more. Back in the day. The last thing I read is After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson. Touching and haunting with great characters. Other books that I have loved this year are The Absolutely True Dairy of a Part Time Indian, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Out of the Pocket. A list of my favorite books (and lots of other stuff) is on my website: leebantle.com.

Are you also a TV addict? If so what are some of your favorite TV shows?

6. I do enjoy TV. But I am like a four-year-old child who wants to read the same picture book over and over. I watch the same shows again and again, particularly Will & Grace and Sex and the City. I can say the lines before the actors do – but they still make me laugh. As for current shows, I like 30 Rock and anything with a lefty political spin (Daily Show, Bill Maher, Keith Olbermann). Also old movies on TCM.

Is there anything else you'd like to say (about your book or anything at all)?

7. My writing advice Top Seven for aspiring authors:

7. Make sure every sentence sets the scene, reveals character or advances the plot.

6. Find the humor. Everyone wants to laugh – even in a tragic story.

5. Be diligent. Writing something good is lots of work. Push yourself.

4. Have garlic and sausage pizza on hand at all times.

3. Create scenes. Write dialogue. Don’t tell us what happened. Show us.

2. Revise, revise, revise. Get some feedback. Then pick yourself up off the floor and revise some more.

1. Find your voice. All it takes is being real. Even when that means writing about the most personal things, the thoughts and feelings you think only you have had. You’ll be amazed how many people you touch.

Thanks so much for answering my questions! I especially loved the The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Will & Grace answer. I LOVE that book and that show. I'm in love with Jack. I kid you not. He's just so great and funny! He can be kinda cruel sometimes but it's okay because deep down inside he's full of awesomeness. :)

Giveaway!!

Okay now in order to win yourself a copy of David Inside Out follow these rules:

-comment with your thoughts on the Q&A +1 (must do this in order to be entered!)
-if you leave a comment on my review of the book +2
-old follower +3
-new follower +2

Deadline: October 5 midnight central

It would be really helpful if you left me a way to contact you in case you're the winner. If you don't then you better remember to come back on October 6 or 7 to see if you won.

Good luck! :)