Author Interviews

Author Spotlight: Sandy Stark-McGinnis + a GIVEAWAY!

By on May 4, 2020   /   Author Interviews  

Like many modern friendships, mine with author Sandy Stark-McGinnis began on Twitter. The date was June 4, 2017, and Sandy was about to go on sub for her debut novel, EXTRAORDINARY BIRDS (Bloomsbury, 2019). We shared an agent at the time, and Sandy asked if I could share my insights into the submission process.

Three years later, Sandy and I are still exchanging messages on everything from our shared obsession with The Golden Girls, to our favorite wines (Sandy and I both enjoy reds, particularly Pinot). On a more serious note, when my dad was diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease, Sandy was there with love and support. Her dad suffered with Alzheimer’s as well, before passing away in 2010. This shared struggle brought us closer, and it gave me an even deeper respect for Sandy, and for her latest middle-grade novel, THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND (Bloomsbury, April 28, 2020)—a novel that features a parent’s struggle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Described by School Library Connection as “…{a} beautifully told novel of family and friendship that is brimming with love and feelings,” THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND is available now from Bloomsbury Publishing. Here is a summary:

“Cassie’s always looked up to her mom, a vivacious woman with big ideas and a mischievous smile. Together they planned to check off every item on a big-dream bucket list, no matter how far the adventure would take them. But then Mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and everything changed.

Now, Cassie tries to keep Mom happy, and to understand some of Dad’s restrictive new rules. She tries to focus on math lessons and struggles to come up with art ideas that used to just burst off her pen. When Mom’s memories started to fade, so did Cassie’s inspiration. And even worse, she’s accidentally pushed away Bailey, the one friend who could make it all okay.

After the worst Mom day yet, the day she forgets Cassie’s name, Cassie decides to take action. It’s time for one last adventure, even if it means lying and taking a big risk to get there.”

 

MR: Hi, Sandy. Before we start, I must tell you how deeply moved I was by your novel. It really hit home, because my dad—like yours—had Alzheimer’s. How did your experience with this disease provide insight into your characters, particularly Cassie’s mom? The dad? Cassie…?

SSM: Thank you! My experience with my dad was extremely influential and definitely defined the way I portrayed the characters, from the way my dad behaved at different stages of the disease, to how my mom coped on a day-to-day basis, to how we–my brothers, sister and I–processed and navigated our way through the slow but very real loss of the man we called “Dad.”

MR: As above, THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND focuses on a deeply personal topic. As you were writing and memories of your own experience with your dad’s Alzheimer’s surfaced, how did you keep your head above water emotionally? What advice would you give to other writers who choose to tackle emotionally difficult subjects?

SSM: I think the best way to go about facing any personal topics is to be in a place where those feelings are still strong but you can be objective about them, enough so you’re in the space (head and heart) of being able to portray characters and situations honestly. I think the hardest scene for me to write was when Cassie and her dad go to the assisted living facility to take a tour. I can still remember so vividly the day we took my dad to a facility. It was heartbreaking because his favorite place to be in the world was home, and to take him away from that, well… But, we (my family) knew it was what was best, because my mom could no longer take care of him.

MR: THE SPACE OF LOST AND FOUND is interspersed with flashbacks; the present day, and the years before Cassie’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. What was the purpose of using this stylistic device?

SSM: The use of flashback scenes was my editor, Allison Moore’s, idea. I think the purpose was to have a balance of emotion and to show what the family’s life was before the Alzheimer’s. I think the flashbacks also do a great job in establishing what Cassie and her father were saying goodbye to—the memories as a reminder of Kim’s (Cassie’s mom) energy and love for life.

MR: I know you’re familiar with the subject of Alzheimer’s Disease, but what kind of research did you have to do for this book? How did it affect your portrayal of Cassie’s mom? Of Cassie’s reactions to her mom’s disease?

SSM: Well, I mostly drew upon my experience with my dad. There are only a few ways early onset is different than other types of the disease. According to scientists, people who suffer from early onset have more of the brain changes that are linked to Alzheimer’s, and early onset is also linked to a defect in a certain part of a person’s DNA.

MR: Cassie’s mom, Kim, loves dolphins and swimming. I know you were a competitive swimmer back in the day (for 13 years!), but what’s the dolphin connection? Are you a dolphin lover, too?

SSM: In the story Kim’s best stroke was the butterfly, so I think I made the connection to dolphins that way. But I also found through research that dolphins have amazing memories. So, I thought someone’s love of dolphins and the fact they were suffering from Alzheimer’s was an interesting dynamic to explore.

MR: In addition to dealing with her mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Cassie is having friendship troubles with her ex-best friend, Bailey. Specifically, Cassie doesn’t feel able to talk to Bailey about her mom. As a teacher, what advice would you give to a middle-school student about talking to their friends about personally painful topics?

SSM: Friends can be a great support system. Sometimes when students are going through emotional issues at school, or at home, they just need a friend, or friends, to listen to them. But it’s also wise to have friends who will encourage you to reach out to an adult if you need help.

 

MR: As a teacher and a mom, I can only guess how hard it is for you to sneak in writing time. What’s your secret? Do you have a specific routine?

SSM: I do have a routine! I’m a morning person (thanks to getting up at four o’clock every morning in high school for swim practice), so I get up early to write. I usually set a goal—five hundred, a thousand words—and try to be as consistent with reaching that goal as I can.

What are you working on now, Sandy? Can you give us a teaser?

SSM: Right now, I’m working on a third middle-grade novel that’s based on something that happened to me—an experience that had a great impact on the way I see the world–when I was eight years old.

MR: And finally, since you and I are HUGE Golden Girls fans, I thought we’d finish this interview with—you guessed it, my friend—a GOLDEN GIRLS LIGHTENING ROUND! Are you game?

SSM: OH, YEAH!

Okay, here we go…

Dorothy, Blanche, Rose or Sophia? Rose.

Sicily or St. Olaf? St. Olaf.

Shady Pines or the Rusty Anchor? The Rusty Anchor.

Sophia’s lasagna or Rose’s beef tips on toast? I’m going with the lasagna.

Stanley Zbornak or Glenn O’Brien? Good ole Stanley.

Favorite guest star: George Clooney, Burt Reynolds, Sonny Bono, or Bob Hope? Burt Reynolds

“Johnny No Thumbs” or “Mr. Terrific”? Mr. Terrific!

Favorite episode? “Ladies of the Evening.”

It’s your birthday! Choose a gift: Rose’s piano-playing chicken, or “The Men of Blanche’s Boudoir” calendar? The chicken!

How do you like your cheesecake: Chocolate, or plain? Plain.

MR: Thanks for joining us on the Mixed-Up Files today, Sandy! I really loved your book and can’t wait to read the next one!

And now… a fabulous

GIVEAWAY!!!

Sandy has generously offered to gift a lucky reader with TWO autographed books; the paperback edition of EXTRAORDINARY BIRDS and a hardcover copy of THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND. Just comment on the blog for a chance to win!

SANDY STARK-McGINNIS was born in California. Early childhood dreams: Play quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams or work as a forest ranger. Instead, she became a teacher, a job she found deeply fulfilling. Currently, she teaches fifth grade, and is amazed and inspired by her students every day. She spends her time reading (of course), and traveling with her husband and two children. Sandy believes her thirteen years as a competitive swimmer trained her to have the discipline and perseverance to journey through a writing life. You can find Sandy at her website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

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Revisiting our childhood: Interview with Ike Eisenmann from Escape to Witch Mountain!

By on April 29, 2020   /   Author Interviews  

Hello Mixed-Up Filers!

I have to start by saying that this is quite possibly the most excited I’ve ever been for one of my interviews. Usually, when I conduct one, I ask people what their favorite childhood movie was, and I think the answer I’ve received most frequently is Escape to Witch Mountain, which was among my childhood faves as well.

So, the last time it came up in an interview, one of my friends, Jan Eldredge, the author of Evangeline of the Bayou, which is a great book by the way, so go pick it up, but anyway, she reached out to me and said that she happened to be friends with Ike Eisenmann, who played Tony in that movie.

Well, after an intense moment of jealousy, I asked Jan if Ike might be up for an interview for Mixed-Up Files. Within twenty minutes, Jan came back and told me that Ike would be happy to. So, we can all thank Jan and Ike for this great escape and chance to revisit one of our favorite childhood films!

Without further ado, come join me and welcoming Ike Eisenmann to Mixed-Up Files!

 

JR: Hi, Ike, and thanks for joining us today! I hope you’re staying safe during this time!

IE: It’s my pleasure, and yes, we are staying safe. My wife and I have only left the house once in the last two weeks and that was for groceries, which we won’t be doing again at this point. It’s tough, but we’re committed to doing our part to get us all through this devastating situation.

JR: I have to start by telling you that for our site, I conduct many interviews with children’s book authors, and always ask what their favorite childhood movie was, and one of the most frequent answers is Escape to Witch Mountain.

It was among my favorites as well, and probably a great influence for some of the things I like writing about. Before this interview, I went back and rewatched it, and it transported me right back to my childhood. I’m also pleased to say that my kids enjoyed it as well. What do you think it is about the film that so many people look back on it so fondly?

IE: Wow, I am so honored to hear that. Thank you. I really think it is a powerful coming of age story wrapped in the ultimate fantasy. I mean, what child doesn’t want to have special powers, especially over controlling adults? But what I hear the most is how it spoke to so many people who have struggled with their childhood issues. Childhood angst is difficult to deal with. I went through it myself. But finding out that this little movie made so many young people feel better, less like stranded aliens on a strange planet, that was an enlightening discovery for me. I often say that I never got to see the film for the first time. Being such an intimate part of its making, I was way too close to experience it objectively. It’s the fans that have taught me about its impact, and I couldn’t be prouder of that.

JR: As well you should. So, at what point did you realize that the film would prove to have an enduring appeal?

IE: I’d have to say it was when I started hearing those stories. At least ten years after it was released. What really cemented it for me was when Disney chose it as one of their first ten titles to be released on VHS back in the eighties. Considering the size of their library, that’s quite a vote of confidence. And it kept getting rereleased on DVD every few years. Then I started to realize it was here to stay.

JR: I’m pretty sure I was among the purchasers of that initial wave of VHS tapes. Had you read the book by Alexander Key prior to filming?

IE: Yes. As soon as I got the part, I read it. It is so dark and different from the Disney version. I really liked what the studio did with the story, but the book was a very interesting starting point.

JR: You had been in other things prior to Witch Mountain, but then you come into this Disney production, working alongside Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence, Denver Pyle, and Reta Shaw. What was that like for a young kid to be acting with some huge names from the industry?

IE: By that time, I had worked with some pretty big names. Ken Curtis, Susan Oliver, Mike Conners, and David Carradine. All stars I had been watching on television for years. But working with them, I just fell into a professional role. They were workmates to me and treated me with the same respect I had for them. So, even though the Witch Mountain cast had a bigger set of stars, it didn’t faze me. It was fun. It has always impressed me how much they want to get the work done right and rarely act like stars.

JR: Okay, I loved the movie, but seriously, as a kid, I was so angry at Mrs. Grindley for handing over Tony and Tia to Donald Pleasence’s character, Lucas Deranian, a little too easily. What was up with that?

IE: That’s very funny. I couldn’t agree more. Next to our telekinetic abilities, that was the biggest suspension of disbelief for me, even at that age. I think Kim played it very well with her reactions to the whole thing. But it barely sells the point.

JR: What are some anecdotes about the making of the film?

IE: There are a lot of anecdotes. I have written a memoir about my career in Hollywood in the seventies, and I cover Witch Mountain extensively. But I have two that I’ll share here. We had an incident during the battle between the bully, Truck, played by Dermott Downs, and me at the beginning of the film. When my character levitates the bat in the air to block Truck’s punch, Dermott actually struck the bat with his fist. It was hanging in the air by two strands of fishing line, so when he hit it, it swung into my face smacking me across the cheek. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way, but in all the excitement, Dermott made pretty hard contact with the bat instead of stopping short. If you watch the shot in slow motion you can see me recoil from the shock. I had a black eye for a week, but thankfully makeup was able to hide it.

JR: That’s pretty funny, but ouch. What’s the other one? 

IE: The mansion sequences in Carmel, California, were very interesting. The huge home was owned by George Stoll, a composer that did some of the music in the Wizard of Oz. He and his wife were quite eccentric, and their choice of pets accentuated that point. We were shooting a scene in the dining room when we started hearing a thudding sound coming through the stone walls. We had to break for lunch because the sound recordist could hear it over our dialog. It turned out to be their pet gorilla that occupied the floor below. He was throwing a tire around his room because he was hungry. They fed him and the noise finally stopped, but it was bizarre to say the least.

JR: If I had a nickel for every time someone mentioned an unruly pet gorilla during an interview . . . 

IE: Okay, one more. There’s another Wizard of Oz connection with the production. My stand in, Jerry Maren, was one of the members of the Lollypop Guild at the beginning of the film. My friends amusingly say that I’m one degree of separation from almost everyone in Hollywood.

JR: That’s fantastic, and also, I now have the Lollipop Guild song running through my mind. You and Kim Richards, who played your sister, Tia, came back for Return from Witch Mountain, where you also got to work with some heavy hitters in Bette Davis and Christopher Lee. What good stories can you share from that production?

I’m sorry to tease, but I’m saving my best Bette Davis story for my book. However, working with those mega stars was incredible. I count Anthony James as part of that group. The four of us worked so closely together that we became a little clique. Well, they did. I mostly stood by and eavesdropped on their conversations. All three of them were wickedly smart and joked constantly. Much of it was over my head but it was such an honor to be around them. Everyone was scared to death of Bette, and she took full advantage of that at times, snapping her fingers and making demands. They were not outrageous demands, she just liked to see people jump once in a while. And they did. But she and I got along very well. She imparted some sage wisdom on me that stuck and helped me define how I wanted to shape my own career. I had a great time with her.

JR: I can’t wait to read your memoir! Love hearing behind the scenes stories. You and Kim both had cameos in the 2009 remake, Race to Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson. How surreal was it to go back and see the filming of something that you’re so identified with, from a different vantage point?

IE: It was very surreal in several ways. First, I hadn’t been on camera in twenty-five years and I was incredibly nervous. But everyone made it so fun that I got over it quickly. Second, the entire cast and crew were all fans of the original film. When Kim and I arrived on set our first day we were inundated with people wanting to meet us and tell us how fondly they remembered the movie. Andy Fickman, the director, who was the biggest Witch Mountain geek of them all, told me they had to turn people down from working on the new film. A lot of people just wanted a chance to meet us. That doesn’t really happen in Hollywood. I was incredibly moved by the whole experience.

JR: That really is incredible, and I don’t blame any of them. There’s something about things from our childhoods which resonate so much more to us than anything else. If you come across the films now, do you still stop and watch?

IE: For years I did. It is always such a great trip down memory lane for me. But I had the videos on my screen while writing my book, and I watched each scene so many times that I probably hold the record for viewings. I think I will give it some time before I watch them again.

 

JR: I consider you Disney Royalty, do you still do promotional events for them?

IE: That’s quite a compliment. But no. I haven’t participated in any for the studio unless it was for a release of something. After the premiere of Race to Witch Mountain, Kim and I did a press junket promoting that film and a new DVD release of the original films; but that’s been the extent of it.

JR: I’m going to have to get on Disney to fix that! How often do you do events with Kim Richards?

IE: I’ve only done one event with her. The Chiller autograph convention in New Jersey in 2015. It was a huge show and we had a blast with the fans. Some very rare, dual-autographed Witch Mountain items came out of that show.

JR: I wish I could’ve been at that one! Somewhere, I had a picture with Kim Richards from a comic con, which I can’t find now. I aim to get one again, so, Kim, if you’re reading this, I need a replacement pic! Hopefully, I’ll get to see you at an event sometime. How often do you do them, and how are the fans with you?

IE: I did a number of shows from 2015 to 2016 and the fans were a joy to meet. They are always so busy telling me how much they appreciate the films I have been in that I hardly get a chance to tell them what they mean to me. Because of my small but infamous part in Star Trek II – The Wrath of Kahn, I was invited to Star Trek’s big 50th anniversary show in Las Vegas in 2016. That was really fun. I have the best time with Star Trek fans. It’s incredible to have a connection to so many people, and if an autographed picture makes their day, I’m only too happy to comply.

JR: Since we’re a site dedicated to Children’s books, what is your favorite book from your childhood?

IE: I dove into Ray Bradbury at a young age. The Martian Chronicles gripped my imagination. The first story remains my favorite short story ever. At less than a page, Rocket Summer filled my head with images that he didn’t even describe. Even the title of the story tells a story.

JR: And with all of us who look back so fondly at your movies, is there any movie from your childhood that you look at in that same way?

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, hands down. My favorite last line in a movie. I still weep when I hear it.

JR: Great movie. Another of my faves. What are you working on now?

IE: I’m in the middle of the query process with my memoir, but completing that manuscript resulted in a new writing addiction. So, I’m working on a fairy tale to keep my head busy while playing the waiting game. But after reading through this site, I realized that my approach to my memoir is very much like a middle grade story. Most of it takes place between the ages of nine and thirteen. I didn’t want to write a typical reflective memoir that had my grownup maturity comment on my childhood experiences. I wanted to create the character of Ike as a child and show my unique world through his eyes, putting the reader right there with me through the pressures and joys of my busy young career. I hope I have achieved that. It was quite challenging, and I have great respect for any writer working in this category.

JR: That really does sound amazing. And when it comes out, we’d love to have you back to discuss that or anything you want to discuss! How can people follow you on social media?                   

 IE: facebook.com/IkeEisenmann

 

JR: Ike, I can honestly say that this is one of the most fun times I’ve had doing an interview. I thank you again for joining us!

IE: Thank you for inviting me. This was great fun, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions

 

Well, Mixed-Up Filers, I hope you enjoyed that trip to our childhoods with Ike Eisenmann as much as I did. 

Until next time . . . 

Jonathan

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Meet the Creators of DC’s Newest MG Duo: An Interview and Giveaway

By on April 23, 2020   /   Articles, Author Interviews  

AntiHero CoverWelcome back, Mixed-Up Filers.

Today, we’re chatting with the creators of the newly released Anti-Hero from DC Comics, authors Kate Karyus Quinn and Demitria Lunetta and illustrator, Maca Gil. Thank you all for joining us today!

My first question is for all of you. Can you tell us a little bit about Anti-Hero?

Kate and Demitria: Anti/Hero is the story two 13-year-old girls. Sloane thinks she’s a villain and Piper very badly wants to be a superhero. The girls end up battling over the same stolen object, an experimental scientific device. When the device accidentally powers on, the girls switch bodies. Now Sloane and Piper must learn to work together – or risk destroying each other.

Maca: It’s also super sweet but packed with fun and crazy action involving chases, drones and giant mutant creatures. It’s pretty cool.

Another question for the group. Hummingbird and Gray are completely new characters in the DC Universe? What was the process of creating them like?

Kate and Demitria: It was amazing! To add new characters to the DC Universe is a “when lightning strikes” sort of opportunity. How often does it happen? And to be able to add two new amazing female characters is even better!

When creating them, though, we weren’t really thinking about them as DC characters. Instead, we wanted two create two multifaceted girls whose problems our readers could relate to and understand.

 

 

Maca: I think if I ever see anyone cosplaying Piper or Sloane my heart is going to melt off of my chest. This has been an amazing opportunity and I’m so happy I got to do it with this team.

Kate and Demitria, what was the process of co-writing like? Did you each choose a character’s point-of-view to write from?

Kate lives in Western New York and Demitria is in Wisconsin, so we wrote long distance, communicating via text, email, and the occasional phone call. In between all

that back and forth we wrote the script by constantly passing it back and forth. Kate would write a bit then send it to Demitria. Demitria would tweak what Kate wrote and add a bit more. Then back to Kate, to okay or change again what Demitria changed on her stuff, read what Demitria added, and then add a bit more. In the end, both are our fingerprints are on every single sentence.

Also for Kate and Demitria, there’s a lot of emphasis on family throughout the story. Was that something that you wanted to focus on early on? Or did it develop out of the body switching plotline?

We definitely wanted to focus on family, because it shaped so much of who the girls are and how they experience the world around them. Piper, despite her parents being absent, has a really strong and supportive family unit. Sloane, on the other hand, has a loving Mom, but because of work she isn’t around much. And Sloane’s grandfather…well, he’s definitely not the type of role-model you’d want a kid to have.

Maca, how did you come up with the costumes for each girl’s alter-ego?

Piper loves fashion and wearing crazy colors, she is strong and full of energy. The visual cues that represent her have to be dynamic and striking. Sloane, on the other hand, is a lot calmer and hates to stand out. Visually she has long vertical lines (her hair and her height help with this!) and she loves black. When I came into the project Kate and Demitria had written such rich and alive characters that designing them was a treat. They also get even cooler costume design as the story progresses; I can’t wait for you all to see.

Also for Maca, I saw (and loved) your Batgirl illustration on Burnside. Have you always been a DC comics fan? Are there any easter eggs that readers should keep an eye out for?

Thank you! Admittedly, I only started once I was out of college and a bit older, but so many women characters in the DC universe grew on me so much and so fast. Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Batgirl! There are so many amazing ones, and their designs and stories are so iconic. I would completely die for Piper and Sloane to have a crossover with some of them someday.

For Demitria and Kate, this is your first MG novel. How does writing for MG differ for writing for YA and adult audiences? Also, it’s your first graphic novel. So, how did that process differ?

Writing MG was so fun because we were allowed to really let our silly and playful sides let loose. Both of us tend to write YA with darker themes, so it was really fun to play in this world where even at their worst—things were a little lighter.

Is there anything else about the story that any of you would like to share?

Kate and Demitria: We had to come up with an MG safe expletive for Sloane to use and decided on Zooterkins. We would love to see it catch on!

Maca: So many pancakes get eaten throughout this story. I had to stand up and make some for myself a couple of times due to having to think about them so much.

(Honestly, same. I definitely made some pancakes after reading this.) What’s the best piece of creative advice that you’ve received that you’d like to pass on to other writers and artists?

Kate: Even when you want to quit—don’t. Just keep writing. Or creating whatever you create.

Demitria: Writers need to read! Anything you can get your grabby little hands on.

Maca: Copy and study your favorite artists, but do it properly! As long as you keep your inspiration sources diverse, your product will end up being uniquely yours because of your own sensibilities, strengths and limitations.

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

Kate: I hate horror movies. They literally terrify me.

Demitria: I make no secret of my dorkiness, but sometimes it still surprises people.

 Maca: I have played over 400 hours of Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Who is your favorite DC character (apart from the ones you’ve created)?

Kate: Wonder Woman!

Demitria: Batman!

MeetMaca: Batgirl of Burnside <3

What are you working on next?

Kate and Demitria: Hopefully more MG graphic novels!

Maca: I’m currently storyboarding for a feature film, but I can’t wait to do more comic books.

How can people follow you on social media?

Kate: I’m @KateKaryusQuinn on both Instagram and Twitter or you can visit my website www.KateKaryusQuinn.com

Demitria: I’m @DemitriaLunetta and my site is www.demitrialunetta.com

Maca: I’m @macagil on Instagram!

Thank you so much for the interview!

 

AntiHero is out now! Get your copy here or try your luck in our give-away!

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