Photography by Daniel Portnoy
Humorist Dave Barry made his name—and won a Pulitzer Prize—as a weekly columnist for The Miami Herald. He still writes for the newpaper, but now spends more time with his family and penning such books as Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer Is Much Faster) and Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland.
Barry is leaving his Coral Gables home to scarf snack crackers, lose sleep, and talk about his latest novel for young people, The Worst Night Ever, the second book chronicling the adventures of Wyatt Palmer as he navigates the treacherous territory between middle school and high school.
One of Barry’s first tour stops: St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh), where he'll speak on May 5 at 7 p.m. He recently shared some thoughts on writing, adolescence, and the surprising success of Peter and the Starcatchers.
What inspired Wyatt Palmer's character? Is he a lot like you were at his age?
He’s basically me, had I grown up in Miami. I was smallish, lousy at sports, and prone to crushes on unattainable girls.
What makes that transitional age between being a kid and a teen so tough? It seems especially difficult for boys.
I think it’s that the girls suddenly turn into Young Women, and most of the boys—me, for sure—remain boys.
Why have you incorporated elements of mystery and intrigue into your books about Wyatt?
It’s a book for kids, and in my experience, kids like a story with plenty of plot. My goal is mainly to entertain them. I don’t have any big moral lessons to teach.
Florida is a state that spawns stories about massive cannibal alligators and the like. How does its unique craziness shape and inspire your fiction?
I’ve set all my fiction books in Florida, because so many weird things happen here. You can include a gigantic python in the plot, and it’s completely realistic.
Peter and the Starcatchers was your first young adult book. What made you delve into writing for that age group, and are you surprised at how the series seems to have taken on a life of its own?
I got into that thanks to my good friend—and St. Louis guy—Ridley Pearson. He got the idea from his daughter, Paige, when she was 6. He was reading J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to her, and she asked him how Peter Pan and Captain Hook first met. Ridley thought about that and decided it’d be fun to write a [prequel].
As it happens, we play in an author rock band together [The Rock Bottom Remainders], and the next week the band was playing in Miami. Ridley stayed at my house and one morning at breakfast he told me about his prequel idea and asked if I’d be interested in co-writing it. It sounded fun, so I said yes. Neither of us had any idea that we’d end up writing five books in that series, let alone that it would become a Broadway play.
How is writing for young adults different than writing for other audiences?
It’s not as different as you might think. Obviously you can’t have inappropriate language or plot situations, but for me, whether it’s kids or adults, the key is to come up with a good story, keep it moving, and deliver a satisfying ending.
What do you love and hate about book tours?
Not getting enough sleep and eating too many Cheez-Its. They should name a Cheez-It factory after me.
The main title of your other recent book is Live Right and Find Happiness. What advice would you give to young teens?
I am the last person young teens should take advice from. I have a 16-year-old daughter, and my main advice to her is, “Don’t ask me. Ask your mother."
How has having a grandchild—while still having a teen daughter of your own at home—shaped and broadened your perspective of kids and families?
It’s wonderful. Especially watching my son become a terrific father. We all love when grandson Dylan visits. The main thing I’ve learned is that the old cliché about family being the most important thing, overshadowing all else, is absolutely true.
Barry’s upcoming appearance is free, but seating is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m., and organizers recommend arriving early. Check the St. Louis County Library’s website for more information. The library also has additional events at several branches to celebrate Children’s Book Week, May 2–8.
Charlene Oldham is a writer and teacher. She lives in Crestwood.
