Conrad J. Storad
Photo by Tom Story
Conrad J. Storad is the author of more than 30 science and nature books for children and young adults. When he is not writing books and sharing stories with young readers, Storad serves as director of the Office of Research Communications at Arizona State University. His duties include editing and writing stories about science, scholarship, and creative activity taking place at the nation’s largest public university. Prior to working at ASU, Storad worked as a reporter, editor, and freelance magazine writer.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
What’s your favorite line from a book?
- "You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."—Ray Bradbury
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Ray Bradbury, Jeff Shaara, and illustrator Nathaniel Jensen
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I love to learn new things about all kinds of subjects. As an author, every new story or article or book is a chance to learn something new. I never want to stop learning. The beauty of being an author is that you then get to share what you learn through the stories and books that you write. That is a good feeling.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Write, write, write….and then write some more. Draw, paint, sculpt…and then draw and paint some more. Don’t get discouraged. Just remember, as a writer, you are the boss. You can write about anything. Same for illustrators. Be true to your art. Spend your time creating, not worrying about what others think about your work.
