Carl Hiaasen
Describe your latest project.
My new novel is called Scat. It's about a cranky teacher who disappears on a class field trip into a swamp. Two of her students try to solve the mystery, and find themselves on the trail of a rare Florida panther.
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"Hiaasen's smooth writing, whacked-out humor and highly entertaining cast of oddball characters keep the plot clipping along....[T]he story will move readers, and any kid who loved Hoot will like this." Publishers Weekly
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2003 Newbery Medal Honor Book
"A wonderful tour-de-force." The Boston Globe
"Yes, it is a hoot." The Washington Post Book World
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"Flush goes down so smooth and easy, young readers won't even realize they learned something about social responsibility." Recommended by Hank, Powells.com
"This quick-reading, fun, family adventure harkens back to the Hardy Boys in its simplicity and quirky characters." School Library Journal
Describe your most memorable teacher.
One teacher who stands out in my memory taught English at Plantation High School, where I went to school. Virginia Ryll was her name, and she was so tough and formidable, yet I think I learned more about writing from her than anyone else. And I don't mean the craft of writing, because I don't believe that can be taught. I'm talking about the importance of using words precisely and economically, an affection and respect for the language. She was just a fine teacher.
What do you do for relaxation?
To relax, I go fishing down in the Florida Keys. It's still a pretty amazing place, even with the mobs of people who stampede down there on weekends. On my last trip, I saw porpoises, leopard rays, manatees, and even a North American crocodile, which is an endangered species. They're much more timid than alligators.
What is your idea of bliss?
My idea of bliss would be a long, quiet, uninterrupted day of writing. No phones, no leaf blowers, no police sirens — unfortunately, I'd probably have to leave Florida to find that kind of peace.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always knew I wanted to write, but I wasn't sure I could actually make a living at it. My first dream was to be a sports reporter for a newspaper so I could get into baseball games for free. Back then, the New York Yankees held spring training in Fort Lauderdale, and I was a huge fan. I thought it would be so cool to be able to go into the locker room and interview Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
When I finally got my first newspaper job, it wasn't in sports, but on the news desk. Still, it was a thrill to find myself in a job that had me writing every day.
Why do you write books for kids?
Young people are the most eager and enthusiastic readers I've ever met. The letters they send are funny, touching, and wonderfully perceptive. I've talked to other novelists who feel the same way about writing for kids — it gives you back a whole different kind of energy.
Tell us about your pets.
I've had all kinds of pets — turtles, raccoons, opossums, birds, lizards, a mouse-eating frog, and lots of snakes. I used to breed rat snakes, but it's more work than you might imagine. Now all we've got for a pet is a black Labrador retriever named Toby. He's terrific — much more affectionate than a snake. Easier to housebreak, too.
What's your favorite holiday and why?
I'm not a big fan of holidays, to be honest. Christmas is fine because my youngest son and my grandchildren go wild, and we all get to spend time with my mother. But by and large, holidays are mostly loud, charmless, commercial enterprises. Heck, I've hated Halloween ever since I was five years old. I never understood the point of dressing up in some lame costume and going door-to-door begging for stale candy. To me, the only fun part of the night was checking through the apples I got to make sure that some psycho hadn't stuck a razor blade inside.
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Carl Hiaasen is a columnist for the Miami Herald and is the author of many bestselling books, including Hoot, which was a 2003 Newbery Honor Book, and Flush. He lives in Florida.
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