An Interview with Paul Asjes
Paul Asjes was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent many summers gardening in Stillwater, Minnesota, and canoeing in the boundary waters. He is currently a teacher in NYC. He has taught Math, Art, History, Reading, and Writing. After Colin Witt trained him for his first marathon over a decade ago, Paul loves running. Paul believes that habits help determine our destiny. His book Isaiah’s First Winter is a 2023 Mom’s Choice Awards® GOLD Award winner.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was nine years old. I remember reading Revelations in first grade and having my mind filled with fantastic images. I read The Chronicles of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland in fourth grade and loved the worlds these writers created. In middle school I read Frank Herbert’s Dune series and was again transported to another dimension.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Isaiah’s Trial by Fire is based on the time my dad had brain surgery when I was in kindergarten. I had to live with another family while he recovered. My friend’s mom Sara took care of me, but I missed my family so much. I’m thankful that the Webster family took me in for those few weeks.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Sufjan Stevens’ works would be a great soundtrack to the whole Forest Friends series. The songs are peaceful but hunting and full of emotion. Also, maybe a few songs from the Curious George soundtrack by Jack Johnson.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have been a radio deejay, a lawyer, and a teacher. I followed in my mom’s footsteps to become a math teacher.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I want readers to take away the sense that it is okay to fade and feel emotions deeply. The best way to live is to feel and learn from our emotions. When we face them with the support of a caring community, even the most difficult things can be faced.
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