A Talk With Louis Sachar

Summary

In this interview, Louis Sachar, celebrated author of *Holes*, discusses his unexpected path to becoming a writer, his creative process, and the inspiration behind his famous works. Reflecting on his transition from law to writing, Sachar shares personal anecdotes, including the origins of *There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom* and the quirky names in *Holes*. He delves into themes of friendship and survival in his books and offers insights on the challenges of censorship in literature. Sachar also highlights the influence of his pets and family on his work, providing a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a beloved author.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tim Podell meets Louis Sachar in Great Hills Park, Austin, Texas for an interview.
• 😀 Louis Sachar, best known for his Newbery Award-winning book 'Holes,' never initially planned to write children's books.
• 😀 Sachar's writing journey began during law school, where his first book was published while he was still studying.
• 😀 Despite working as a lawyer for several years, Sachar eventually decided to pursue writing full-time after realizing his success as an author.
• 😀 Louis shares how his dogs, Lucky and Tippy, keep him company while writing, with Tippy often prompting him to stop after two hours.
• 😀 'Marvin Redpost' is a series featuring a third grader who faces strange events, written as beginner chapter books.
• 😀 'There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom' was inspired by a true story involving a school counselor named Carla, whom Sachar later married.
• 😀 The names of characters in 'Holes,' such as Stanley Yelnats and his friends, were chosen carefully, though Sachar never thought Stanley's name was especially clever.
• 😀 Writing 'Holes' was a challenge, with Sachar managing multiple story threads and ensuring they came together seamlessly in the end.
• 😀 Sachar discussed the themes of friendship and male bonding in 'Holes,' particularly focusing on Stanley Yelnats’ transformation from a friendless kid to someone who bonds with tough boys at Camp Green Lake.

Q & A

What inspired Louis Sachar to become a writer?

Louis Sachar was always interested in writing, taking creative writing classes in high school, but he never thought of writing children's books until he worked at an elementary school during college. There, he decided to try writing a children's book, which became very successful and led him to continue writing.

How does Louis Sachar feel about being an inspiration to young readers?

Louis Sachar finds it amazing and humbling that some children may look up to him in the same way he admires his favorite authors. He considers it a great compliment to know that his books have had such an impact.

What was the pivotal moment that led Louis Sachar to become a full-time writer?

After graduating law school, Louis Sachar continued writing part-time while delaying job hunting. Over time, he realized that his writing career was taking off, and after about four years, he committed to being a full-time author.

Did Louis Sachar miss his legal career after transitioning to writing?

No, Louis Sachar does not miss practicing law at all. He enjoys his writing career and considers it a good decision, even though he did part-time legal work for several years before his writing career was financially stable.

How does Louis Sachar incorporate his pets into his writing routine?

Louis Sachar writes for about two hours each morning with his dogs, Lucky and Tippy, in his office. They don't participate in his writing directly but keep him company and help create a peaceful writing environment. Tippy often signals when it's time for a walk after his writing session.

What was the real-life inspiration behind the book *There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom*?

The inspiration for *There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom* came from a true story that Louis Sachar's friend shared with him about a teacher's insensitive remark to a new student. Sachar used this story to shape the character Bradley and the events that unfold in the book.

What does Louis Sachar think about censorship in books?

Louis Sachar believes that censorship is problematic, particularly because it often leads to self-censorship. Authors, publishers, and librarians may avoid controversial content for fear of backlash, which can limit children's access to important and engaging stories.

What are Louis Sachar's thoughts on the names he gives characters in his books?

Louis Sachar enjoys coming up with unique and memorable names for his characters. For example, the name Stanley Yelnats in *Holes* was simply Stanley spelled backward, a choice he made out of convenience during the writing process, though it became a notable part of the book's charm.

How does Louis Sachar deal with tying together complex storylines in books like *Holes*?

Louis Sachar states that while weaving together complex storylines in *Holes* was not difficult, the challenge was in laying out the different threads without letting them disrupt the flow of the story. He already knew how the story would tie up in the end but had to manage the pacing and connections carefully.

What is the significance of onions in the book *Holes*?

In *Holes*, onions are portrayed as having various medicinal properties, such as curing rheumatism and improving digestion. Louis Sachar chose to feature onions after researching their historical use in medicine. He was unsure if they would realistically grow in the desert but ultimately kept them in the story for their symbolic and practical role.