Author of Goosebumps HorrorLand spies on his young readers

Celebrated author R.L. Stine figured he had written enough "Goosebumps" books to last a lifetime.

Youngsters across America told him otherwise.

"I got all this mail from kids asking, 'When are you going to do new 'Goosebumps books?'" Stine said in a recent phone interview. "So, after not having written anything in eight years, I started doing more at the kids' request."

Tomorrow, kids of all ages across Hudson can be treated to a personal appearance by Stine himself at Weehawken High School. The free event, sponsored by the town's public library, comes in the midst of the release of Stine's latest book series, "Goosebumps HorrorLand."

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome R.L. Stine," said Phillip Greco, Weehawken Library director. "Millions of children all over the world have learned to love reading through his books."

"Goosebumps," which has been translated in 32 languages and turned into a top-rated show on the Cartoon Network, got its start in 1992.

None of it might have existed if Stine's editors hadn't coaxed him into it.

"They (my editors) kept after me about it because nobody had really done a scary style of books for 7- to 12-year-old kids," Stine said. "Nobody is more amazed than me about the success that's come from it. You don't expect this kind of thing."

"Goosebumps HorrorLand," Stine's new series, will feature two stories in every book.

"A lot of the villains are back from my old books and there are a bunch of new villains, too," Stine said. "And just when you think it's safe to close the book, there is a continuing serial that takes place in HorrorLand, the scariest place on Earth."

Stine said he thinks youngsters are intrigued by his books because he teases them so much.

"They can't figure out what's going on," he said. "When they think they know what's happening, I throw in another twist."

Stine said he gets satisfaction out of talking to his young fans.

"Then, I can spy on them, see what they're wearing, what their hair looks like," he said. "Seeing them helps me stay close."

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