Finding Inspiration

by Carol Hinz
Editorial Director, Millbrook Press

Last night I was listening to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), and I happened to catch an hour-long conversation between host Kerri Miller and author Colum McCann. I don’t always follow the adult literature world as closely as the children’s book world, so I wasn’t familiar with McCann’s novel Let the Great World Spin.

The conversation covered topics ranging from McCann’s influences to his writing process to how he got the idea for this novel. It didn’t delve too deeply into specific plot points, so it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the book. Of course, the conversation did pique my interest in McCann’s work.

Above all, this program reminded me how much I enjoy listening to (and reading) interviews with authors. MPR’s broadcasts of the Talking Volumes program has included such diverse talents as Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen King, Sandra Cisneros, and Christopher Paul Curtis. We’re in the thick of finishing all of our Fall 2010 books here at Lerner. After a long week of imminent deadlines, the interview provided a welcome dose of inspiration and gave me a renewed sense of excitement for what I do.

If you’re curious, you can listen to the conversation with McCann here.