Hazel Spire - Author - Speaker - Artist

Hello, friends old and new! I just got back from England, where I gleaned more ideas for future books. Meanwhile I press in with the 7TH GATE sequel, in which Jandy & friends perform a Texas version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. I just heard that a new ALICE movie with Johnny Depp is to released next March.

Speaking engagements this summer include: Poet's Corner, Frisco Barnes & Noble, July 9; Women's Center, Richardson, July 15; and Hastings bookstore, Denton, July 25.

If you like adventure stories about treasure, boats, islands, and unique characters, you'll love ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD, published in November by The P3 Press. If you've ever been jealous of someone, you'll know how Craig feels toward his stepbrother. Order your signed copy by email for $16 (incl. postage) by clicking on CONTACT THE AUTHOR below.


SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE, a Persian adventure, is available from me, or from Royal Fireworks, one of the Quick Links in the right-hand column. To view the rest of this site, click on MY WORKS and BIO at the top.

Keep your pencils busy in sketch pads or notebooks!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Q: The main character in ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD is a 12-year-old boy. How did you decide whose viewpoint to use for this story?

A: My first book had a 13-year-old girl protagonist, so getting into a boy's head made an interesting change for me as a writer. I hoped the adventure and conflict between Craig and Tony would pull in more boy readers. They both have sisters, so girls will appreciate the book too!

Q: Is there really an Arrowhead Island off the coast of England?
A: No. The setting is similar to my childhood home on Isle of Wight, a short ferry ride from Portsmouth, but Arrowhead is smaller and no cars are allowed.

Q: Is it still possible to find Roman treasure buried in Britain?
A: Yes! You need a metal detector, the landowner's permission, and lots of patience.

Q: Your first children's novel, SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE, takes place in 1970s Iran. What gave you the idea of setting a story in that time and place?
A: When I worked in Iran, the Shah’s throne seemed secure and expatriates prospered. But in 1978 mobs demanded his overthrow. I wondered how American kids would cope with secret tapes, hostile calls, suspicious fires, and locals acting strangely. How would changes threaten their school, parents’ jobs, and friendships with Iranians?

Q: Did you do any special research?
A: Yes. Although I spent a year there, I needed to know more about the history of Iran. I read about 20 books, studied old news magazines on microfilm (this was before the Internet), and talked to Brits and Americans who had fled Iran during the revolution. I present all viewpoints even-handedly, showing the unique qualities of this land and its people.

Q: Who would want to read SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE?
A: Mystery-loving kids aged 9-13 will enjoy figuring out what's going on at school, in the bazaar, and on the streets of Shekarabad. They'll find humor in the rehearsals for Ali Baba. A car chase propels the story toward a satisfying (though not pat) conclusion. Parents who’ve lived in the Middle East and teachers looking for curriculum tie-in, might read it. This could open up a discussion about the triumph of faith and friendship over fear and prejudice.

Q: How did you become a writer?
A: Growing up, I had an abundance of paper and yellow pencils. My journalist parents held a writers’ circle in our home, and grade school teachers nurtured my love of words. Later Dad helped me to submit pieces for publication.

Q: What else have you written?
A: More than sixty of my poems, puzzles, articles, and stories have been printed in all kinds of magazines. My two poetry collections came out in 2004 and 2006. Before rewriting ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD, I adapted 7TH GATE as a stage play and will be making teacher guides for both books available online. I'm trying to find homes for my picture books, ONZO AND THE LONG SLEEP and L IS FOR LONDON.

Q: What advice would you give young writers?
A: Read all kinds of books. Wherever you go, look and listen. Keep a journal. Get together with friends who write, and help each other make your work the best it can be. Enter contests. Send poems and stories to your favorite magazines. Hold on to your dream. There’s a place for all of us out there!