WEBVTT 00:01.466 --> 00:02.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Narrator] Funding for Overheard with Evan Smith 00:02.933 --> 00:04.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% is provided in part by the 00:04.500 --> 00:08.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and Hillco Partners, 00:08.600 --> 00:12.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% a Texas government affairs consultancy, and by 00:12.033 --> 00:15.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% KLRU's Producers Circle, ensuring local programming 00:15.833 --> 00:17.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that reflects the character and interests 00:17.700 --> 00:21.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of the greater Austin, Texas, community. 00:21.166 --> 00:22.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I'm Evan Smith. 00:22.566 --> 00:23.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% He's one of the best-selling children's author's 00:23.800 --> 00:26.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% in history and one of the most prolific. 00:26.633 --> 00:28.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% With more than 300 books to his credit, 00:28.733 --> 00:31.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% including the Goosebumps and Fear Street series. 00:31.800 --> 00:35.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% His latest is Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story. 00:35.500 --> 00:39.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He's R. L. Stine, this is Overheard. 00:39.333 --> 00:40.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Let's be honest. 00:40.900 --> 00:42.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Is this about the ability to learn or is this about 00:42.733 --> 00:45.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% the experience of not having been taught properly? 00:45.366 --> 00:46.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% How have you avoided what has 00:46.866 --> 00:49.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% befallen other nations in Africa-- 00:49.466 --> 00:51.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You could say that he made his own bed, 00:51.000 --> 00:52.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but you caused him to sleep in it. 00:52.700 --> 00:55.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% No, you saw a problem and over time took it on. 00:55.933 --> 00:58.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Let's start with the sizzle before we get to the steak. 00:58.933 --> 01:00.400 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Are you gonna run for president? 01:00.400 --> 01:02.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I think I just got an F from you actually. 01:02.000 --> 01:05.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience applauding) 01:07.333 --> 01:08.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% R. L. Stine, welcome. 01:08.566 --> 01:09.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Thank you. 01:09.400 --> 01:10.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Very nice to meet you. 01:10.233 --> 01:11.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - So nice to be here. 01:11.700 --> 01:15.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I seem to remember the actual Christmas Carol being scary. 01:15.933 --> 01:18.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Why is it necessary to write a scary version of this? 01:18.533 --> 01:21.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I know, and nothing like stealing from the best, right? 01:21.066 --> 01:22.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Right, well, but you understand it's like when I hear 01:22.966 --> 01:26.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that we're gonna do a scary version of A Christmas Carol, 01:26.066 --> 01:28.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that's like a musical version of Rent. 01:28.000 --> 01:29.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I thought it was a musical. 01:29.200 --> 01:31.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - No, you're totally right. 01:31.833 --> 01:33.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Why this now? 01:33.133 --> 01:35.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I had never written a Christmas book before. 01:35.000 --> 01:35.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] Oh is that right? 01:35.833 --> 01:37.300 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 01:37.300 --> 01:38.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] In all the books you're written, hundreds of books. 01:38.766 --> 01:40.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I thought no, this is inappropriate for Christmas 01:40.233 --> 01:41.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I thought, and then I realized the most popular 01:41.500 --> 01:43.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Christmas story ever was a ghost story. 01:43.933 --> 01:44.766 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - That's true. 01:44.766 --> 01:46.166 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 01:46.166 --> 01:47.433 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Multiple ghosts. 01:47.433 --> 01:49.700 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - Then I had this idea, well what if there was 01:49.700 --> 01:51.866 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% a 12-year-old Scrooge, or what was Scrooge 01:51.866 --> 01:53.300 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% like when he was 12? 01:53.300 --> 01:54.533 align:left position:30%,start line:5% size:60% - [Evan] Right. 01:54.533 --> 01:56.433 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - And I wrote this book about this kid who's 01:56.433 --> 01:58.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% the meanest kid in school. 01:58.433 --> 02:01.200 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - Right, and in fact that's one of the things 02:01.200 --> 02:02.733 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% I found most remarkable about this book 02:02.733 --> 02:06.366 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% is not the point at which the ghosts materialize, 02:06.366 --> 02:08.900 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% but the character of this kid at a time when 02:08.900 --> 02:11.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% we talk about bullying in this world. 02:11.133 --> 02:13.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I hope that people understand this is fiction, right? 02:13.800 --> 02:16.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Well I love writing bullies. 02:16.266 --> 02:17.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - You do? 02:17.100 --> 02:17.933 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 02:17.933 --> 02:18.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - You're pro-bully? 02:18.866 --> 02:20.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Yeah, I think I was a bully. 02:20.533 --> 02:21.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Do you? 02:21.800 --> 02:24.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, especially to my brother, my kid brother. 02:24.566 --> 02:27.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I always knew how to make him cry. 02:30.333 --> 02:34.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Are there elements in this book of your own experience? 02:34.300 --> 02:37.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well you can't help but do that I think when you write. 02:37.433 --> 02:38.800 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% Not intentionally. 02:38.800 --> 02:40.400 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% I just like writing bullies. 02:40.400 --> 02:42.300 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% I think he's a very funny character. 02:42.300 --> 02:44.933 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% He does horrible things to all the other kids 02:44.933 --> 02:46.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and he thinks it's funny. 02:46.266 --> 02:48.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He says they have no sense of humor. 02:48.066 --> 02:50.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] Right, it's all on them, it's their problem. 02:50.000 --> 02:50.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - They're losers. 02:50.866 --> 02:51.833 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - [Evan] Right. 02:51.833 --> 02:53.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - He's just a horrible kid. 02:53.700 --> 02:55.133 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% My favorite scene in the book, 02:55.133 --> 02:56.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% if you want to talk about the book. 02:56.600 --> 02:58.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I wish you would, please. 02:58.233 --> 03:00.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Is the principal calls him in 03:00.300 --> 03:03.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and shows him a film about a horrible 03:03.200 --> 03:06.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% school bully, and then says to him, 03:07.300 --> 03:08.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% his name's Rick Scroogeman. 03:08.633 --> 03:09.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] Rick Scroogeman. 03:09.666 --> 03:11.166 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yes. 03:11.166 --> 03:12.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% He says, what do you think of that guy in the film? 03:12.600 --> 03:13.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% He said, he's awesome. 03:13.900 --> 03:15.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Right, he loves him. 03:15.166 --> 03:16.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% It's a role model. 03:16.166 --> 03:17.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Yeah, and he's awesome. 03:17.633 --> 03:18.533 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 03:18.533 --> 03:20.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - So I love that part. 03:20.300 --> 03:22.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You write things, there are parts you like. 03:22.766 --> 03:25.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - It's a great book, and let me offer you 03:25.033 --> 03:27.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% a back-handed compliment, for somebody 03:27.466 --> 03:30.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% who produces so many books over a period of years, 03:30.333 --> 03:33.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% just churns them out, they don't read like you're just 03:33.533 --> 03:34.966 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% checking a box. 03:34.966 --> 03:37.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% They don't read as some authors who produce a lot do, 03:37.233 --> 03:40.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that they're just basically formulaic, or that no 03:40.166 --> 03:41.600 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% thought went into it. 03:41.600 --> 03:44.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Every one of your books individually feels like, 03:44.433 --> 03:46.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and I know this is your process, that you actually 03:46.500 --> 03:49.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% line out the characters, and you know the ending 03:49.500 --> 03:51.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% always when you sit down and write a book. 03:51.266 --> 03:52.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I outline every book. 03:52.533 --> 03:54.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - You're very explicit about your intentions 03:54.400 --> 03:55.966 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% before you sit down. 03:55.966 --> 03:57.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Every book feels like time and preparation 03:57.633 --> 03:59.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% went into it, which shouldn't be surprising. 03:59.600 --> 04:01.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - What a nice compliment, thank you. 04:01.133 --> 04:02.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - But I'm not sure that most people appreciate that. 04:02.566 --> 04:04.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well I think every author, when you sit down 04:04.400 --> 04:06.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to write, you don't say, well I'm going to write 04:06.666 --> 04:08.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% a mediocre book today. 04:08.700 --> 04:10.200 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - No. 04:10.200 --> 04:11.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I'm going to knock one out, I've got another one, 04:11.700 --> 04:12.966 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% let me knock it out. 04:12.966 --> 04:14.200 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 04:14.200 --> 04:15.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I don't think any author ever does that. 04:15.166 --> 04:16.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Where's my paycheck? 04:16.366 --> 04:17.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I try to write every book and make it 04:17.966 --> 04:20.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% as good as I can, whatever my talent is. 04:20.933 --> 04:23.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - At the same time though, I think one difference is, 04:23.100 --> 04:25.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% while nobody sets out to write a mediocre book, 04:25.200 --> 04:27.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% not everybody sits down knowing the fullness 04:27.933 --> 04:29.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% of the story in advance. 04:29.833 --> 04:33.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well I always tell kids this, and kids hate this advice. 04:33.100 --> 04:36.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Everyone hates to outline, and I think most kids 04:36.133 --> 04:40.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% think if you write a book, you sit down, you start writing. 04:40.866 --> 04:42.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Evan] And it will come out of you, right? 04:42.333 --> 04:44.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Yeah, and a lot of kids say, I get bogged down 04:44.233 --> 04:46.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% in the middle, what do I do? 04:46.266 --> 04:48.400 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I never quite get to the end. 04:48.400 --> 04:51.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Then I say well I figure out the end first. 04:51.666 --> 04:52.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I can always get to the end. 04:52.866 --> 04:54.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Isn't that right? 04:54.100 --> 04:54.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You do, you know the ending first. 04:54.966 --> 04:56.166 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yes. 04:56.166 --> 04:57.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Right, and you in some ways work backwards. 04:57.400 --> 04:59.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Then I know how to fool the kids 04:59.233 --> 05:02.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and keep them from guessing the ending. 05:03.900 --> 05:06.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% The hardest part of a book to write is the middle. 05:06.733 --> 05:08.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It's impossible, middles. 05:08.366 --> 05:10.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] It's where all books die, or many books die. 05:10.166 --> 05:14.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - So if you have an outline, if it's all planned, 05:14.033 --> 05:15.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% you don't have to worry about it. 05:15.666 --> 05:17.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Kids hate this advice. 05:17.666 --> 05:18.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 05:18.900 --> 05:20.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% They hate it, no they just hate it. 05:20.166 --> 05:20.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Kids hate a lot of advice, right? 05:20.966 --> 05:21.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Well yeah. 05:21.800 --> 05:22.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Newsflash, right? 05:22.633 --> 05:23.900 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 05:23.900 --> 05:25.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - This is not as far as it goes, no disrespect, 05:25.966 --> 05:30.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% a scary story, but in fact it's in the same vein 05:30.366 --> 05:32.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% as many of your books, and in fact almost all your books. 05:32.866 --> 05:36.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It has that sort of scary/horror edge to it. 05:36.566 --> 05:37.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I added the scary. 05:37.800 --> 05:39.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It's basically a funny book. 05:39.066 --> 05:40.166 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Why horror? 05:41.700 --> 05:44.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I know that you started out actually as a humor writer. 05:44.400 --> 05:45.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Writing joke books. 05:45.766 --> 05:48.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - You eventually moved into doing this. 05:48.200 --> 05:51.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I'm interested in why horror is so interesting to you 05:51.166 --> 05:54.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and how over time your notion of what is horror, 05:54.866 --> 05:57.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and how horror itself is effective 05:57.300 --> 05:58.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and not effective, has changed. 05:58.933 --> 06:01.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Because we live in a different world than when you started. 06:01.700 --> 06:02.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, to answer that part first. 06:02.900 --> 06:03.833 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Yeah, sure. 06:03.833 --> 06:05.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - But our fears don't change. 06:05.900 --> 06:08.133 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Only the technology has changed. 06:08.133 --> 06:09.566 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - How's that? 06:09.566 --> 06:14.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well for one thing, cell phones have ruined every story. 06:14.200 --> 06:15.433 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - [Evan] Because? 06:15.433 --> 06:17.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - They've ruined every plot I have. 06:17.866 --> 06:20.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% A girl is getting frightening phone calls. 06:20.833 --> 06:22.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Who's calling me, who's doing this? 06:22.800 --> 06:25.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Now she looks down, oh that's who it is. 06:25.666 --> 06:26.600 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 06:26.600 --> 06:28.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Story's ruined, it's over. 06:28.166 --> 06:29.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Called I.D. has ruined everything. 06:29.600 --> 06:32.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Trapped in a cabin and there's a killer there. 06:32.600 --> 06:34.066 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% What do we do? 06:34.066 --> 06:37.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Oh, pick up the phone, call for help, story's over. 06:37.266 --> 06:40.433 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 06:40.433 --> 06:42.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You have to get rid of the cell phones. 06:42.033 --> 06:45.466 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% - What I'm thinking though is that kids today, 06:45.466 --> 06:47.766 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% I have a 16 year old, my youngest is 16. 06:47.766 --> 06:49.633 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% So if I think about my 16 year old and how 06:49.633 --> 06:52.000 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% he reacts to scary things, he'll say I'm going 06:52.000 --> 06:54.400 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% with my friends to see The Purge, or we're going 06:54.400 --> 06:56.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to see Saw, or something like that, right? 06:56.733 --> 06:58.166 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Saw. 06:58.166 --> 07:01.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - These movies, and they're totally desensitized. 07:01.700 --> 07:04.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Kids that age are desensitized to this stuff. 07:04.266 --> 07:06.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's harder to scare kids of that age today 07:06.800 --> 07:08.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% than it was say 25 or 30 years ago. 07:08.800 --> 07:11.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I wonder if that's because technology has sped up 07:11.666 --> 07:15.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% things to the point that 16 is the new 25. 07:16.233 --> 07:17.066 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - They see more. 07:17.066 --> 07:17.900 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 07:17.900 --> 07:18.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - They see more sooner. 07:18.733 --> 07:20.000 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 07:20.000 --> 07:20.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Doesn't that make it harder on you, 07:20.933 --> 07:22.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% as you're trying to craft? 07:22.166 --> 07:23.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - My stuff is all the same, it's the same. 07:23.400 --> 07:25.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% We're all afraid, afraid of the dark, 07:25.066 --> 07:27.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% afraid of being in a strange place, 07:27.600 --> 07:29.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% afraid of finding yourself somewhere 07:29.233 --> 07:30.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% you don't know where it is, afraid that 07:30.833 --> 07:33.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% something is under your bed and is gonna grab 07:33.200 --> 07:35.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% your ankles, that's all the same. 07:38.300 --> 07:40.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I was a kid in the 50's, and my brother and I 07:40.933 --> 07:44.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% used to go to horror movies, scary movies every Saturday. 07:44.300 --> 07:45.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - What do you remember? 07:45.300 --> 07:46.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% What horror movies scared you? 07:46.566 --> 07:48.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Oh Creature From The Black Lagoon. 07:48.366 --> 07:50.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It Came From Outer Space. 07:51.433 --> 07:53.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% The Brain That Wouldn't Die. 07:53.900 --> 07:57.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% We saw them all, and I think, like Goosebumps, 07:57.000 --> 08:00.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that's what Goosebumps is, they're 50's horror stories. 08:00.233 --> 08:02.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Just updated, or presented in a more modern way. 08:02.433 --> 08:03.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Not even updated that much. 08:03.700 --> 08:04.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 08:04.900 --> 08:06.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - It's basically the same thing. 08:06.333 --> 08:07.966 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It could have been written when I was a kid. 08:07.966 --> 08:09.433 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% But no one did it. 08:09.433 --> 08:10.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - But people who do horror as entertainment today 08:10.833 --> 08:12.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% feel the need most definitely, unlike what 08:12.500 --> 08:14.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% you're saying, to come up with all these-- 08:14.733 --> 08:16.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Well they want to go farther and farther 08:16.200 --> 08:19.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but I don't do that because I don't really 08:19.133 --> 08:21.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% want to terrify kids. 08:21.200 --> 08:23.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% See I like books like Young Scrooge that 08:23.233 --> 08:24.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% are basically funny. 08:26.300 --> 08:30.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% My main goal, to be serious, is to get kids to read. 08:31.333 --> 08:32.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - And this just happens to be the magnet. 08:32.966 --> 08:35.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% It's the plots, the narratives happen to be the magnet. 08:35.300 --> 08:37.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - It's really motivation. 08:37.233 --> 08:40.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The books are very easy to read, the chapters 08:40.033 --> 08:43.933 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% are short, the reading level is fourth or fifth grade. 08:43.933 --> 08:46.233 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% I learned all about reading level and how to write 08:46.233 --> 08:49.366 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% to different levels, and I keep it simple, 08:49.366 --> 08:51.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and the idea, they like scary stuff, 08:51.666 --> 08:53.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% so I do scary stuff, but the main idea 08:53.833 --> 08:55.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% is to get them to read. 08:55.533 --> 08:58.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% When people say to me, I learned to read 08:58.066 --> 09:00.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% on your books, my kid learned to read, 09:00.100 --> 09:01.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% that's just thrilling to me. 09:01.700 --> 09:03.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Happiest moment for you. 09:03.200 --> 09:04.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It is, it's wonderful, and never get tired of hearing it. 09:04.833 --> 09:06.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I guess it occurs to me that the people 09:06.033 --> 09:07.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% who are doing horror as entertainment today, 09:07.866 --> 09:09.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% when they say they feel the need to change it up, 09:09.633 --> 09:12.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they make it more gross, graphic, disgusting. 09:12.700 --> 09:16.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% The more gross, and the more graphic, the better, 09:16.066 --> 09:18.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and that actually might be a disincentive. 09:18.200 --> 09:20.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% If a kid encounters a book that is ostensibly 09:20.133 --> 09:21.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% for them but it's got the kind of stuff that 09:21.600 --> 09:24.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% legitimately keeps them up at night, then they 09:24.100 --> 09:25.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% might not come back and read the next book. 09:25.700 --> 09:26.533 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 09:26.533 --> 09:27.366 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right? 09:27.366 --> 09:28.633 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Right. 09:28.633 --> 09:30.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I think one reason kids like my books 09:30.833 --> 09:33.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% is they know how far they're going to go, 09:33.433 --> 09:35.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they know they're not going to go too far, 09:35.433 --> 09:38.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and they're all going to have happy endings, 09:38.266 --> 09:40.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% which is really important. 09:40.333 --> 09:43.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Once I wrote a Fear Street book with an unhappy ending, 09:43.700 --> 09:47.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% just for fun, just for me, and in the end, 09:48.500 --> 09:52.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% the murderer gets off scot-free, and an innocent girl 09:52.766 --> 09:56.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is taken off to prison, and that's the end of the book. 09:56.733 --> 09:58.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% That's the only unhappy ending I ever wrote, 09:58.866 --> 10:01.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and the kids turned on me immediately. 10:01.333 --> 10:02.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] Did they really? 10:02.166 --> 10:03.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 10:03.366 --> 10:05.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, and I got letters, immediately. 10:05.000 --> 10:07.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "Dear R.L. Stine, you moron." 10:07.333 --> 10:08.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 10:08.666 --> 10:10.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% "How could you write that?" 10:10.066 --> 10:11.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% "R.L. Stine, you idiot." 10:11.633 --> 10:15.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% "Are you going to write a sequel to finish the story?" 10:15.200 --> 10:16.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - They couldn't believe that was the ending? 10:16.733 --> 10:18.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - They couldn't take it. 10:18.200 --> 10:19.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I had to write a sequel. 10:19.300 --> 10:20.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Is that right? 10:20.133 --> 10:21.566 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Finish the story, yes. 10:21.566 --> 10:24.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It seems like any possible plot that exists 10:24.066 --> 10:27.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% out there, I'm not ending your career as we sit here. 10:27.533 --> 10:29.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - It's pretty much over. 10:29.333 --> 10:30.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - You're getting close? 10:30.233 --> 10:31.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 10:31.233 --> 10:32.066 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 10:32.066 --> 10:33.533 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 10:33.533 --> 10:35.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - The number, I think it's more than 300 books. 10:35.033 --> 10:39.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I know, that's why I look like this, 300 books. 10:39.100 --> 10:42.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'm 35 years old, look at me, look at me. 10:42.600 --> 10:43.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Speaking of horror. 10:43.700 --> 10:45.200 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 10:45.200 --> 10:46.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - You've written how many Goosebumps books alone 10:46.633 --> 10:48.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% with various permutations? 10:48.366 --> 10:53.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Next year is the 25th anniversary of Goosebumps. 10:53.166 --> 10:54.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% That's a lot of scary stories. 10:54.866 --> 10:55.866 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Over 100. 10:55.866 --> 10:56.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - But it's well over 100, right? 10:56.900 --> 10:57.866 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Oh yeah. 10:57.866 --> 10:59.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Have you run out of plots? 10:59.100 --> 10:59.933 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yes. 10:59.933 --> 11:00.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Are you exhausted? 11:00.766 --> 11:01.600 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Oh years ago. 11:01.600 --> 11:02.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - You have? 11:02.800 --> 11:03.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Look at me, I'm stealing from Dickens. 11:03.633 --> 11:04.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Right, exactly. 11:04.700 --> 11:06.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 11:06.666 --> 11:08.000 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I'm weighed, yeah I know. 11:08.000 --> 11:08.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Young Hamlet. 11:08.900 --> 11:10.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Young Hamlet. 11:10.133 --> 11:12.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% That, by the way, is my favorite movie title, 11:12.766 --> 11:16.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% for real, of all the movie titles in history, 11:16.566 --> 11:20.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% this movie title is my favorite, Hamlet Two. 11:20.600 --> 11:22.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 11:22.466 --> 11:23.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Did you see that? 11:23.666 --> 11:25.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I did not, no I was not aware of that. 11:25.033 --> 11:26.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Steve Coogan. 11:26.100 --> 11:27.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - That's very funny. 11:27.366 --> 11:28.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Hamlet Two, a great title. 11:28.933 --> 11:32.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - So I want to know how you originally decided-- 11:32.100 --> 11:34.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I haven't run out of plots. 11:34.500 --> 11:35.766 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Somehow not. 11:35.766 --> 11:37.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'm real lucky, but you know what? 11:37.966 --> 11:40.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% People always say, every question, 11:40.033 --> 11:42.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% if we ask for questions, someone will say, 11:42.833 --> 11:44.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% where do you get your inspiration? 11:44.433 --> 11:46.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Where do you get your ideas? 11:46.966 --> 11:49.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I never try to think of ideas now. 11:49.433 --> 11:52.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I only think of titles, I don't try to think of ideas. 11:52.666 --> 11:56.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I was walking my dog in the park and these words 11:56.066 --> 11:59.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% popped into my head, Little Shop Of Hamsters. 11:59.733 --> 12:01.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 12:01.000 --> 12:02.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - [Evan] That's a book? 12:02.233 --> 12:04.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - That's it, great title, great title. 12:04.733 --> 12:07.133 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% How do I make hamsters scary? 12:07.133 --> 12:10.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So I'm thinking, do I do a giant hamster? 12:10.133 --> 12:11.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Do I do 1,000 hamsters? 12:11.800 --> 12:13.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - So it's literally as simple as something 12:13.300 --> 12:14.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% pops in your head, it's a book? 12:14.900 --> 12:16.366 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 12:16.366 --> 12:18.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Well come on, you know, they don't all lead to books. 12:18.733 --> 12:20.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Sometimes I'll get an idea, and I can't think 12:20.766 --> 12:23.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of a good title, and I throw out the idea. 12:23.400 --> 12:24.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Give me an example of a title you've come up with 12:24.933 --> 12:26.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% that you've not been able to do a book, or has that 12:26.400 --> 12:28.333 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% never happened? 12:28.333 --> 12:29.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [R.L.] I won't remember. 12:29.666 --> 12:31.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Right, but it's rare though? 12:31.566 --> 12:32.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It's the rare time that that's happened? 12:32.966 --> 12:33.800 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 12:35.233 --> 12:38.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Because I pretty much know if a title is a good title. 12:38.833 --> 12:42.466 align:left position:20%,start line:77% size:70% - Why did you make the transition from humor, to horror? 12:42.466 --> 12:44.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Evan this is an embarrassing story. 12:44.633 --> 12:45.566 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Tell it. 12:45.566 --> 12:47.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I shouldn't tell it. 12:47.133 --> 12:49.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It's PBS, we have all the time in the world, go ahead. 12:49.133 --> 12:51.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 12:51.100 --> 12:53.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Being scary wasn't my idea. 12:54.633 --> 12:55.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% That's embarrassing. 12:55.866 --> 12:56.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I didn't think of it. 12:56.700 --> 12:57.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - [Evan] That's okay. 12:57.666 --> 12:59.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I did a humor magazine. 12:59.166 --> 13:01.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Called Bananas, I remember this growing up. 13:01.833 --> 13:04.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - That was my life's dream, to have my own humor magazine. 13:04.933 --> 13:07.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It was kind of in the same vein as Mad Magazine, Cracked 13:07.100 --> 13:10.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Magazine, it was in that era of those humor magazines. 13:10.166 --> 13:13.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - I wrote the whole thing, I had a great time, for 10 years. 13:13.233 --> 13:14.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] In fact you wrote under a different name, 13:14.566 --> 13:15.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% you were like Jolly Bob Stine? 13:15.900 --> 13:17.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - I was Jovial. 13:17.100 --> 13:18.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Jovial Bob Stine, right, I remember that. 13:18.933 --> 13:20.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Not a good name for a horror writer. 13:20.533 --> 13:21.500 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I had to change that. 13:21.500 --> 13:22.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - The Jovial was a problem. 13:22.700 --> 13:23.933 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Yeah, that was bad. 13:23.933 --> 13:26.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So I'm writing all this funny stuff 13:26.266 --> 13:28.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and I was writing all kinds of things. 13:28.166 --> 13:31.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I was writing Bazooka Joe bubble gum jokes, 13:31.433 --> 13:33.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and Mighty Mouse coloring books, 13:33.933 --> 13:35.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and writing all this stuff. 13:35.433 --> 13:39.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I had lunch with an editor, my friend from Scholastic. 13:39.500 --> 13:41.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% She was the editorial director. 13:41.466 --> 13:43.400 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% She came in to lunch angry, she just had 13:43.400 --> 13:47.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% a fight with another young adult horror writer. 13:48.433 --> 13:51.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% She said I'm never working with him again. 13:51.000 --> 13:53.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% You could write a good horror novel. 13:53.133 --> 13:56.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Go home, write a book called Blind Date 13:56.166 --> 13:59.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% for teenagers, and I wrote this book Blind Date. 13:59.633 --> 14:01.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It came out, it was the number-one best seller. 14:01.866 --> 14:02.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] What was the plot? 14:02.800 --> 14:04.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Do you remember the plot? 14:04.033 --> 14:05.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah it was this boy Josh who was getting 14:05.266 --> 14:07.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% mysterious phone calls from a girl. 14:07.800 --> 14:10.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He doesn't know who it is and she keeps saying, 14:10.100 --> 14:11.933 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I'm your blind date, Josh. 14:11.933 --> 14:13.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - And because there's no cell phones, 14:13.266 --> 14:14.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% he can't look at the caller I.D. 14:14.566 --> 14:15.766 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - That's right. 14:15.766 --> 14:18.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'm your blind date, it was 1986. 14:18.166 --> 14:20.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I'm your blind date, Josh. 14:20.266 --> 14:23.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Then he tries to track her down, and he finds 14:23.066 --> 14:25.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% that she's been dead for five years. 14:25.066 --> 14:25.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Oh wow. 14:26.933 --> 14:27.866 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Good one. 14:27.866 --> 14:28.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - That was the original plot. 14:28.800 --> 14:29.500 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I'm scared now just listening. 14:29.500 --> 14:30.700 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - I know. 14:30.700 --> 14:32.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I've done that plot about 10 times. 14:32.233 --> 14:33.066 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - You have. 14:33.066 --> 14:34.600 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 14:34.600 --> 14:36.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Number-One best seller. 14:36.066 --> 14:37.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I thought wait a minute, what's going on? 14:37.633 --> 14:40.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Then I wrote a second one, number-one best seller. 14:40.433 --> 14:41.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Blind Third Date? 14:41.666 --> 14:43.500 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 14:43.500 --> 14:44.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Yeah, Hamlet Two. 14:44.700 --> 14:45.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] What was that called? 14:45.900 --> 14:46.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - It was called Twisted. 14:46.900 --> 14:48.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - [Evan] Twisted, yeah. 14:48.100 --> 14:50.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - And I said forget the funny stuff. 14:50.000 --> 14:51.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Evan] I can do this, and I can make money 14:51.166 --> 14:52.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% at it probably too, right? 14:52.700 --> 14:55.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Kids like to be scared, they liked it much better. 14:55.000 --> 14:56.566 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - You said as a kid, you and your brother used to 14:56.566 --> 14:57.800 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% go to horror movies. 14:57.800 --> 14:59.966 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% I want to go a step to the side of that and ask 14:59.966 --> 15:02.133 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% how you decided you wanted to write? 15:02.133 --> 15:04.133 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% Because even if it was humor writing, 15:04.133 --> 15:08.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% the lore is there was a typewriter up in your attic? 15:08.233 --> 15:09.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - It's pretty much true. 15:09.300 --> 15:10.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Tell the story. 15:10.233 --> 15:11.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - It's pretty much true. 15:11.200 --> 15:12.300 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - That you discovered. 15:12.300 --> 15:13.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I dragged a typewriter into my room. 15:13.533 --> 15:16.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I have no idea why I liked it so much. 15:16.266 --> 15:18.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I was a weird kid, I would just stay in my room. 15:18.333 --> 15:19.400 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Hard to imagine. 15:19.400 --> 15:21.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 15:21.833 --> 15:24.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I'm in Columbus, Ohio, in a nice suburb, quiet. 15:24.833 --> 15:27.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I had a very nice childhood. 15:27.066 --> 15:29.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% But I'm in my room typing stories, 15:29.100 --> 15:32.433 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% typing jokes, making little joke books, typing, typing. 15:32.433 --> 15:34.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - And your parents were not in the business, as they say? 15:34.566 --> 15:38.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - No my dad was a blue collar worker, we were very poor. 15:38.133 --> 15:40.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% They didn't understand at all. 15:40.033 --> 15:43.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% My mother would be outside my door, and I later realized 15:43.866 --> 15:48.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% this was the worst advice anyone ever gave me in my life. 15:48.500 --> 15:52.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% She would say, stop typing, go outside and play. 15:52.033 --> 15:53.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 15:53.633 --> 15:55.066 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Horrible advice, right? 15:55.066 --> 15:56.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Honestly, she was doing her part. 15:56.466 --> 15:57.966 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 15:57.966 --> 15:59.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% She would say go outside, and I would say it's boring 15:59.733 --> 16:01.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% out there, type, type, type. 16:01.866 --> 16:03.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Type, type, type. 16:03.133 --> 16:04.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Except I only type with one finger. 16:04.666 --> 16:06.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I never learned how to type. 16:06.166 --> 16:07.000 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Still? 16:07.000 --> 16:07.833 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 16:07.833 --> 16:09.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I never learned how. 16:09.333 --> 16:10.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - You still type all these years later with one finger? 16:10.266 --> 16:11.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I'll show you the finger. 16:11.566 --> 16:13.000 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 16:13.000 --> 16:14.233 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Which? 16:14.233 --> 16:15.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - No, I've written 300 books with this finger, 16:15.633 --> 16:18.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but look at it, look, it's totally bent. 16:18.766 --> 16:20.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% It's ruined. 16:20.133 --> 16:22.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - That's a pretty successful finger, honestly. 16:22.800 --> 16:24.166 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 16:24.166 --> 16:26.166 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - This is what I sacrificed for my art. 16:26.166 --> 16:27.466 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% (audience laughing) 16:27.466 --> 16:28.400 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% The finger is wrecked. 16:28.400 --> 16:29.666 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - [Evan] Is that it? 16:29.666 --> 16:32.466 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% - Any way, I don't know, I just knew when I was 16:32.466 --> 16:35.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% nine years old that I wanted to write. 16:35.433 --> 16:37.266 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% That's all I've ever done. 16:37.266 --> 16:38.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Isn't that amazing? 16:38.333 --> 16:39.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - It is amazing. 16:39.800 --> 16:41.000 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% I'm very lucky. 16:41.000 --> 16:44.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Do you read other people's horror writing? 16:44.633 --> 16:45.733 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Yeah I do. 16:45.733 --> 16:47.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - YA-young adult or kids? 16:47.800 --> 16:50.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - There isn't that much YA horror, there is some. 16:50.333 --> 16:52.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - And Goosebumps, just so we're clear on the delineation 16:52.833 --> 16:55.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% here, Goosebumps is for a younger subset, right? 16:55.666 --> 16:57.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - It's middle grade, it's seven to 12. 16:57.333 --> 16:58.633 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - And Fear Street was? 16:58.633 --> 17:01.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - It's like 10 to 15, really, 12 to 15. 17:01.133 --> 17:02.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Is there a difference in writing for those two? 17:02.166 --> 17:03.000 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Oh yeah. 17:03.000 --> 17:04.233 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Talk about that. 17:04.233 --> 17:05.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Well one is I get to kill off teenagers. 17:05.766 --> 17:07.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 17:07.200 --> 17:08.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Fear Street, I get to kill. 17:08.700 --> 17:09.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] Couldn't kill off teenagers in Goosebumps? 17:09.633 --> 17:10.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - No one dies in Goosebumps. 17:10.566 --> 17:12.066 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% No one ever dies in Goosebumps. 17:12.066 --> 17:13.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] That was a decision you made in the beginning? 17:13.533 --> 17:15.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - If you were a ghost, you were a ghost like 100 years ago. 17:15.333 --> 17:16.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Did you consciously make that decision? 17:16.866 --> 17:18.066 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 17:18.066 --> 17:18.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Evan] Because that would be too much? 17:18.600 --> 17:19.866 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 17:19.866 --> 17:22.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I keep all reality out of Goosebumps. 17:23.300 --> 17:24.900 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Parents don't get divorced. 17:24.900 --> 17:27.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Am I correct that Fear Street preceded Goosebumps 17:27.233 --> 17:28.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% sequentially, right? 17:28.533 --> 17:29.466 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Yeah it did. 17:29.466 --> 17:30.966 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - So Fear Street came first? 17:30.966 --> 17:34.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Fear Street came first, and it was teens in terror. 17:35.900 --> 17:38.000 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It was doing really well. 17:41.133 --> 17:45.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% My editors came to me and said, why don't we try 17:45.066 --> 17:46.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% a younger series? 17:46.766 --> 17:50.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Why don't we try a scary series for seven to 12 year olds? 17:50.266 --> 17:51.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% I said no. 17:51.966 --> 17:53.166 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - You said no? 17:53.166 --> 17:54.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, that's the kind of businessman I am. 17:54.366 --> 17:55.466 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 17:55.466 --> 17:56.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I didn't want to do Goosebumps. 17:56.666 --> 17:57.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Well you didn't know if it would work. 17:57.933 --> 18:00.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I thought it would mess up Fear Street, 18:00.500 --> 18:02.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the younger audience, and they kept after me, 18:02.266 --> 18:05.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and kept after me, and finally I said all right 18:05.966 --> 18:09.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% we can try two or three, let's try, if I can 18:09.200 --> 18:11.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% think of a good name for the series. 18:11.866 --> 18:13.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Who came up with Goosebumps, you did? 18:13.600 --> 18:14.800 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Yeah I did. 18:14.800 --> 18:16.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I'm reading TV Guide, and in those days, 18:16.733 --> 18:19.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% they had all the TV listings in the middle. 18:19.200 --> 18:20.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - In the old days, right. 18:20.800 --> 18:23.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - And I'm reading through, and there's a little ad 18:23.100 --> 18:26.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% on the bottom, I'm in New York, and it says, 18:26.333 --> 18:28.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% it's goosebumps week on channel 11. 18:28.800 --> 18:29.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Goosebumps week? 18:29.833 --> 18:30.766 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 18:30.766 --> 18:31.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - And you went, that's it? 18:31.866 --> 18:33.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I just started at it. 18:33.166 --> 18:34.000 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% It's perfect. 18:34.000 --> 18:34.833 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - You knew it? 18:34.833 --> 18:35.766 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - It's perfect. 18:35.766 --> 18:37.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% It's funny and it's scary. 18:37.233 --> 18:39.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - What I love about how you're describing your work 18:39.800 --> 18:42.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and the journey you've been on, which doesn't seem 18:42.733 --> 18:44.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to have taken you to a ton of different, I mean 18:44.666 --> 18:46.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% you've sort of been on one path, is that you don't 18:46.666 --> 18:50.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% get too complicated or caught up in all, oh I'm 18:50.766 --> 18:52.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% agonizing about this or that. 18:52.033 --> 18:54.833 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% You just basically do it. 18:54.833 --> 18:57.933 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Sometimes the simplest approach is the right approach. 18:57.933 --> 19:01.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, that's the only thing I'm good at. 19:01.333 --> 19:02.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% You can ask my wife. 19:02.766 --> 19:04.200 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 19:04.200 --> 19:08.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Really, it's the only thing that I'm competent at. 19:09.566 --> 19:11.400 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I'm always confident when I sit down to write. 19:11.400 --> 19:12.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I know I can do it. 19:12.700 --> 19:14.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - But if Jonathan Franzen were here, 19:14.133 --> 19:16.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% or a novelist who writes fewer books, 19:16.800 --> 19:18.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and writes them at greater length, 19:18.433 --> 19:19.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% with more complexity in the narratives, 19:19.900 --> 19:21.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% they might say it's the only thing I'm good at also. 19:21.533 --> 19:23.900 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% But the difference between a Jonathan Franzen 19:23.900 --> 19:26.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and R.L. Stine, is that R.L. Stine doesn't make it 19:26.266 --> 19:28.066 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% more complicated than it needs to be. 19:28.066 --> 19:29.766 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He knows what the task in front of him is, 19:29.766 --> 19:32.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% he sits down, and he does it. 19:32.100 --> 19:33.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Doesn't mean that the product is any less valuable 19:33.666 --> 19:35.400 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% or less embraceable. 19:35.400 --> 19:38.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I'm a good commercial writer. 19:38.100 --> 19:39.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Relatively straightforward, but not commercial 19:39.833 --> 19:41.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% in the sense, I come back to what I said in the 19:41.233 --> 19:42.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% beginning, these are not books that you're just 19:42.966 --> 19:44.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% churning out of the assembly line. 19:44.600 --> 19:47.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Most writers, I'm on panels all the time 19:47.700 --> 19:50.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% with authors, and most writers talk about 19:50.166 --> 19:52.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% how hard it is to write. 19:52.733 --> 19:53.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] Yes, they do, right. 19:53.566 --> 19:54.966 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - 90 percent of them. 19:54.966 --> 19:56.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - That's how you know I'm a writer, 19:56.100 --> 19:57.200 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% the hardest thing in the world 19:57.200 --> 19:58.433 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% there is for me to do is write. 19:58.433 --> 19:59.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - It's so hard, I tell the kids to stay out 19:59.900 --> 20:02.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% of the room, I go up in a tower and I write in the dark 20:02.733 --> 20:05.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% with a candle, and it's so hard. 20:05.333 --> 20:08.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I always said that's ridiculous. 20:08.300 --> 20:10.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - What scares you after all these years? 20:10.666 --> 20:12.033 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I have no good answer to that question. 20:12.033 --> 20:13.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] Nothing scares you? 20:13.300 --> 20:14.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - I have normal human scares, but something 20:14.966 --> 20:18.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% missing in my brain when it comes to horror 20:18.000 --> 20:22.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% because when I read a scary Stephen King, terrifying novel 20:23.400 --> 20:26.100 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% or go to a scary movie, I always laugh. 20:26.100 --> 20:27.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 20:27.166 --> 20:28.133 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - You think it's funny? 20:28.133 --> 20:29.233 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I think horror is funny. 20:29.233 --> 20:30.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - Yeah I don't understand that. 20:30.700 --> 20:32.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - When I write these books it's with punch lines. 20:32.266 --> 20:33.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Let me ask the question in a different way. 20:33.733 --> 20:36.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So there's a hierarchy of things that might 20:36.833 --> 20:38.300 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% be interesting or scary to you. 20:38.300 --> 20:41.533 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% So there is audio fear, things that you hear. 20:41.533 --> 20:43.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Like I actually have a memory when I was a kid 20:43.133 --> 20:46.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% of the first, is it John Carpenter that did the 20:46.300 --> 20:47.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Halloween movies? 20:47.366 --> 20:48.833 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yes. 20:48.833 --> 20:51.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - The music in that movie, I remember for years 20:51.066 --> 20:54.200 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% and years just absolutely scaring the stuffing out of me. 20:54.200 --> 20:56.833 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Just the sound of it, I didn't have to see anything. 20:56.833 --> 20:59.766 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Then there's the visual scaring, and then there's 20:59.766 --> 21:04.600 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% actually scaring that is neither audio, oral nor visual 21:04.600 --> 21:07.500 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% where it's just a sense, the anticipation of something. 21:07.500 --> 21:10.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Like so if you go to one of these like Disneyland 21:10.133 --> 21:12.133 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% or one of these amusement parks, and they've got 21:12.133 --> 21:14.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% these things where the person is going to jump 21:14.200 --> 21:16.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% out at you, in some ways the anticipation, not actually 21:16.333 --> 21:18.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% seeing it or hearing it, but just worrying. 21:18.500 --> 21:20.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% So there are different ways that you can be scared 21:20.266 --> 21:22.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% as a grown up, let alone as a kid. 21:22.366 --> 21:24.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - When you write, you try to use all of those. 21:24.200 --> 21:26.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Which of those is more problematic for you? 21:26.166 --> 21:29.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Here's the scariest moment of my life. 21:30.700 --> 21:33.266 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% A magazine invited me and another guy 21:33.266 --> 21:36.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% to tour the haunted houses that pop up 21:37.533 --> 21:40.033 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% at Halloween time in New York. 21:41.600 --> 21:43.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I showed up and there were three different 21:43.366 --> 21:45.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% haunted houses they wanted us to comment on 21:45.866 --> 21:47.666 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% and go through. 21:47.666 --> 21:50.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The other guy turned out to be the head 21:50.633 --> 21:52.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% of the Satanist Church. 21:52.766 --> 21:53.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 21:53.800 --> 21:54.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - [Evan] The other guy with you? 21:54.633 --> 21:55.900 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 21:55.900 --> 21:56.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Didn't tell you this beforehand? 21:56.866 --> 21:58.133 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - He looked just like the devil. 21:58.133 --> 21:59.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% He had his eyebrows curled like this, 21:59.466 --> 22:02.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and he had a little goatee, and I thought 22:02.333 --> 22:04.633 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% here I'm a children's author, this is not 22:04.633 --> 22:05.933 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% a good thing here. 22:05.933 --> 22:07.433 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - [Evan] Right. 22:07.433 --> 22:10.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - It was the Satanist Church, and we went through 22:10.700 --> 22:14.166 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% this haunted house, and they had an area where 22:14.166 --> 22:18.333 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% you push through, and you find yourself in total blackness. 22:20.466 --> 22:22.133 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Total darkness. 22:22.133 --> 22:24.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% And you don't know how big the room is, 22:24.666 --> 22:27.166 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% you don't know what's ahead of you on the floor, 22:27.166 --> 22:28.900 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% it's being blind. 22:28.900 --> 22:30.333 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% I was scared to death. 22:30.333 --> 22:32.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well that's anticipation in some ways, right? 22:32.000 --> 22:34.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Scared me to death, but also I didn't know what to do. 22:34.266 --> 22:36.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Could I walk straight, could I keep going? 22:36.466 --> 22:38.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - And this has never happened to you before? 22:38.000 --> 22:41.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - No, this was the scariest moment of my life. 22:41.233 --> 22:44.200 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The head of the Satanist Church reached out 22:44.200 --> 22:47.433 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and took my hand, and guided me through. 22:47.433 --> 22:48.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - [Evan] Wow. 22:48.400 --> 22:49.466 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - He was such a nice guy. 22:49.466 --> 22:50.733 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 22:50.733 --> 22:52.466 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% He was so nice. 22:52.466 --> 22:55.300 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - A Kumbaya moment between you and the Satanist, 22:55.300 --> 22:56.533 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% isn't that great? 22:56.533 --> 23:00.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Right, and that was terrifying to me. 23:00.466 --> 23:02.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Okay well everybody has their thing. 23:02.000 --> 23:03.266 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% So I'm wondering, your books have been 23:03.266 --> 23:05.200 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% translated into I don't know how many languages 23:05.200 --> 23:06.566 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% and they've been available, all the Goosebumps 23:06.566 --> 23:08.166 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% books in all kinds of countries. 23:08.166 --> 23:11.466 align:left position:20%,start line:5% size:70% Do you think culturally that what is scary 23:11.466 --> 23:14.500 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% works country to country, or culture to culture? 23:14.500 --> 23:15.966 align:left position:30%,start line:5% size:60% - It seems to. 23:15.966 --> 23:19.133 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% There's also a great interest, like Goosebumps is hugely 23:19.133 --> 23:22.766 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% popular in China now, is the new Mandarin translation. 23:22.766 --> 23:24.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Evan] Why do you think that is? 23:24.000 --> 23:25.600 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Because there's real interest in our country. 23:25.600 --> 23:26.800 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 23:26.800 --> 23:27.866 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I mean it's as simple as that. 23:27.866 --> 23:29.233 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 23:29.233 --> 23:31.366 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% They just have a real interest, what is it like there? 23:31.366 --> 23:32.600 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% What are the kids like there? 23:32.600 --> 23:33.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - What's scary in China, is the same as what's 23:33.866 --> 23:35.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% scary here, and does it ever cause you to change 23:35.566 --> 23:38.066 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% the way that you approach the writing of these books? 23:38.066 --> 23:39.533 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - No. 23:39.533 --> 23:40.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Knowing that it's going to be read elsewhere. 23:40.466 --> 23:41.666 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - I never think about that. 23:41.666 --> 23:43.666 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% It seems to work cause they like it. 23:43.666 --> 23:46.800 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% When I was there, I did a five-city book tour in China 23:46.800 --> 23:48.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% which was wonderful. 23:48.366 --> 23:49.866 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% Oh I had the best time. 23:49.866 --> 23:52.700 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The Chinese kids, they were great. 23:52.700 --> 23:56.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% But they all said, why don't you do a story about dragons? 23:56.033 --> 23:58.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Dragons are actually good in China. 23:58.833 --> 23:59.666 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% They're good. 23:59.666 --> 24:00.533 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 24:00.533 --> 24:01.800 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - I didn't know that. 24:01.800 --> 24:02.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - So are you going to a dragon book? 24:02.333 --> 24:03.266 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Maybe. 24:03.266 --> 24:04.366 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I haven't thought of one yet. 24:04.366 --> 24:05.566 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% - We have about a minute left. 24:05.566 --> 24:08.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I want to ask you about why these books, 24:08.500 --> 24:09.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% it's not that they haven't been at all, 24:09.800 --> 24:11.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% but why they haven't been more prevalent 24:11.500 --> 24:15.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% or more pervasive across other entertainment platforms? 24:15.233 --> 24:19.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Why am I unable to see Goosebumps the television show, 24:19.566 --> 24:20.700 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% or Goosebumps the movie? 24:20.700 --> 24:22.166 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - It's all on Netflix. 24:22.166 --> 24:24.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% They did four years of Goosebumps TV. 24:24.233 --> 24:25.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - But you've been doing these books for a lot longer 24:25.666 --> 24:27.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% than four years and there are many more books. 24:27.666 --> 24:29.033 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I would have assumed that this was going to be 24:29.033 --> 24:30.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% the franchise to end all franchises. 24:30.800 --> 24:32.166 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 24:32.166 --> 24:33.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Well we had the Goosebumps movie last year. 24:33.700 --> 24:35.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Evan] Jack Black was in that, right? 24:35.000 --> 24:36.100 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - Jack Black was me. 24:36.100 --> 24:37.366 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% - [Evan] You were in it. 24:37.366 --> 24:38.900 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yeah, Jack and I are like twins, right? 24:38.900 --> 24:39.733 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yes. 24:39.733 --> 24:40.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 24:40.833 --> 24:42.066 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% Indeed. 24:42.066 --> 24:45.300 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - No but it took them 20 years to do the movie. 24:45.300 --> 24:46.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% We had movie deals for 20 years. 24:46.800 --> 24:49.333 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Finally 20 years later, the movie came out. 24:49.333 --> 24:50.733 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Evan] What do you think it was that took so long? 24:50.733 --> 24:53.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - They didn't have a script that they liked. 24:53.500 --> 24:55.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% No one could figure out what to do. 24:55.366 --> 24:56.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - They should approach it like you approach it. 24:56.566 --> 24:58.166 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% Just sit down and write it. 24:58.166 --> 24:59.866 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Yes, I have been very lucky though. 24:59.866 --> 25:02.633 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I've had I think four TV series. 25:02.633 --> 25:05.866 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I've had The Haunting Hour was on for four years. 25:05.866 --> 25:07.000 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - You're satisfied that there's been enough 25:07.000 --> 25:08.800 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% of an extension of these books? 25:08.800 --> 25:10.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Well I would like to see more movies. 25:10.800 --> 25:12.333 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% I haven't had much luck there. 25:12.333 --> 25:15.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% I've had a lot of luck, I just feel I'm very lucky. 25:15.100 --> 25:18.000 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% How many children's authors have had four TV series 25:18.000 --> 25:20.100 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and a movie that's about them? 25:20.100 --> 25:20.933 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 25:20.933 --> 25:22.433 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% (laughing) 25:22.433 --> 25:23.566 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% And how many children's authors have sold as many 25:23.566 --> 25:24.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% books quite candidly as you have? 25:24.566 --> 25:25.400 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% Maybe none. 25:25.400 --> 25:26.233 align:left position:40%,start line:89% size:50% - No. 25:26.233 --> 25:27.766 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% That's just luck. 25:27.766 --> 25:28.966 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% It really is. 25:28.966 --> 25:30.733 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Well you say it's luck, I say you got into 25:30.733 --> 25:32.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% something that you did exceptionally well, 25:32.566 --> 25:33.966 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% better than anybody else, and you've made 25:33.966 --> 25:34.900 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% something of it. 25:34.900 --> 25:36.100 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - Thank you. 25:36.100 --> 25:37.366 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - You should get the credit for that. 25:37.366 --> 25:38.466 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% Congratulations on this book, good luck with it, 25:38.466 --> 25:39.700 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% and everything else you do. 25:39.700 --> 25:41.233 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% I suspect we're going to be seeing a lot more. 25:41.233 --> 25:42.666 align:left position:30%,start line:89% size:60% - I hope so. 25:42.666 --> 25:43.666 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - Good, R.L. Stine, thank you very much, sir. 25:43.666 --> 25:46.666 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience applause) 25:47.833 --> 25:49.500 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - [Announcer] We would love to have you join us 25:49.500 --> 25:53.533 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% in the studio, visit our website at klru.org/overheard 25:53.533 --> 25:56.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% to find invitations to interviews, Q&A's with our 25:56.700 --> 26:01.233 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% audience and guests, and an archive of past episodes. 26:01.233 --> 26:03.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% - Parents in Goosebumps are useless. 26:03.833 --> 26:05.833 align:left position:20%,start line:89% size:70% (audience laughing) 26:05.833 --> 26:08.800 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The parents never believe the kids, ever. 26:08.800 --> 26:10.933 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% They never believe what's going on. 26:10.933 --> 26:13.533 align:left position:10%,start line:89% size:80% They're usually totally absent. 26:15.000 --> 26:17.833 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% The idea of a Goosebumps book is that the kids 26:17.833 --> 26:20.566 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% have these horrible, terrifying problems 26:20.566 --> 26:23.133 align:left position:20%,start line:83% size:70% and they have to solve them on their own. 26:23.133 --> 26:25.266 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% - [Announcer] Funding for Overheard with Evan Smith 26:25.266 --> 26:28.633 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% is provided in part by the Alice Kleberg Reynolds 26:28.633 --> 26:32.100 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% Foundation and Hillco Partners, a Texas government 26:32.100 --> 26:36.700 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% affairs consultancy, and by KLRU's Producer's Circle, 26:36.700 --> 26:39.466 align:left position:10%,start line:83% size:80% ensuring local programming that reflects the character 26:39.466 --> 26:43.633 align:left position:10%,start line:5% size:80% and interests of the greater Austin, Texas, community.