BookMuse Interview with Dan Gutman

Dan Gutman, author of close to 40 books, was interviewed by Anji Brenner through a series of emails, in February 2002. The interview focuses on Honus and Me, a book about baseball legend Honus Wagner.

What do you think about the idea of people getting together to discuss books?

D.G. I think books clubs are a wonderful thing, especially for kids. Anything that tears kids away from TV and video games for even a short while is wonderful.

If you were a fly on the wall at a book discussion of Honus and Me, what question would you like to hear discussed?

If YOU had the power to travel through time with the aid of a baseball card, what year would you go to, and why? Also, if you were the main character in Honus and Me would you keep the card, sell it, or return it to its owner? I would also like to know which baseball player kids think I should visit in the next book in the series.

How important was reading to you when you were a kid?

I actually did not like to read when I was a kid, and I wasn't a good reader. But I think that this makes me more sensitive to kids (especially boys) who don't like to read today. And I get tons of letters from parents and teachers saying how their child or student didn't like to read until he read my books. That gives me such a good feeling. We can really make a positive impact on the life of a child.

How important is reading to you now?

Now, of course, I read constantly! If I go anywhere, I always have a book or newspaper or magazine with me in case I get a few minutes free. If I don't have anything to read, I go crazy.

Who were your favorite authors as a kid? What were your favorite books?

I must confess, most of my reading consisted of comic books and Mad Magazine. But when I got into sports, I enjoyed the Childhoods of Famous Americans Series. Recently, I had the chance to write two of these books, about Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio.

How long did it take you to write Honus and Me? Was it accepted by the publisher right away?

It took about three months to write, and then it took nearly three years to find a publisher. It was rejected repeatedly, and two publishers rejected it TWICE! In case any of those publishers are reading this, Honus and Me has sold over 200,000 copies, was nominated for eleven state book awards, generated four sequels, and there is talk of making it into a movie. Hahahahaha!

What was the process of writing the book? Where did you get the idea?

I got the idea for the book way back in 1994 when I was just starting to write fiction for the first time. Baseball cards were very popular, and I thought a baseball card functioning as a time machine would make a great story. My original manuscript was a lot more magical than the final version. But editors kept telling me that the story was too farfetched, so I cut bits and pieces out. I kind of wish some of that stuff was in there, because kids would have enjoyed it.

Do you think you should have fought harder to keep it in? Would you trust your instincts now more than you would have several years ago?

It is very possible that if I had fought harder, the book would never have been published. I'm not sure. And who knows? Maybe my editor was right. Maybe that stuff would have made the story unbelievable. I would probably fight harder now because I have more experience and I've had some success. But even so, sometimes the author is wrong and the editor is right. The author is so close to the book that it is sometimes difficult to see the problems.

Are there any changes you wish you could make to the book now?

Nope, I'm pretty happy with it. But I do think that Jackie & Me, Babe & Me, Shoeless Joe & Me, and Mickey & Me are better.

Why? What makes you like one book over another?

Mainly because I wrote Honus and Me way back in 1994, and I feel stronger and more confident as a writer with each novel. Honus and Me was only my second try at writing fiction. I like to think I'm much better now.

You visit more than 100 schools every year. Why?

Several reasons. First, I must admit, I do it because it pays well, I sell lots of books, and I make lots of fans. But I also inspire a lot of kids to read and write, and they inspire me too. I mean, how else is a guy in his 40s going to relate to 11 year olds unless he gets out and meets them?

For more information on Dan Gutman as well as a chronology of rejection letters for Honus and Me, visit his website at http://www.dangutman.com