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Ask the Author: Paul Aertker

“Ask me a question.” Paul Aertker

Answered Questions (11)

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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Paul Aertker Many years ago, I lived in West Africa when a civil war broke. We bunkered in a safe house with friends, and each day the soldiers would give us one hour to go out and buy provisions. Each time we left and returned to the bunker, we would find small bundles of cash stacked on our mattresses.
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Hi Paul. Remember the Nolan family from Diamondhead, MS? We have been thinking about you and your family. Drop us a line. Your old Diamondhead house just sold again and got us talking about you and your mother. Betsy, Dick, Eric, Patrick Nolan
Paul Aertker Hi Betsy, Yes, I do remember you all. What a great family! I would love to catch up. Please email me at paul at crimetravelers.com
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Hi - We already have your books! They were purchase through Amazon. Unfortunately, can't find a review on commonsensemedia. My son REALLY wants to read it. I just don't have time to screen it. Do your books contain any sexual content, suicides, same-sex relationships, etc? Answering yes does not necessarily mean we won't read it, just want to know in advance thanks. We might end up using it as part of book club.
Paul Aertker Hi Lori, Thank you so much for getting the Crime Travelers series. The answer to your main question is a resounding NO. There's nothing of the sort, not even kissing. I act too much like an 11-year-old to write that kind of stuff! :) I write to the child I used to be. I love action-adventure and the physical and emotional struggles that heroes must overcome to make himself or herself a better person. The Crime Travelers series has tense scenes with fights (tae kwon do, etc) but nothing over the top. The "bad guys" are kids who've been kidnapped (from all over the world) and now work for the not-so-good "Good Company." Also, there are scenes where we think Lucas, our hero, is not going to make it, but... :) Please let me know if you would like for me to Skype with your book club. Thanks again. - Paul paul@crimetravelers.com PS: A 4th-grade teacher apparently asked commonsense about Crime Travelers. Her review is the top review on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Brainwashed-Tr...
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What inspires you to write?
Paul Aertker Travel. To me, travel and reading and writing are all connected in the imagination. It's all one fantastic voyage!
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Paul Aertker Speaking to kids at schools!
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What books are on your summer reading list this year?
Paul Aertker The Crime Travelers series which is a funny & smart middle-grade series
that reads like the Bourne Identity — but for kids.” — M. Robichaux, editor
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Hi, Paul. This is a question about your name, although your name does appear in your book, so I guess it might qualify as a question about your book. :-) How do you pronounce Aertker? I say it in my head as "art-ker" or "ear-ter." And thanks for rating my first book in 2014. It now has a new publisher and new title as part of a series.
Paul Aertker Hi Cynthia - In the US, my last name is pronounced ETT Kerr or Ert Kerr.

More info here: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Aertker/e/...

But I also like your pronunciation of Art Kerr. :)

Thanks for reaching out and congrats on the new publisher and series!
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When is book two coming out?
Paul Aertker BOOK 2 | MAY 2
The Bookies bookstore (4315 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, Colo., 80246 Phone: 303.759.1117) is the stage for the second book’s global launch. The author will be in the store from 10 AM - 3 PM signing copies of Diamonds Are For Never, and speaking every half hour about inspiring kids to read.
Also, available at bookstores everywhere. On Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/194013725X
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What are you currently working on?
Paul Aertker I'm working on book 3 in the Crime Travelers series. Book 2, Diamonds Are For Never, launches on May 2, 2015.
Book 2 | May 2.
Maybe I'll have to launch book 3 next year on the 3rd of something, so it'll be Book 3 | June 3. :)
Oh, where is the new book? Here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/194013725X
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What was the most exciting book you read as a child?
Paul Aertker Ha! This is a fun question. When I was young I thought Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel was wild! :) As far as most exciting goes, I remember liking Robert Ludlum's books as a teenager.
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My son (8) and I are 100 plus pages into the book and we really are enjoying the adventure. He has had one persistent question as we read, why did you make all the girls so stereotypical, you would think if they were Tier One Spies that complaining about a maids uniform or looking to the male co-leader of a meeting for approval would be weird?
Paul Aertker Thank you for reaching out. I am glad to hear that you and your son are enjoying the book!

I have passed your comments onto my editors and onto my wife and beta readers. As my team makes every effort to be sensitive to relevant issues, we will certainly take your comments into consideration.

Thanks again, and enjoy the rest of the book!

Best,
Paul
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