Richard Peck

Introduction

Richard Peck

Is Richard Peck the Edgar Allan Poe of young-adult literature? Though he writes in many genres, he is most closely associated with horror, mystery, and supernatural novels. Two of his books have been recognized with the Poe award for juvenile writing. What also distinguishes Peck, though, is his interest in the craft of writing itself. He has penned several nonfiction guides about writing for young-adult audiences. And despite his lengthy bibliography, Peck subjects each of his novels to an almost fastidious writing process. Each page is rewritten numerous times in an effort to distill it to its purest form. After finishing the novel, Peck discards the first chapter and rewrites it from scratch. For the author of A Year Down Yonder and Lost in Cyberspace, the process is just as important as the product.

Essential Facts

1. Peck studied at DePauw University, graduating in 1984 with a degree in English.
2. Between earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Peck was drafted into the military. He served for two years in Germany in the city of Stuttgart.
3. Peck’s commitment to education was a big influence on his career. He spent several years teaching English at middle and high schools before embarking on his career as a novelist.
4. Peck currently serves as a part-time professor at Louisiana State University.
5. Though he has been much honored throughout his career, he was nearly 70 years old when he was awarded the Newbery Medal for 2001’s A Year Down Yonder.