Want to know a little more about author Barrett Waller? Here are a few questions to get the process started…
How long has Barrett been a writer?
Once I started writing crazy fairy tales around the age of 14, there was no looking back. In addition to writing fiction, I jumped into journalism and was an editor for my high school newspaper and yearbook. After getting a journalism degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. (where I learned the importance of layering clothes to keep from freezing during bitter cold Chicago winters), I returned to Tulsa and worked several years as a reporter for the Tulsa World, the city’s daily newspaper. I write all the time in my job at the marketing firm today.
Who are some of Barrett’s favorite authors?
Ooh, that’s a long list. But here are a few to start off with…
- Neil Gaiman
- Holly Black
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- Terry Pratchett
- Alix Harrow
- N.D. Wilson
- Leigh Bardugo
- Erin Morgenstern
What are Barrett’s hobbies?
In addition to reading and writing, I’m a runner and compete in 15ks and half marathons. I’m also a rower, love a wide range of music and even sing in my church choir (I’m good filler voice but definitely not soloist material).
Favorite foods?
Pasta, steak and chicken cooked on the grill, Mexican and Chinese food, a variety of vegetables from the garden. And the occasional coney hot dogs with chili, cheese and onions. I’m not a big fan of beets, but I’m trying to keep an open mind.
Pet roll call
Our house is basically a zoo. On the dog side, there’s Izzy the collie (she’s big, loud and needs several sheep to herd) and Zoey the Sheltie (extra small, can run completely under Izzy’s legs). We’ve also got three cats: Oliver, an orange tabby who thinks he’s a dog; Maggie, a sweet mix who we think is an alien from another planet; and Triss, the ancient Siamese who still likes to kill socks and will outlive us all. When our daughters were growing up, at one time or another we also had baby ducks, rabbits, hamsters, lizards and fish.
Is it true Barrett has the strength of 10 men?
Yes and no. Technically, I have the strength of one man (1.5 on a good day). But when our daughters were growing up I repeatedly assured them their father had the strength of 10 men. It paid off on that fateful day one of them was told to draw a picture that filled in the blank: “My father…” And if you’re wondering, yes – she drew: “…has the strength of 10 men.” A proud day for sure.
Does Barrett have super-powers?
This has been vigorously debated. I have a few, but they aren’t all that impressive. One super-power is that I can randomly open a book up to the exact page I’m looking for. But only when I’m not trying to do it. (It’s not very helpful for saving the world.) Another is my mastery of Pig Latin (Igpay AtinLay).
Does Barrett love writing?
That’s an easy one. Yes, I love using my imagination to create new world and characters to fill those worlds. Then I find them some trouble to land in so they have to work hard to get out of it.