A: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “scop” is an Old English word for “poet or minstrel.” In short, they’re storytellers. The term is most famously found in the epic of Beowulf and makes a minor appearance in all of my books. You can learn more information about the word and its origins here.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: I steal them! Most all of my ideas are sparked by things I've found in the world. My job as a writer is to keep my eyes and ears open and pay attention to the wonders around me.
I'm pretty open about where my inspiration comes from. I always put author's notes at the end of my books, highlighting the stories that inspired them. If you liked one of my books, check out the author's note to see what to read next!
Q: How tall are you?
A: Tall enough to bump my head on lots of things. I even devoted an entire two pages in Peter Nimble to ranting about how much I HATE bumping my head!
Q: You are wearing pretty much the exact same thing in every picture. Do you have a closet full of identical outfits?
A: Yep.
Q: I wrote a story! Will you read it?
A: Congratulations! Unfortunately, I don't have time to look at reader submissions at the moment. I've got too many hobbies as it is!
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My favorite hobby is READING, of course! I try to read at least one novel a week (on top of whatever research my current project requires). I also spend a lot of time drawing, playing board games, doing the NYT Crossword, and practicing yoyo.
Q: Yoyos are awesome! Can you show me some tricks!
Q: My darling child has a homework assignment where they have to profile an author--?
A: Let me stop you there. If your CHILD has a homework assignment, shouldn't THEY be asking the questions?
Q: I'm a kid, and I have a homework assignment where I have to profile--
A: Let me stop you there. I'm guessing that part of your homework involves researching an author. If I did all the work for you, wouldn't that be CHEATING? You don't want to be a CHEATER, do you? One good place to start researching me, might be my bio page, or the interviews section!
Q: I want to send you an old fashioned letter! Can I have your address?
A: Cool, I LOVE old fashioned letters! You can send them to:
Jonathan Auxier c/o Abrams Books 195 Broadway, 9th Floor New York, NY 10007
Q: I'm a writer, too! Can you help me get published?
A: Hi--I love writers! I'm not exactly in the position to help someone get published. My best advice would be to check out this post of tips for new writers. And if you are a more advanced writer, consider applying for a StoryGuild workshop!
