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R. L. Stine
Biography
R.L. Stine's writing career began at the age of 9 when he wrote stories and jokes on an old typewriter and handed them out at school. He is now the author of more than 100 books and has sold more than 400 million copies, making him one of the best-selling children’s book authors in history. He has won numerous awards and honors, including being a three-time winner of both the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award and the Disney Adventures Kids’ Choice Award for Best Book, the 2007 Thriller Writers of America Silver Bullet Award and a Children’s Choices Award. Among his best known writings are the Goosebumps series (begun in 1992) and named the world’s best-selling book series of all time in the 2003 Guinness Book of World Records; the Rotten School series and the Goosebumps HorrorLand series. The latest book in that series is The Scream of the Haunted Mask (Scholastic, August 2008). He lives in New York City.
2008 Podcast
2008 Webcast
2005 Webcast
2004 Webcast
2003 Webcast
The Scoop
How is the new HorrorLand series different from previous Goosebumps books?
I’ve always said that Goosebumps books are like a roller coaster—full of thrills and chills and fast twists and turns. But Goosebumps HorrorLand is a whole new ride. Each edition is two books in one. The first is a complete Goosebumps story. The second is a continuing story set in the scariest amusement park ever—HorrorLand. Why is it so scary? Because the meanest, creepiest villains from all the Goosebumps books are in HorrorLand, and they want to make sure no one gets out.
These are the first all-new Goosebumps books to be published in eight years. What inspired you to go back to Goosebumps?
My readers! Everywhere I went kids asked me: When are you going to write new Goosebumps books? So now I am.
What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a result of the popularity of Goosebumps?
Everything that has happened to me has been amazing and surprising. I got the chance to do things that I dreamed of when I was a kid: I got to ride on a float in a parade, I got to go behind the scenes at Disney World, I’ve been on TV. I got to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium (actually I let my son do that). I met my all-time hero, Ray Bradbury. But the biggest thrill was and continues to be meeting and hearing from so many kids who enjoy my books.
What inspired you to call the series Goosebumps?
I was stumped. I couldn’t think of a name for the series. Then I saw an ad on a TV station that was showing horror movies. The ad said, “It’s goosebumps week on Channel 11.” That was it!
What tips or advice can you share with young students who hope to start writing?
My advice is to read as much as you can, and to try and write something, anything, every day. Think of it this way—when you write, you are a writer!
Why did you decide to write scary books?
I always liked scary movies and books. When I was about eight or nine, I started reading scary horror comic books. They were called Vault of Horror and Tales from the Crypt. And my brother and I went to every scary movie. We didn’t get scared—we always LAUGHED!
What scares you? Do you have any phobias?
I have one phobia—I can’t jump into water. I have to step into a swimming pool; I can’t jump or dive in. My nephews think it’s a riot that a scary guy like me is afraid to jump into a pool!
Goosebumps has sold hundreds of millions of books worldwide. When did you first realize that Goosebumps was going to be such a huge success? How did you celebrate?
I was in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, driving to a bookstore for a book signing. I remember I was stuck in a huge traffic jam and I was really worried I would be late and was growing more and more annoyed at all the traffic. When we finally approached the bookstore, I realized that the traffic jam was caused by all the people who were coming to see me! I celebrated by signing hundreds of books!
What’s the weirdest fan letter you’ve ever received?
It’s the weirdest and also my favorite. Here goes: “Dear R.L. Stine. I have read 40 of your books and I think they are really boring.”
Book Covers
Dr Maniac vs Robby Schwartz |
Monster Blood For Breakfast |
Creep From The Deep |
Revenge Of The Living Dummy |
Scream Of The Haunted Mask |
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Last Updated: 10/02/2008