Maxwell Newhouse
Author of The House that Max Built
(from Tundra Books )
Read the review here.
When did you start reading, and what did you like to read as a kid?
The truth is I had a great deal of trouble learning to read, although I could follow the stories by their illustrations. It soon became noticeable that I wasn’t reading and my teacher told my parents I had a learning problem, which was later labeled as dyslexia. Therefore you can imagine how I struggled through elementary school. When I was just about to enter junior high school it all came together for me and I discovered reading. Then you couldn’t stop me. I devoured book series like Tarzan and Bomba the Jungle Boy or any youth novel I could get my hands on.
When you were growing up did you have books in your home?
We had a very large family and there were always a lot to keep us busy, but Mom made sure we made weekly trips to the library; I marveled at all the books. Visually it struck a cord with me. How can there be so many books, I thought? Later I would realize it doesn’t matter how many books there are because the human mind always wants more. This is when I realized how wonderful it was to be able to read. Of course I would head to the art section to feast my eyes on which I considered the masters: Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Picasso etc. The influences I discovered as a young boy has followed me through life. Visual art fulfills a need I have to be creative, either with writing or painting.
My love of drawing and painting developed as a very young child. I would go along with my mother when she set out to draw landscape. I enjoyed this very much; it was something I was good at.
When did you think about becoming a writer? Was there someone who got you interested in writing?
Writing, or as I call it “journaling”, is a passion. I like to remember the experiences I’ve had and keep track of these special times. My mother had a very turbulent life and moved a great deal. She kept a journal as a very young girl and still does to this day at the age of 90. I guess you could say I came upon writing by default.
How do you write? Do you have a daily routine? What's good about it? What do you hate about it?
I write to have an excuse to paint. Painting gives me an opportunity to put my thoughts down on canvas. I especially love children’s books. They give me a chance to share my ideas and experience with the children. Most of my books depict my memories of growing up in a time when things were simpler. Stress for me then was a very foreign word. Now when the pressures of day to day life begin to get me down I escape into a world that is full of fun and adventure.
Any particular story to tell concerning the writing of this book?
My recent book, The House That Max Built is a dream come true. I have worked in the construction industry most of my adult life. What a great feeling it is to see something rise out of the dirt, and be completed. The book enabled me to build the house of my dreams, even if it was only on canvas. To share this with small children, explaining to them what goes into building a house is just fantastic!
What is some good advice that you've received concerning writing? What's some advice that you could offer young writers?
I had a very good friend who once told me, ”Do what is in your heart and fame and fortune will follow”. I do just that, I paint and write for myself, in the hope what one day I can share it with others.
How did you find the publisher for this book? What has your experience with a publisher been like?
To my great surprise the publisher found me. I was having an art show in a gallery in downtown Vancouver, B.C. titled, Living in Small Places. Tundra Books Publisher, Kathy Lowinger, happened into the gallery and enjoyed the display of my paintings.
She thought my work would be a perfect style and content for children’s books, and the rest is history.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right know I am starting a new children’s book, with Tundra. It is along the same lines as my previous books, sharing my stories and ideas on canvas.
What are you reading?
I mostly like to read books written by Canadian authors; I have just finished a series of books written by the late Pierre Berton. Having made this statement, I must say I also like to read anything that sparks my interest. I’m just beginning to read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
