I don't like to travel. Yet all my books seem to involve a journey. Chris Van Allsburg bookinvolvejourney Change image and share on social
'The Polar Express' began with the idea of a train standing alone in the woods. I asked myself, 'What if a boy gets on that train? Where does he go?' Chris Van Allsburg askbeginboy Change image and share on social
Following my muse has worked out pretty well so far. I can't see any reason to change the formula now. Chris Van Allsburg changeformulamuse Change image and share on social
It was the case for a number of years that I was doing a book a year, but that was back when I was part-time teaching - and since 1991, I've been a parent, so that cuts into the time! Chris Van Allsburg backbookcase Change image and share on social
The whole idea of being mesmerized and not in control of your own actions is fascinating and a little spooky. I remember hearing about someone who'd gone to a magic act, and a person in the audience had become hypnotized by observing too closely what magician was doing on stage, and thought it was spooky to lose your consciousness that way. Chris Van Allsburg actactionaudience share on social
The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding. Chris Van Allsburg cardboardcreateexcit Change image and share on social
I was about 28-29 when I wrote my first story, and that was called 'The Garden of Abdul Gasazi.' Chris Van Allsburg abdulcallgarden Change image and share on social
I don't like to get scared - it's not one of the emotions I enjoy. So I have to assume that if there are scary things in my books, they aren't very scary. Chris Van Allsburg assumebookemotion Change image and share on social
Brainstorming, for me, takes place in my bed at night between the time I turn out my lights and I finally fall asleep. It is not a very violent storm, but what's happening is I am just thinking about different ideas and maybe things I've seen that day that I think might make a good story. Chris Van Allsburg asleepbedbrainstorm share on social