Nonfiction Monday: Interview with Kelly Milner Halls

Instead of our regular review feature, this week wild writer Laura Crawford shares an interview she did with one of our favorite nonfiction writers, Kelly Milner Halls. Helly's latest books are Saving the Baghdad Zoo and Dinosaur Parade. You can read more about Kelly and all of her fabulous books on her Wonders of Weird website.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I've been writing nonfiction for young readers for almost 20 years now. I started with magazines and newspaper sections because it was most like journalism, which I studied in college. After ten years and 1,500 articles and book reviews, I made the leap to nonfiction books for kids ten years ago, and I've been writing book ever since. I specialize in quirky nonfiction books that engage reluctant readers. I love anything "weird" or "odd."

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR NONFICTION IDEAS?
I get my ideas from being observant. In fact, there are more ideas than there is time to write them all. Once you get in the hang of being ever aware, finding ideas isn't a problem. I do read a lot of newspapers and I have learned to talk to any stranger willing to talk. Ideas spring from unexpected places, at times, so it's good to keep those channels open.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF WRITING?
The hardest part about writing, for me, is remembering to stay balanced. I tend to get so immersed in what I'm writing, I forget to take time to sleep or stay connected with the world. The fact that I do a LOT of school visits helps. Nothing like hanging out with schools and kids to remind you why you do this. But that external piece is really important.


WHAT IS THE STRANGEST FACT YOU HAVE LEARNED?
I deal in strange facts, so you'd need a lot of room to list all the strange facts I've unearthed, from fossilized dinosaur skin and poo to Bigfoot tracks to mummified lions. Strange is what I do, and I love it.

This post is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Tales From The Rushmore Kid.