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Books-And-Authors.net: Where did you grow up and what do you like to read? Dalton James: I have grown up around Knoxville, TN. I have lived in Knoxville and in Oakridge. I like to read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series of books.
Books-And-Authors.net: Tell us about how you became a published author. What do you like about seeing your work in print? Dalton James: My first grade teacher Mrs. Shoupe inspired me to write my first book "The Sneakiest Pirates". My dad and mom helped me to get it published. I love seeing the story when it comes out as a book and getting to sign it for people.
Books-And-Authors.net: You have written three books -- The Heroes of Googley Woogley, The Mudhogs, and The Sneakiest Pirates - Do you have a favorite and why?
Dalton James: My favorite book is The Mudhogs. I like it the best because it is about my favorite animals...pigs.
Books-And-Authors.net: Tell us about illustrating your books -- Which do you like more , drawing or telling stories? Dalton James: I like illustrating the stories best.
Books-And-Authors.net: The Mudhogs are about your favorite animals, pigs. Why are pigs your favorite animal? Dalton James: I just think they are very cute.
Books-And-Authors.net: you and your family held a contest last year for other children to submit books they had written and illustrated. Tell us about the contest.
Dalton James: The contest is for kids 12 and under by March 1. Kids write and illustrate children picture books and send them to us. Last year we had about 200 books sent to us. My parents, some of my teachers and I choose the winning book and the winner then gets their book published. Last years winner was Amanda Chambers with her book "Lunar and Hamlet" which is now available from Outskirts Press. This year we are hoping for even more books to choose from since there are more schools that have had children writing books.
Books-And-Authors.net: You hold a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do -- what is about martial arts you like the best? Dalton James: I like to spar with other people, practice and compete in tournaments.
Books-And-Authors.net: What do you hope to achieve with your books? Dalton James: I want to entertain other kids and show them that kids just like them can write and illustrate books.
Books-And-Authors.net: What do you hope readers will say after reading your books? Dalton James: I hope that they like them and want to read all my books.
Books-And-Authors.net: What's next? Dalton James: I am illustrating my book "Super Pete Saves the Day" that is the third in the series coming after "The Heroes of Googley Woogley". I am currently trying to think of a story for a second mudhog book.
Books-And-Authors.net: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing? Dalton James: I am interested in ventriloquism and I like to tell jokes. I collect pigs which are always good for piggy books.
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imaginative adventure series with his dad,