Dean Turnbloom
Author of Prizewinning Political Cartoons (from Pelican Publishing)
When did you start reading, and what did you like to read as a kid?
It's been so long ago, that I can barely remember, but I think it was around six years old. I didn't become a serious reader till much later and enjoyed Stephen King novels and the like.
When you were growing up did you have books in your home?
Books and magazines have always been a part of my life.
When did you think about becoming a writer? Was there someone who got you interested in writing?
I'm not sure I truly consider myself a writer. This book is more a compilation than a true book. I have written some short stories, but have not had the guts to submit them for publication. I can't say that anyone in particular interested me in writing, though I would have to say that Charles Dickens and Mark Twain made we wish to write. More than many contemporary writers, they had the ability to transport me with their written words to a different time and place. I liked that.
How do you write? Do you have a daily routine? What's good about it? What do you hate about it?
I'm afraid I don't write as much as I'd like. Life intervenes. I often think I'd be very happy all by myself in a mountain cabin with a typewriter, then I remember my family and it doesn't look quite as enticing. The time it takes away from being with them, on top of my already busy schedule, is the worst part for me.
Any particular story to tell concerning the writing of this book?
This was, for me, an exceedingly difficult work, but well suited to my current lifestyle. It came in spurts and kicks, as I had to petition the artists in my book to contribute their work for what I felt was a noble aim - the glorification of the art of editorial cartooning. Unfortunately, or perhaps characteristically, cartoonists are a mixed lot. Some eagerly participated and were very quick to return inquiries and even to suggest ways to make the work better, while others were reluctant to join, or even reply. The waiting and the constant correspondence was perhaps the most frustrating and at the same time most satisfying part of the project.
What some good advice that you've received concerning writing? What's some advice that you could offer young writers?
I think the best advice I received (and I would pass this along to young writers) is to be meticulous in the researching of facts. Facts are stubborn things and if you make a factual error, you'll probably live to regret it.
How did you find the publisher for this book? What has you experience as a publisher been like?
I was lucky in that I was introduced to the publisher by Charles Brooks, whose Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year I eagerly await each year. Being an unknown editorial cartoonist, I submitted some cartoons for publication in Mr. Brooks' book. My son Lucas, himself an editorial cartoonist (of much greater talent than I, I might add) also submitted some cartoons for publication. One of my son's cartoons was selected and printed in the book, but it was attributed to me. In trying to clear up the mistake, I corresponded with Mr. Brooks and his son and formed a kind of relationship. I told them of a book idea I had and asked if they would be interested in a joint venture. The senior Mr. Brooks wasn't interested himself, but suggested I contact his publisher, Dr. Calhoun. The rest, as they say, is history. Dr. Calhoun has been very patient and most helpful in developing the idea of this book.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm actually working on next year's edition of Prizewinning Political Cartoons. I'm hoping Pelican will wish to continue the series.
What are you reading?
I read vociferously these days, mainly history, biography and current events. Just now I'm reading two books at once, What Kind of Nation: Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and the Epic Struggle to Create a United States by James F. Simon and Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge by Thomas Fleming. I just finished The Case of Abraham Lincoln: A Story of Adultery, Murder, and the Making of a Great President by Julie M. Fenster. All excellent reads.
