Author Spotlight and Q&A with Rafe Martin
Rafe Martin is a storyteller and author of over 20 books. He likes to share his works with all ages from kindergarten through college and offers writer’s workshops. His books include The Banyan Deer, Birdwing, and Foolish Rabbit’s Big Mistake. Rafe lives in Rochester. Find out more about Rafe at his website www.rafemartin.com/
Thousand Islands Book Festival: Hi Rafe, thanks for answering some questions for us. I have to say I am impressed by the different languages some of your books have been translated into - Xhosa? Cool. Let's see what other interesting answers you can share with us today.
TIBF: What is one subject you wish had been taught in school?
Rafe: Astronomy.
TIBF: How did you come up with Ardwin's name in Birdwing?
Rafe: I wanted a name that suggested "ardor" and also that his triumph would be "hard-won."
TIBF: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Rafe: Having fairy tales read aloud to me by my mother.
TIBF: Who were your best author friends growing up?
Rafe: Homer, Rudyard Kipling, Padraic Colum, Herman Melville, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Ray Bradbury
TIBF: What is one thing you think readers would be interested to know about you?
Rafe: I have over 100,000 miles riding motorcycles.
TIBF: If you couldn't be an author, what other job would you most like to do?
Rafe: Pilot
TIBF: If you couldn't be an author, what other job would you least like to do?
Rafe: Accountant
TIBF: What is your favorite river?
Rafe: The west branch of the St. Regis
TIBF: What is your favorite under-appreciated book?
Rafe: The Wonder Smith and His Son by Ella Young
TIBF: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot or spirit animal?
Rafe: Woolly mammoth. Or whale. Or gorilla.
TIBF: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Rafe: Enjoy reading whatever you like and writing whatever interests you.
Thousand Islands Book Festival: Thanks so much for answering our questions, we can't wait to see you on June 3!
