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MEET DANIEL SAN SOUCI
by Bonnie O'Brian

What did you most like to do when you were a child?

Daniel San Souci

In the days I was growing up, I liked to spend my time running aroundoutside with my brothers and my friends. We were lucky, because in those days, kids could live a life of “unrestricted” and “spontaneous”play. One of my favorite activities was to tie in the books we were reading to our play outside. We did plenty of “role-playing” - whether we were pirates from the book “ Treasure Island,” or Iroquois Indiansfrom “Last of the Mohicans,” our imaginations were always going a million miles and hour.

What books influenced you most when you were growing up?

My life revolved around adventure books. The “Scribners Classics” were my favorite: TREASURE ISLAND, KIDNAPPED, THE BOY’S KING ARTHUR, and many more. When I read these books, I felt like I was part of the adventure. I also was very found of Jack London’s CALL OF THE WILD, and WHITE FANG. It was these books that started my fascination for nature and wildlife.

When you were a child did you ever have moments when you decided that you were going to be a writer when you grew up?

Because I loved to draw and paint, and did so much reading as a child, I always figured that someday I would illustrate books. With my brother Bob, we were always working on books together, where he’d writethem and I’d do the pictures. It was my ultimate dream to someday have my work published. When I graduated from a fine art college, I went after that dream, and in 1978 had my first book published, which was a collaboration with Bob THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE. I have always felt lucky to know what I wanted to do my entire life.

What was your first job when you graduated from college?

Because art college was so expensive, I worked full time when I attended classes. I worked for the water company in the East Bay - I am a very pragmatic person, so I figured that I’d keep the job until the books really started paying off. I had no idea how long it would take for this to happen, so I kept that job (Water Treatment Plant Operator) for years while I was doing the books. I finally hit a point where I left the job and started doing the books full time. With a wife and kids, it seemed like the logical thing to do.

Was your first book accepted immediately? or did you experience a number of rejections?

The first book I had published THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE - A Blackfeet Indian Tale, which I collaborated with my brother was an instant success - it was a “New York Times Best Illustrated Book,” A Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Book,” and won many more awards. It was actually our third book we submitted. The first two were rejected, but came back with encouraging letters from the editors, which kept us going.

What are the topics are some of your books?

I love to do many themes - it really keeps my interest up. I do a lot of nature books, and consider this my foundation. But I also love to do more lighthearted books, such as my “Clubhouse Books,” which I write and illustrate. People always tell me that I have a great sense of humor, so I’m trying to focus on this these days.

How did your life change when you got married? and had children? Did it make it easier or harder to find time to write?

I love being a dad. I’m a pretty normal guy - I coached basketball, soccer and was the athletic director for my kid’s school. I was also involved in all the school activities and enjoyed every single moment of this. My kids are now college age, and live away. When the kids were young, it really helped me remember what it was like being that age - and that helped me create my books. My wife is a children’s librarian, so she has always been an enormous help. In fact it was her encouragement that got my “Clubhouse Books” going - she insisted that I take the time and get this project going. I’m very disciplined, so I just go into the studio in the morning and come out for dinner. The kids always understood that Dad has a job just like everyone else.

Have any of your fiction stories been about real people or events?

My “Clubhouse Books” are about real people and real events, though somewhat embellished so they can be pulled together as fun stories.

What are you working on now? When do you expect to start submitting it to publishers?

I’ve actually written a YA novel. It takes place in the early 1900’s on the California coast in a town named POMO POINT. Nellie, a twelve year old girl and her cousin get caught up in mystery surrounding a haunted old sea captain. I’ve sent it to my brother Bob for his comments then will send it along to a friend who is a mystery writer.Hopefully it will be ready to submit after another rewrite, which will be my third.