Posts Tagged monster stories

The Witching Hour: Interview with Author Jordan Kopy

Jordan Kopy headshot as a witchFor Halloween, we have the perfect author interview with Jordan Kopy, author of the Theodora Hendrix series. Not only is Jordan’s favorite time to write midnight—the witching hour—but she’s here to talk about her latest middle-grade novel, Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle, which is set at Halloween in a haunted mansion with members of the Monstrous League of Monsters (MLM) and one human girl, Theodora. So, how did a human girl end up surrounded by scary creatures and with a Mummy for a Mom? And how did a cursed beetle end up in the mansion? And what problems will it cause? Are you curious? Me too!

Although you’ll have to read the book to find answers to some of those questions, I was also curious about the author, so I’ve asked Jordan a lot of questions to find out how she comes up with such spooky ideas.

Hi, Jordan, so happy to have you with us today. I hope you’re ready for a trick-or-treat bag full of questions. Here’s the first:

Did you have any childhood dreams? If so, did they come true?

I always dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. I practically lived at the dance studio when I was growing up. Unfortunately, an ankle injury put an end to those aspirations. I then wanted to be an actress – but life had other plans for me!Jordan dancing

Did you love to read as a child? If so, can you tell us some favorite books?

I did! My nose was always stuck in a book. As far as some of my favorites, I adored anything by Roal Dahl – Matilda in particular – and Tamora Pierce’s Alana adventures. I also devoured the Harry Potter series and the Goosebumps series respectively.

What was an early experience where you learned that written language had power?

What a great question! When I was five years old, my mom read me a picture book we’d picked up from the library. I can’t recall the title, only that it was beautifully illustrated and that it told the tale of two troll best friends. In the end, one sacrifices himself to save the other. A beautiful flower grew in the spot where the first troll died, which the remaining troll lovingly tended to for the rest of his days. By the time my mom had finished, I was sobbing. I couldn’t stop! So, that experience certainly stands out as the moment where I learned that the written language has power.

What was your biggest fear when you were young? Did you get over it?

I used to be petrified of sharks. There were many years where I flat-out refused to dip so much as a toe in the ocean. I’m mostly past it now – though I do still get a wee bit anxious going into the water unless its crystal clear!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To take more chances – to not be so afraid of failing that you never take any risks.

Would you be willing to share an embarrassing elementary school moment?

Presented without comment.Jordan in Dare T-shirt

Is your past woven into the story? If so, how?

Only bits and pieces: like Theodora, I was very much a misfit when I was growing up and had a tough time making friends. Similarly, I share Theodora’s distaste of “rules for rules’ sake”… And I also tend to disregard these! So, those aspects of the story stem from my own history. But beyond those two instances, this tale is very much Theodora’s own.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I first considered becoming a writer when I was around 22. By 23, I knew I wanted to be one! I had been working in finance for about a year at that point. The hours were long and grueling, so attending dance classes or participating in local theater was out. Still aching to do something creative, I decided to try my hand at writing. The rest is history!

What drew you to writing?

The same thing that drew me to ballet and to acting – escapism! I love entering a new world, meeting a new character…the brilliant thing about being a writer is that you not only get to disappear into these things; you get to create them! It’s very, very cool.

What is your favorite and/or most challenging part of being a writer?

My favorite part about being a writer is the moment when I’m working on a new idea and the pieces begin to click into place. When I eventually come up for air, it’s not unusual for me to find that several hours have passed – that’s when I know that I’ve come up with something worth pursuing. My least favorite part of being a writer is facing the rejection which inherently accompanies a career in the arts – the highs are so high, but the lows are so low. This industry definitely requires a thick skin!

Have you had any careers besides writing?

I have – I previously worked in financial services for thirteen years.

Jordan and her little sister dressed up for Halloween

Jordan and her little sister dressed up for Halloween

How did you come up with the idea for Theodora Hendrix?

My mom was visiting me, and we were watching one of our favorite films, My Cousin Vinny. The actor who played the judge, Fred Gwynne, also played Herman Munster on The Munsters, a television show from the ‘60s. My mom pointed out this fact repeatedly – at least a dozen times – which must have stuck with me, because the next morning I woke up with an idea for a story about a human girl being raised by a family of monster superheroes. I jumped out of bed, grabbed my laptop, and began to write. Two hours later, I had written the opening chapters of what would become my debut novel!

What inspired you to write about a human girl among monsters?

I love a “fish out of water” tale, so when the idea for a story about a little girl growing up with a family of monster superheroes popped into my head (see above!), I couldn’t wait to dive in. I had so much fun creating the various monsters and thinking about what it might be like to live in a mansion-full of them: normally, we think of the monsters as the strange ones, but in Theodora’s case, she’s the odd one!

Are the characters based on anyone you know?

Not really. I might borrow certain characteristics here and there from people I know, but I don’t tend to model my characters after them. For me, a lot of the fun in writing is in imagining what could be, versus what is – I don’t want too much of my “real” life to infiltrate the fantasy!

Did you have pets while growing up or now that made their way into the story?

Camy the cat in a vampire costume

Camy in her vampire costume

I had many pets while I was growing up: hamsters, fish, cats, dogs…I miss them all dearly. Sometimes, they do make their way into my stories: I had a clever black cat, Mischief, who appeared as (a magical version of) himself in my first, unpublished manuscript. And my current cat, a lovable but naughty Maine Coon named Camy, is the inspiration for Bandit, a masked vampire cat, in the Theodora Hendrix series.

What gave you the idea to focus on Egyptian artifacts and curses? And did you have to do research?

While I was drafting the first book in the series, I especially enjoyed writing the character of Mummy. In addition to being Theodora’s – well, mummy, she’s also a fierce warrior who runs the Monstrous League of Monsters’ Reform School. For the series’ second book, I wanted to explore Mummy’s backstory – just how did she come to possess such a unique and impressive assortment of skills? – and that’s where ancient Egypt came in. I loved learning about different mythologies when I was growing up, so it was a great deal of fun to revisit some of those stories!

Since the book features a Halloween party, can you share any holiday traditions or foods you enjoy at Trick or Treat time?

My favorite Halloween tradition is watching Hocus Pocus on the final Saturday night in October. Every October, my husband and I watch Halloween-themed movies all month long, but we always save Hocus Pocus for last. It’s such a great, campy film!

Can you tell us a little about the other books in the series?

Sure! Book One is Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters, Cover for the book Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsterswhere we first meet Theodora and her monster family. We’re also introduced to Dexter Adebola, Theodora’s first-ever human friend; Ms. Frumple, Theodora’s horrible head teacher; an evil villain who shall not be named – yet; and a mysterious narrator. The final and third installment is Theodora Hendrix and the Snare of the Shadowmongers. It sees Theodora and Dexter going on a grand adventure in New York City, where they meet a slew of new monsters – some of which have the terrifying ability to destroy other monsters’ powers and to give humans unending nightmares for life. In the end, Theodora uncovers the truth about her human parents and just why it was that they abandoned her in a haunted graveyard some ten years earlier.Cover of book: Theodora Hendrix and the Snare of the Shadowmongers

Is there anything more you’d like to share about this book?

I had such a blast writing it – and I hope you all have a blast reading it, too!

The novel has so many funny moments, do you have any tips for writing humor?

Thank you very much! The best tip I have is to be yourself – what do you think is funny? If you’re laughing at what you write, there’s a good chance that your readers might as well. I also find it helpful to consider the following:

  1. Know your audience. Different age groups will find different things funny, so it’s important to keep who you’re writing for in mind.
  2. Try different techniques. Satire and irony might work well in one scene or story, while slapstick might be more effective in another. Others still might benefit from unexpected twists, hyperbole, puns, wordplay etc.
  3. Don’t force it. If the humor feels contrived, or if the timing or the context is off, the joke might fall flat. In that case, it might be better to hold off; not every scene or story requires humor in order to be effective.

Did you leave anything out of this book that you wish you could have included? If so, what?

No, I don’t think so!

Cover for the book Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed BeetleWhat do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers walk away from this book and think, wow, that was so much fun! I also hope that young readers, especially those who might identify as misfits (I’m with you!), walk away feeling encouraged that the traits which others might view as “unique” are the very things which make them special – and which true friends will appreciate.

Illustrator Chris Jevons created the humorous art. Did you have any input into the character design or scenes?

Chris is unbelievably talented – I’m so lucky that our publisher paired us up! We worked closely in terms of character and setting design: I’m a very visual writer, so I make a point of including descriptive language in my prose. When we were first starting out, I pulled that verbiage into a “character description” document and shared it with Chris so that he had an idea of each character’s major characteristics; it’s super important that the artwork matches the text – otherwise, readers might get confused. We were both thrilled with the end result! I would love to work with him again someday.

Do you have any message or advice for the teachers and parents who will be sharing your book with their students and families?

I wanted to tell the story of a young misfit who was beginning to find her voice – and building the confidence to use it: I’m passionate about empowering young girls and women to speak up for what they believe in. I’m also passionate about encouraging children to appreciate each other’s differences, and I hope this also comes across in Theodora’s various friendships with humans and monsters alike. In addition to these, there’s also a theme of found families, which the series makes a point to celebrate.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on two very different manuscripts: the first is another middle grade comedy-horror while the second is a dark young adult contemporary fantasy. I’m having tons of fun writing both!

We also asked Jordan a few random questions:

Can you share your favorite game or toy from childhood/middle school days?

Scrabble! I used to play with my late grandfather – I only beat him once!

Did you ever run away from home?

No way, I was too much of a scaredy-cat for that!

When do you like to write?

I’ll write whenever, wherever! But my favorite time to write is at midnight, the witching hour: it feels like the whole world is asleep except for me (and maybe Camy) …My imagination really seems to come alive in those quieter, moonlit moments.

Ooo… that makes me shiver. If you want more thrills and chills, be sure to pick up a copy of Jordan Kopy’s latest book.

About Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle:

If you think monsters don’t exist, just ask Theodora Hendrix. The second in a brilliantly funny new series, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang.
 
After facing down an evil hag, a thieving skele-crow and an army of the undead, ten-year-old Theodora Hendrix is certain she can handle anything – that is, until she meets the unpleasant Inspector Shelley and her even more unpleasant pet rat. Shelley and Ratsputin have come to spy on the MLM, and are determined to make trouble at every turn. Then Theodora makes a discovery of her own: a cursed beetle. She needs to destroy it without attracting the attention of the inspector – and fast. The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Theodora fails, her beloved monster family will rot in the dankest, darkest prisons of Transylvania. . .

About Jordan Kopy

Jordan Kopy is a born and raised New Yorker who now lives in London with her husband and poorly behaved (but lovable) cat. A financial services professional by day (no idea how that happened), Jordan spends her nights with ghouls, witches, and the occasional evil hag. She’s the author of the Theodora Hendrix middle grade series. For more information, follow her on Instagram @Jordan_Kopy or find her on her website at JordanKopy.com.

August 30 is National Frankenstein Day!

Mary Shelley, the author of the classic novel Frankenstein, was born on August 30, 1797. Each year, she and her famous monster are celebrated on this day. Have you ever worn a Frankenstein costume for Halloween? That’s a celebration, too. If you’d like to learn more about the author who created this iconic monster, click here to read/listen to a brief biography or here to read about the original story.

Today’s post offers stories of all monster types. Ghosts, zombies, Sasquatch, mummies, myterious beings, a Frankensteinian dog, and something called a Grabber. Enjoy!

The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien.  320 ps.

frankenstein day august 30

Everyone knows Fall Hollow is haunted. It has been ever since Abigail Snook went into the woods many years ago, never to be seen again. Since then, it’s traditional for the sixth graders at Beckett Elementary to play the Bellwoods Game on Halloween night. Three kids are chosen to go into the woods. Whoever rings the bell in the woods first wins the game and saves the town for another year, but if Abigail’s ghost captures the players first, the spirit is let loose to wreak havoc on Fall Hollow … or so the story goes.

Now that it’s Bailee’s year to play, she can finally find out what really happens. Legend has it the game’s winner gets a wish. Maybe, just maybe, if Bailee wins, she can go back to the way things were before her grandma got sick and everyone at school started hating her. But when the night begins, everything the kids thought they knew about the game—and each other—is challenged. One thing’s for sure: something sinister is at play, waiting for them in the woods.

Black Sand Beach: Are You Afraid of the Light?  by Richard Fairgray. 192 ps. GN frankenstein day august 30

Twelve-year-old Dash and his best friend Lily are spending the summer at Black Sand Beach, where Dash’s family has a house. Lily can’t understand why Dash isn’t more excited. Three months of surf, sun, and sand. It should be a dream!

But Black Sand Beach is not that sort of vacation spot. The house is a shack, and all of Dash’s weird relatives are there. More alarming is the zombie ram that crashes through the front yard and the eerie voices calling out to Dash from the lighthouse … a lighthouse that hasn’t been operational in a hundred years.

Now, Dash has a new plan for his summer vacation … survival.

The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes. 224 ps.

frankenstein day august 30Rafael Fuentes does not scare easily. He loves writing ghost stories, reading scary books, and entertaining his friends with terrifying tales he creates on the spot. Rafa has come up against enough real-life scary situations that fictional hauntings seem like no big deal. His incarcerated mom is being released from jail soon, and will be coming to live with him, his sister, and their grandparents. For the first time in a while, Rafa feels a pit of fear growing in his stomach.

To take his mind off his mom’s return, Rafa spends an evening crafting the scariest ghost story he’s ever told. As an eerie blood moon hangs in the sky, Rafa tells a group of friends about The Caretaker, an evil ghost who lures unsuspecting kids into the neighborhood pond never to return. Rafa is proud of his latest creation, until strange things start happening around him. With a sinking feeling, Rafa realizes the Caretaker is real. Rafa brought the ghost to life―and only he can stop him.

Frankenstein’s Dog by R. L. Stine. 160 ps. frankenstein day august 30

Kat is reluctant to visit her uncle Vic Frankenstein because of all the rumors about him. However, she’s relieved to find that even though he lives in a dark, old castle-like mansion, Uncle Vic is a quiet, gentle man. A scientist interested in building robots with artificial intelligence. Plus, Kat loves Poochie, Vic’s small, adorable, fluffy white dog. Unfortuantely, an accident occurs in her uncle’s lab causing strange things to happen. Has Kat created a monster? Or is something else responsible for the unleashed horror?

The Ghosts of Nameless Island by Carly Anne West. 304 ps.

frankenstein day august 30After his dad goes missing and his mom gets a job restoring an old building called Rotham Manor, twelve-year-old Gus Greenburg and his mom move to a quaint, secluded island called Nameless. Although Gus was hoping for a new start on the island (despite throwing up twice on the boat ride there), a mysterious ghost has another idea.

Throw in a mean kid who hides rats in the manor, two new friends, an eclectic island chef who’s competing to be on a reality TV show, and Gus’s power to talk to the dead . . . yikes, that’s a lot of chaos for one kid!

Gus needs to find out the identity of the mysterious ghost – and fast – or else he might be doomed to the same lethal fate. That is, if the island’s signature “Heavenly Hash” dish doesn’t get to him first.

The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf. 288 ps. frankenstein day august 30

I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.

Suraya’s witchy grandmother gifts her a pelesit. Delighted, she names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable.

Unfortunately, Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive before being lost to the darkness.

The Lonely Lake Monster by Suzanne Selfors. 240 ps.

frankenstein day august 30Pearl Petal and Ben Silverstein can’t wait for their first official day as apprentices to Dr. Woo, veterinarian for imaginary creatures. That is until they have to clip Sasquatch’s toenails. Gross!

Soon after, Pearl spots a monster in the lake behind the hospital. Even though the instructions were to not leave the building for any reason, Pearl sets off for a closer look, with Ben trailing cautiously behind.

The outing goes awry when the creature captures Ben and holds him hostage on an island in the middle of the lake. It’s up to Pearl to hatch a rescue mission. Will she save the day or cement her reputation as the town troublemaker? And will the hospital’s secret patient be able to help?

The Monstrous Adventures of Mummy Man and Waffles by Steve Behling. 288 ps. frankenstein day august 30

Eleven-year-old Wen Wyler (aka Waffles) is forced to spend the summer in Maine with his grandpa, a former Hollywood makeup and special effects artist for classic horror films. Ever seen The Beast with a Thousand Toes, Glaarg!? Or its sequel, Glaarg! Again!?  If so, then you might be familiar with his work.

Wen, a horror movie enthusiast, decides to go when he finds out that for part of the summer he’ll be helping his grandpa sort and organize his basement filled with props. Grandpa’s young neighbor, Tanya, will be helping, too. Together the two dig in until Wen accidentally brings one of the props to life.

Mummy Man is a good guy. Not so the other creatures. It’s up to Wen, Tanya, and Mummy Man (and his pet turtle, Frank) to stop the creatures from turning the town into the headquarters for an all-out monster invasion.

No Place for Monsters by Kory Merritt. 384 ps.

frankenstein day august 30Levi and Kat are about to discover a very dark side to their neighborhood.

Nothing ever seems out of place in the safe, suburban town of Cowslip Grove. Neatly mowed lawns, tidy sidewalks, and ice cream truck music in the air. Nonetheless, kids have been going missing … except no one even realizes it, because no one remembers them.

Not their friends. Not their teachers. Not even their families.

But Levi and Kat do remember, and suddenly only they can see why everyone is in terrible danger when the night air rolls in. Now it’s up to Levi and Kat to fight it and save the missing kids before it swallows the whole town.

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn. 160 ps. GNfrankenstein day august 30

Diana and her little brother, Georgie, know every inch of the land around the old Willis place, a crumbling mansion that some say is haunted. They climb the trees and swim in the pond. And they can do whatever they want, even stay up all night. They don’t have to change their clothes, brush their hair, or go to school. They have total freedom–as long as they don’t leave the grounds.

When Lissa arrives with her father, the new caretaker of the estate, Diana is overjoyed. She’s been wishing for a friend she can show her favorite spots to and share her favorite books. Maybe Lissa can even help her uncover the ghastly secret of the creepy old Willis house.

However, rules must be followed in order to keep the peace. Making friends is forbidden. If Diana makes contact with Lissa, she could unleash evil forces beyond her control . . . and then they’ll all be sorry.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker. 336 ps.

frankenstein day august 30The haunting season has arrived in the Antler Wood. No fox kit is safe.

When Mia and Uly become separated from their litters, they discover a dangerous world full of monsters. In order to find a den to call home, they must venture through field and forest, facing unspeakable things that dwell in the darkness: a zombie who hungers for their flesh, a witch who tries to steal their skins, a ghost who hunts them through the snow . . . and other things too scary to mention.

Featuring eight interconnected stories and sixteen hauntingly beautiful illustrations, Scary Stories for Young Foxes contains the kind of adventures and thrills you love to listen to beside a campfire in the dark of night. Fans of Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Auxier, and R. L. Stine have found their next favorite book.

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. 256 ps. frankenstein day august 30

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie, who only finds solace in books, discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with “the smiling man”—a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when, during a school trip, she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she’s been reading about. Later, when her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: “Best get moving. At nightfall they’ll come for the rest of you.” Nightfall descends quickly when Ollie’s previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. When the trio head out into the woods—bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them—the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: “Avoid large places. Keep to small.”

Where the Woods End by Charlotte Salter. 304 ps.

frankenstein day august 30Kestrel, a young huntress, lives in a seemingly endless forest crawling with dangerous beasts. But the most dangerous beasts of all are the Grabbers, beings born at the same time you are. They stalk you throughout your life, waiting for the perfect moment to snatch and eat you. No one has ever defeated their Grabber once attacked, and those that die from accidents or other creatures are considered “lucky.”

Kestrel’s mother, a powerful and controlling spell-caster, instructs her to hunt down the Grabbers in an effort to protect their village in the forest. Accompanied by Pippit, a hilariously bloodthirsty weasel, Kestrel hones her skills as she searches for a way out of the forest and away from the judgmental villagers who despise her. But her own Grabber is creeping ever closer, and nothing in this forest is what it seems … including her mother’s true motivations.

Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White. 256 ps. frankenstein day august 30

Meet the Sinister-Winterbottoms: brave Theo, her timid twin Alexander, and their older sister Wil. This summer, they’re under Aunt Saffronia’s care and she knows nothing about how often children eat or how to use a smartphone. And her feet never quite touch the floor when she glides—er—walks.

When Aunt Saffronia suggests a week pass to the Fathoms of Fun Waterpark, they quickly agree, but the park is even stranger than Aunt Saffronia. The waterslides look like gray gargoyle tongues. The employees wear creepy black dresses and deliver ominous messages. An impossible figure is at the top of the slide tower, people are disappearing, and suspicious goo seeps into the wave pool.

Something mysterious is happening at Fathoms of Fun. It’s up to the twins to get to the bottom of it. The mystery, that is. NOT the wave pool. Definitely NOT the wave pool. But are Theo and Alexander out of their depth?

Are you feeling the vibes of Frankenstein yet? If you’d like more monstrous stories, take a look at this post.