Dan Poblocki is the author of More Tales to Keep You Up at Night. More Tales to Keep You Up at Night follows Gilbert who who finds old cassette tapes while visiting his injured brother in the hospital. The novel explores scary stories within these tapes. YEM was able to speak with Dan about writing creepy stories, his writing process, and writing for a young adult audience.
Young Entertainment Mag: When did you know that you first wanted to be an author?
Dan Poblocki: I started writing and drawing my own pictures books in first or second grade, but I never really had enough confidence in my writing until I was in my twenties. I’ve always loved story-telling, but becoming an actual author didn’t occur to me until some friends told me they liked what I was making.
YEM: What inspired you to write Tales to Keep You Up at Night?
DAN: I wanted to write short stories that gave me the same level of fear as when I read collections by Stephen King, but made accessible for young people. There were many other inspirations and jumping off points. Like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Alvin Schwartz.
YEM: Is there anything from your real life that is incorporated into your book?
DAN: Oh, yes. Quite a bit. “Green Beans” was based on a story my mother used to tell me. I did visit a creepy cabin in the woods where I felt like someone could be watching. My love for finding a quiet reading spot in a library is reflected in Amelia as well.
YEM: What draws you to write books that are creepy/scary?
DAN: Those kinds of books were my favorite to read when I was a kid. So I’ve wanted to be able to give kids the opportunity to find the fun in being afraid, especially in a safe way, like a story. Hoping to continue a long tradition.
YEM: What is your writing process like?
DAN: I tend to think often and for a very long time about what the story should be, and then when I’m ready, sometimes with an outline, I sit at my desk and let it out. I tend to write quickly, sprinting to get lots of words on the page, before going back and making lots of changes and cuts. Other times, I’ve worked really slow and plodding. I guess it depends on the project.
YEM: Having been the co-author of books previously, how does the process differ when you are sharing the process with someone?
DAN: It’s all about sharing what you’ve done with your co-author, and vice versa, and then you both smoothing out and refining the work until it feels of one voice. Quite different from writing alone.
YEM: What is a book that made you fall in love with literature?
DAN: The very first must have been The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Tree. I wore that one out. Thankfully, I still have it!
YEM: What advice do you have for those who want to become writers in the future?
DAN: Keep writing. Every project you make helps you learn and hone your craft, even if you don’t achieve exactly what you’d set out to do. Also, read a variety of styles and genres, but especially, the genre you want to work in. Learn the rules before you try to break them.
YEM: What do you hope your readers can take away from reading your books?
DAN: That there’s light in the darkness. That being frightened helps you learn to be brave. That you’re stronger than you think. That family can be found.
YEM: What is your favorite part about writing for a young audience?
DAN: Their responses, emails, notes, and conversations at school and library visits. Their enthusiasm is unlike any other kind of audience. It’s really uplifting.
YEM:Is there a line or quote from your book that is your favorite?
DAN: Not really. If I had to choose, I think I like: “I have a story to tell.”
YEM: What do you have coming up in the future for your writing?
DAN: More Tales to Keep You Up at Night comes out on August 15th, 2023. And I’ve got some other secret projects brewing.
