Arts & Entertainment // Books

Author Colfer takes glee in entertaining his young readers

Chris Colfer is a bit of an overchiever.

The actor who became a star, thanks to his turn as "Kurt" in "Glee," earned a Golden Globe for best supporting actor for his work on the show. He currently is writing the screenplay from his "Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell," the first book of his multimillion-selling children's series, as well as directing the film.

As if that weren't enough, this month, Colfer releases his sixth novel, "Worlds Collide," in the series, a modern-day fantasy tale following twins Alex and Conner Bailey.

"I have to say, 'go big or go home,' " the 27-year-old Colfer said.

On Saturday, he'll read from his latest book at Hogg Middle School; the event is presented by Brazos Bookstore.

"I'm always trying to write about lessons that I'm learning, not things I've learned," he said. "I really to try to give readers an adventure or an escape. It's so important we teach kids to reach for enjoyment."

Colfer talked with the Houston Chronicle about his creative process, his love for movie scores and the possibility of more books.

Q: How did you come to write a children's book?

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Chris Colfer reading

When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hogg Middle School, 1100 Merrill

Information: $19.99;

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A: After I won the Golden Globe for "Glee," I was approached to do an autobiography. I thought I was too young to claim that. I always wanted to write a children's book, so I really wanted to get that out of my system.

Q: Are the fans of your books and the fans of "Glee" the same people?

A: When I wrote the first book, I had all of these "Glee" fans who came out to support me. Now that I'm on the sixth book, I have a following who has no idea what "Glee" is. But that's OK. My intention was to do one book to get it out of my system.

Q: Now, you're on No. 6. Any more books in the works?

A: I might continue with a prequel or a spinoff.

Q: What's your creative process like?

A: Creative process? It's more a cry for help than a process. I need a deadline to motivate me to get it done. I often write an outline. I try to tell a story that would have entertained me as a kid.

Q: Do you listen to music while writing?

A: Yes, film scores like from the movie "Interstellar." I'm constantly tuned into Pandora's film-score radio playlist. I can't listen to music with lyrics or I'll end up writing them into the book. That wouldn't be good.

Q: Are your main characters much like you?

A: Yes, Alex is my intellectual side; Conner is my sarcastic side. They represent the yin and yang.

Q: Did you read a lot as a child?

A: I wasn't a good reader, but had it not been for "Harry Potter" I wouldn't have done much reading. I devoured fantasy.

Q: What kinds of books do you read now?

A: I love good conspiracy theory and history books. I like Carrie Fisher, and I'm like every milliennial, I love J.K. Rowling.

Q: Any advice to new writers?

A: A lot of writers try to copy someone's style, and they get hung up on that and forget to tell the story.

Q: You must do something for fun, right?

A: I have a difficult brain to turn off. It keeps going. I'm in a constant search for ways to relax. I like watching movies or just sitting on the sofa staring at the ceiling.

Q: Any pets?

A: I have a tabby cat named Brian and a lab named Copper.

Q: What brings you joy?

A: Joy is coming up with a new story and sharing it. That makes me happy.