Scott Riley
Scott Riley is a teacher and children’s book author. Scott has spent nearly thirty years teaching in the US, Indonesia, Czech Republic, and Singapore. Scott draws inspiration from the people he meets and the places he explores while living overseas. His debut picture book The Floating Field was a Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List title, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, and Freeman Book Award winner. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife, two daughters, and one very lively labradoodle.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”— Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Candy Fleming, Jason Chin, Steve Sheinkin
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Having lived overseas for nearly 30 years, I’ve been inspired by the people I’ve met and the places I’ve explored. I’ve also been lucky to collaborate with some of them to bring their stories to life so that readers can meet them too.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Writing is all about patience and persistence. Let the process guide you—you don’t have to be a good writer, you need to be a good rewriter.
