How did you become a writer?

When I was about thirteen, my younger brother and I decided to be a famous filmmakers. We wrote short comedy sketches, which we videotaped. I watched some recently. The acting is awful, and don’t ask about the production value, but a few of the ideas are pretty funny. We went on to write and direct a feature film called A More Perfect Union in our early twenties. A total flop, and it left us deep in debt, but I’ve never learned so much so quickly. 

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

Mostly Mr. Linderman. We’re talking fourth or fifth grade. He’d tell these stories that, in my memory, lasted for weeks. The stories were from Greek mythology, the Odyssey, that kind of thing—but it was all new to me. I’ll never forget the feeling of wonder and excitement as he began a new tale. I’m not saying I can recreate that in my writing, but it’s worth trying. 

When and where do you write? 

I’m lucky to get to do this as my job. So I’m in my office all day almost every day, either researching, writing, or revising. Pretty unromantic, I guess, but it’s way better than the dozens of crummy jobs I’ve had over the years.

What are you working on now? 

I’m adapting one of my nonfiction books, Bomb, into a graphic novel. It’s a great experience, since I started by dreaming of screenplays, and comics and film are so similar. Plus, I get to make up dialogue, which you obviously can’t do in nonfiction. 

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? 

Sure, mainly in terms of how to quickly explain something. For years I worked as a textbook writer. I know, it’s terrible. I apologize to kids all the time. So now, when I’m trying to introduce a complex concept that young readers may not know much about, I’m terrified of writing something that could be in a textbook. I get stuck on this all the time, and have found no solution other than the classic clunky first draft + revision. 

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

I think Tim Gunn gave great writing advice on Project Runway. I mean, he was talking about fashion, but I heard it as writing advice. He’d look at one piece and say, “Turn up the volume.” Then he’d look at another piece and say, “You already have one ‘wow’ factor, you don’t need another.” The balance between those two reactions—that’s what I’m going for. 

What’s your advice to new writers?

There’s no magic formula. Just start. Write a terrible first draft, step away, and then revise. Then show it to a trusted reader without comment. Listen to their feedback, especially if they feel that something in the draft was either slow or unclear. Then revise again. There may be a faster way, but I haven’t found it.

Steve Sheinkin is the author of young adult nonfiction books including Fallout, Bomb, Undefeated, Most Dangerous, and The Port Chicago 50. Awards include a Newbery Honor and three National Book Award finalists. Steve lives in Saratoga Springs, NY.