R.L. Stine: the king of kids' horror gets kids to ready by giving them goosebumps.

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* What was school like for you?

School was a lot like my life now--I spent most of my time writing. From the time I was nine, I started writing little joke books and magazines. In high school, I wrote a humor column for the school paper and funny novels in my spare time. I was happy to slide by with a B average so that I could concentrate on my writing!

* Do you think your teachers imagined they had a future best-selling author sitting in class?

Probably not. I tended to disrupt class by passing around the joke books and comic books I made, so many of my teachers weren't happy about that. But in high school, the newspaper adviser, Mrs. Amos, encouraged me to write for the monthly newspaper. It was my first time in print! I owe her a lot.

* What's it like to be in a classroom now?

I love visiting schools. Teachers and librarians have been so supportive of my work. And talking to kids is just so much fun. One of the reasons I enjoy writing for kids is that they are so enthusiastic and happy to meet me and not afraid to ask me anything.

* Do you have a favorite kid question?

A boy in my hometown in Ohio asked, "What's the worst book you ever wrote?" I thought of a couple of titles, but I decided not to answer that one.

* What do you say to people who think your books don't belong in schools?

I'm fortunate not to get that reaction very often. Most teachers and parents are grateful that their kids are reading. They know that reading is the key to learning--and enjoying reading is the key to becoming a good reader.

* Why do you think reluctant readers gravitate so strongly toward your books?

Reluctant readers are no different from other kids--they like a good story with surprises and twists. In addition, I make an effort to make my books very accessible. I avoid long sentences. The chapters are short so the readers can read the books in small bites--and the cliffhanger chapter endings encourage them to keep reading. It has been so rewarding for me to hear teachers and parents say: "This kid never finished a book until he read one of yours."

* What advice do you have for young horror writers?

It's thrilling to me how many kids want to write scary stories. But young (and old) writers often have trouble getting started. One question that I'm frequently asked is, "Where do you get your ideas?" In my writing program, which is on my Web site (www.rlstine.com), I offer some ways to "get ideas," and how to never have writer's block.

* Your popular Goosebumps series is back after eight years. How'd that happen?

Because everywhere I went, kids asked, "When are you going to do new Goosebumps books?" I first had to figure out a new way to do it. The new Goosebumps HorrorLand books are unique. The first part of each book is a creepy, funny Goosebumps story. Then, just when you think it's safe to close the book, you get to the second part, which is a 'continuing serial. Reader, beware!

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Interview by Hannah Trierweiler