Author Interview with Karen Pokras Toz

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Karen Pokras Toz, author of the middle grade novel Nate Rocks the World. Lizzy recently reviewed this fun book, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Karen! 

What inspired you to write Nate Rocks the World? 


In today’s world of electronics, I felt that kids (including my own kids) just weren’t reading as much as they should be. Reading is fun, and interesting, and inspiring and I wanted to spread this message! I wanted to write something that kids would enjoy reading and at the same time be something relatable to things they were experiencing in their own lives.

How long did it take you to write Nate Rocks the World?

Nate Rocks the World took me about six months to write and then another six months or so working on the editing and publishing side.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

Oh absolutely! Judy Blume was and still is one my favorite authors – I loved all of her books, it’s really impossible to pick one favorite. As an adult, I have been enjoying re-reading her books with my own children. She is my inspiration and my mentor. I’ve had a few people compare Nate Rocks the World to Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (stylistically... to me, that is a huge compliment).

Where did you come up with the characters Nate and Abby?

Nate is a combination of my three children. They are all so creative, intelligent, fun, and funny. There’s a little bit of all of them in Nate. Abby – well – let’s just say I might have been a bit of a pain to my own brother when we were kids (sorry about that!)

If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

Great question! The answer is - I don’t know if I could choose just one! Let’s start with who I wouldn’t want to be friends with – that know-it-all classmate Lisa Crane. She would drive me insane! I don’t think I would be able to be as nice to her as Nathan is. Abby I could probably handle. Of course I’d want to hang out with Nathan and his friends, Tommy and Sam. I probably have the most in common with Nathan’s mom, so I guess I’d go with Mrs. Rockledge.

Where do you like to write?  Do you listen to music while you are writing?

I love music, but not when I’m writing – for that I need total silence. My husband and I just renovated a small room in the back of our house so that I could have a “real” office. It’s lovely, but I cannot write in there lol! I guess I’m just used to all these years of having to write with my laptop propped on my legs either in my bed or on the couch.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

I don’t know! I’ve travelled to some wonderful and beautiful countries; it’s hard to pick just one location! There are also some equally fabulous places here in the US. I would love to live somewhere that has fabulous views, plenty of culture, mild/dry climate, and friendly people (oh – and hi-speed wifi!)

Where can we purchase your books?

The Nate Rocks books are available pretty much anywhere books are sold, online and in stores. If you don’t see Nate Rocks on the shelves of your local store or library, please ask for them to order it! 

Author Website ☞ Facebook ☞ Twitter ☞ Amazon ☞ Barnes and Noble 

Read the Reviews!