OK, we’ve compiled some questions asked by readers for our first Q&A. Perfect timing, too … the next book will be out in a week, and we’re incredibly excited moving forward!
Question 1: Do you guys have a plan for the entire 12-book series?
Yup! We’ve plotted out all 12 books. We don’t want to give away too much at this point, but readers can definitely expect things to get weirder and weirder.
Question 2: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a writer?
Sure. Two pieces of advice, actually:
First, make sure you’re good at something else. Not because you shouldn’t write, though! The reason you should be good at something else is it will open up new possibilities in your writing. If you’re really, really good at chemistry, you can write stories that deal with chemistry. Same goes with physics or biology or hunting or raising dogs. These experiences will help your writing.
Second, try to avoid doing whatever is popular at the moment. There are a LOT of stories out there now that are about a young girl who has to choose between two boys. Avoid it. Young Adult readers should have heroes who are complex.
Question 3: Where did you get the idea for Br’er Rabbit?
Ken: I grew up in a public school in Milwaukee, and I had a teacher who read us Br’er Rabbit stories and then we talked about the lessons we could take from them. It’s quite literally the only class I remember from elementary school. OK, that’s not entirely true. But it’s the most vivid class I remember. And I love the stories because they’re so interconnected with American culture. The Br’er Rabbit stories were told by black slaves, and the character of Br’er Rabbit is inspired by Native American tricksters, and the stories themselves were recorded by white writers.
Question 4: Any plans to do a book tour?
Not yet! But we ARE going to branch out soon to see if there’s any interest in getting a REAL print edition out there. We also had the opportunity to “pitch” the story to a TV network but alas, it was not in the cards. Maybe in a few years!
Question 5: Is it hard to write one of the stories?
Sometimes. Sometimes, it’s really easy. They all balance out in the end!
