Patricia Puddle's Author Interview (in South American Rainforest Indy Jones Style)
with Chrissy Peebles
Here's my weird and wonderful interview with one of my favourite authors, Chrissy Peebles. And would you believe it takes place in the South American Rainforest - Indiana Jones Style - Cyberspace of course.
***
Hi Chrissy. What on earth have you got me into, dragging me into a cyberspace version of the South American Rainforest? You know I'm allergic to insects. Ouch! *Splat!* That mosquito was enormous and it just bit me.
Hugh? Are we going on a treasure hunt for Indy’s golden idol? *birds squawk, insects buzz, mist swirls, and sunlight streams through the rainforest canopy*
Well. I only took a cyber-train, cyber-plane, cyber- jeep, cyber-canoe and sailed down a cyber-river loaded with piranhas, hippos, and crocs. But anything to promote your book, right? *big grin* You owe me girl. I'm covered in cyber-bites.
*Motions around* Oh, don't be such a meanie bum, I thought this would be the perfect spot for the spirit of my book since it takes place in the jungle. Anyway, I just read your new book that's coming out any time soon. And it was full of gross stuff. I could hardly eat my dinner with some of the things Aunt Mabel cooked for that Pollyweena kid. So you owe me, Patricia Puddle.
*Smacks giant blowfly* Okay, okay, you don't have to shove me. I'll do it, I'll pretend it's great to be here on your stupid little expedition, but I’m allergic to insects, eww. I hope we find the hidden temple, and soon. *Big sigh* So let’s start this interview, shall we? Go ahead tell me about your book.
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I’d love too. My book is called Agartha's Castaway. Three teenagers are shipwrecked in a strange tropical jungle…hey, kind of like this one.
Yipes! Uh, oh. I read your book. There better not be T-rexes in this jungle. Anyway, how does your novel differ from all the other YA books out there?
I think what makes the novel unique and different is the way it crosses dinosaurs with UFOs. It’s kind of like Jurassic Park MEETS Independence Day with Twilight-like romance. The genre is young adult fantasy, lots of adventure and light sci-fi.
I love the genre-bending. What's the blurb?
The dream vacation that might just turn deadly...
Seventeen-year-old Casey Smith can't wait to embark on her summer vacation, not least because she's finally shed her tomboy image and lost her baby fat, and now heartthrob Mike seems interested. What starts out great with lots of hot flirting taking her a step closer to winning her crush's heart soon turns into her worst nightmare.
Tossed out to sea during a freak storm, Casey is washed up on what she presumes to be a mysterious tropical island that's on no map she's ever seen. Soon she discovers that being lost is the least of her worries.
In a world that should never even exist, to save the ones she loves, Casey needs to win the war between good and evil...even if it means losing her own life in the process.
That sounds fabulous! So what’s your favorite movie song?
The dream vacation that might just turn deadly...
Seventeen-year-old Casey Smith can't wait to embark on her summer vacation, not least because she's finally shed her tomboy image and lost her baby fat, and now heartthrob Mike seems interested. What starts out great with lots of hot flirting taking her a step closer to winning her crush's heart soon turns into her worst nightmare.
Tossed out to sea during a freak storm, Casey is washed up on what she presumes to be a mysterious tropical island that's on no map she's ever seen. Soon she discovers that being lost is the least of her worries.
In a world that should never even exist, to save the ones she loves, Casey needs to win the war between good and evil...even if it means losing her own life in the process.
That sounds fabulous! So what’s your favorite movie song?
It’s…uh, Trish, why are you staring at me like that?
Oh, what, this get up? I’m Indy. *Smiles and cracks a whip* Well, this outfit sure goes along with my favorite movie song--Indiana Jones. I also like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Neverending Story. They're also my favorite movies too!
Well, um, Chrissy, I’m trying not to stare but you’re wearing a rough, snapped brim brown fedora, safari clothes, boots, and a leather coat. I always knew you were a little weirdo like me.
Oh, what, this get up? I’m Indy. *Smiles and cracks a whip* Well, this outfit sure goes along with my favorite movie song--Indiana Jones. I also like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Neverending Story. They're also my favorite movies too!
Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? *Thunder cracks in the distance complete with pouring rain and flashing lightning.*
Oh, poo! My hair is wet now. And so is our map! Oh, well I'll sing you the theme song to Indiana Jones, then. *smiles* I always knew you liked to sing, and you’re awesome, but could you try to sing a little bit better. You sound like Pollyweena Grubble, the MC in my upcoming children’s book. Her singing is so bad, she is asked to mime.
Oh, poo! My hair is wet now. And so is our map! Oh, well I'll sing you the theme song to Indiana Jones, then. *smiles* I always knew you liked to sing, and you’re awesome, but could you try to sing a little bit better. You sound like Pollyweena Grubble, the MC in my upcoming children’s book. Her singing is so bad, she is asked to mime.
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| Pollyweena Grubble singing. It isn't pretty. |
Ha, ha. Hey,your mascara is running.
Duh! We’re having an interview in the rain in the middle of the jungle aren’t we? I guess I’d have to say my imagination and humor.
What?
*Adjusts wide-brimmed fedora* Why I give the best shots in the world.
What? And you’re proud of that?
Well, yeah! Giving shots with no pain is a skilled craft. I swear I’ve given 5,000 of them in my nursing career.
Concrete floors are very hard to crack!
Trust me.
How about if you could be one of the characters from Lost?
Yep, we’re going in! So channel your “inner Laura Croft”. Or distract yourself by giving me the next question. *carries torch as she walks up the twisting, narrow passage from the main entrance.
*It’s wet, dark, and hanging with plants and stalactites. Whistling drafts and dripping water fill the air*
*Gasps* Oh my gosh, Trish, there's a big, hairy tarantula crawling up on my arm.
Dually noted!
Here's a torch, Trish. Wave it at anything that slithers.
Snakes. Why'd it hafta be snakes?
Stop! Stay out of the light.
Why?
*Chrissy waves her hand across a beam of light* I'll show you.
*CLANG! Giant spikes spring together* Eeeeuuuew! I had to jump out of the way then. I think I hate booby traps even more!
Hey! Like you told me, don't be a baby.
*Points* But there's a skeleton impaled on that spike! We can’t go any further.
Now, Trish, we don't want to be discouraged by every little thing.
Okay, now you sound like the famous Indiana Jones himself. Okay, we need to be extra careful. And we really need to get on with this interview. Burger King or McDonalds?
I like the loaded Whopper better than the Big Mac and- *lets out long scream*
*Without warning Chrissy and Trish fall down a set of narrow stairs.*
Ouch! Shine the torch down here, will ya Chrissy? I think I broke something. *shines torch downward as two idiots scream* The floor is covered in human skeletons! I wanna go home. It’s dark, there’s spiders…and human bones. *crunching with each step* I’m not sure I’m liking your fantasy. So what made you become a fantasy writer anyway?
I love all genres. But to me, there’s no greater genre than fantasy. I also love that in fantasy I can push the envelope outside normal boundaries.
Push the envelope? Well, you certainly do that in all of your stories. And even here in real life, like bringing me out here to die in some dirty, old temple.
Why wouldn't it? Keep me distracted by asking more questions. *makes the switch and grabs the idol*
Vampires or werewolves?
Definitely vampires. I have a thing for boys who sparkle. And even for vampires who don't sparkle. Look below! : )
*The cave rumbles and shakes* Hey! The swap didn’t work Chrissy! Everything's caving in around us!
Oops! Guess I didn't calculate the weight right!
*glares at Chrissy* Guess you didn't!
*a huge boulder (form-fitted perfectly to the passageway) speeds toward us* Uh, Trish, we have another little problem. *Gulps*
Little?
Oh, crap! Runaway boulder. Run, Trish, run!
*Trish runs like hell.* You bloody idiot. I knew I shouldn’t have come here. What? You’re trying to kill me and I haven’t even published my next book yet. Goodonya! *Boulder passes by. *runs out of cave, brushing off dirt and pulling twigs out of her hair* That was close Chrissy! Let’s move on to the next question so I can get out of this nightmare. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Galapagos Islands. You can swim with giant mantas, turtles, dolphins, tuna, sea lions, and let’s not forget about the 32 species of sharks! White tip reef sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks, and large schools of hammerhead sharks swim throughout the clear waters.
Yipes! What about sharks? You're not scared of sharks?
No way. I think I’m more likely to be killed by lightning or a bee sting than by a shark attack. Swimming with sharks would be such a blast!
Yipes! *Native warriors in full battle paint carry long blow guns. A white man named Belloq dressed in safari gear speaks with a French accent.*
“Chrissy, again we see that there is nothing you can possess that I can not take away," said Belloq. "And you thought I had given up."
*Chrissy rolls eyes and hands Belloq the idol*
"You choose the wrong friends. This time it will cost you,” said Belloq.
“Chrissy, who is this weasel?” asks Trish.
“My competitor, stupid.”
“So, Chrissy,” said Belloq. “I have an interview question for you. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Chrissy bites lip. “Super strength to kick your butt.”
Chrissy (eyeing the natives) “Too bad the Hovitos don't know you like I do, Belloq.”
(smiles) “Yes, too bad. You could warn them...if only you spoke Hovitos.”
Chrissy and Trish exchange a glance. *they bolt into the jungle as a rainstorm of poison darts and spears pass over their heads*
Yipes! Chrissy, You never told me this interview would entail running for my life! You know I’m a big coward and scaredy cat.
Sorry Trish. *angry yells radiate from the jungle* Jump into the river! *hands Trish a leafy vine*
Yeah, let that fish go and move your butt! Start those engines!!!!!
*Chrissy and Trish swim to the seaplane! More arrows whiz past head as Trish climbs onto plane*
Why did I agree to do this interview with you? *Trish helps to pull Chrissy up*
*Trish pushes Chrissy* “Always”, bestest friend, but I don’t know why. We didn’t even get the golden idol.
Plane speeds off over the jungle. Phew! Now that we're back at my place, Chrissy, how about we check out your book trailers? I bet they're over the top like you and your books.
All righty then, let's play it. Got any popcorn? Here are the book trailers for Agartha's Castaway, Eternal Vows, and The Zombie Chronicles. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Poo! It was supposed to be waterproof. Oh, well, at least I don’t look like a drowned rat like you. So Chrissy. Tell everyone what makes you unique? Then they can have a good laugh like me. LOL.
Duh! We’re having an interview in the rain in the middle of the jungle aren’t we? I guess I’d have to say my imagination and humor.
Don’t forget the big wooden spoon you use, Chrissy.
What?
For poo stirring. Hahahaha. Sorry, now you can tell everyone something that you’re really good at?
Well, yeah! Giving shots with no pain is a skilled craft. I swear I’ve given 5,000 of them in my nursing career.
*Covers butt* Okay, well just don’t think about giving me one. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
Concrete floors are very hard to crack!
Funny girl! But guess what? I’ve actually cracked a concrete floor. Yes I have. When I was helping my husband to build our full brick house in the country. We did everything, just the two of us, and I cracked the slab when we poured the concrete, so there.
*Ducks under giant fern and smiles* Ah, you always have to be the best. Now, you’re stealing my lime light too, you bozo!!!
Well, you’re making me romp around the jungle. But sorry, I forgot this was your interview. Let’s continue, shall we? What if we run into a tiger or a giant anaconda?
Trust me.
Hey, isn’t that what Indy always says? Okay, next question. If you could be any character from the X-men, who would it be?
Think blue skin. Yellow eyes. Mutant shape shifter. I’d live in the Marvel universe, home to the most kick-butt superheroes in the galaxy. Any idea who I’m talking about? *smiles* Yep! Mystique from the X-men.
How about if you could be one of the characters from Lost?
Oh! I’d love to be Kate Austen. (Evangeline Lilly) She knows how to track people, goes on dangerous excursions, she works hard, kicks butt…and the chick just rocks!
Hang on, I'll just move this branch aside. Oh, cripes! There's a horrific stone sculpture of a Chachapoyan demon. And those vines and leaves are covering everything. Geese, that black entrance looks like it's designed to look like open jaws. Chrissy, surely we’re not going in there? The freaking place is covered in spider webs! Nobody's ever come out of there alive.
Yep, we’re going in! So channel your “inner Laura Croft”. Or distract yourself by giving me the next question. *carries torch as she walks up the twisting, narrow passage from the main entrance.
*It’s wet, dark, and hanging with plants and stalactites. Whistling drafts and dripping water fill the air*
*Gasps* Oh my gosh, Trish, there's a big, hairy tarantula crawling up on my arm.
*Whack!* Don't be a baby. It's nothing more than a fly. I’m more freaked out by those thousands of snakes hissing and slithering everywhere.
I would like to now tell everyone that I’ll take snakes any day over spiders! Dually noted!
Here's a torch, Trish. Wave it at anything that slithers.
Snakes. Why'd it hafta be snakes?
Stop! Stay out of the light.
Why?
*Chrissy waves her hand across a beam of light* I'll show you.
*CLANG! Giant spikes spring together* Eeeeuuuew! I had to jump out of the way then. I think I hate booby traps even more!
Hey! Like you told me, don't be a baby.
*Points* But there's a skeleton impaled on that spike! We can’t go any further.
Now, Trish, we don't want to be discouraged by every little thing.
Okay, now you sound like the famous Indiana Jones himself. Okay, we need to be extra careful. And we really need to get on with this interview. Burger King or McDonalds?
I like the loaded Whopper better than the Big Mac and- *lets out long scream*
*Without warning Chrissy and Trish fall down a set of narrow stairs.*
Ouch! Shine the torch down here, will ya Chrissy? I think I broke something. *shines torch downward as two idiots scream* The floor is covered in human skeletons! I wanna go home. It’s dark, there’s spiders…and human bones. *crunching with each step* I’m not sure I’m liking your fantasy. So what made you become a fantasy writer anyway?
I love all genres. But to me, there’s no greater genre than fantasy. I also love that in fantasy I can push the envelope outside normal boundaries.
Push the envelope? Well, you certainly do that in all of your stories. And even here in real life, like bringing me out here to die in some dirty, old temple.
*Chrissy chuckles* No one is dying today. *Chrissy motions inside a large, domed room with ten skylights shining beams on a black and white tiled floor* Let’s go inside! *walks to jeweled idol sitting on a polished stone altar* The statue, it's beautiful! Isn’t it, Trish?
Wow! We’re going to be rich!
*Chrissy reaches in jacket for a small canvas bag; and begins filling it up with dirt* Trust me, everything’s going to be okay. *Chrissy’s hands slowly inch closer toward idol*
Trust you, you greedy pig. Anyway, your hands are shaking. If you mess up, we’re dead.
Try to distract yourself. Why don’t you tell me about your next project?
Good distraction. I have written the sequel to Agartha’s Castaway and am pleased to announce that it is now out on kindle. And here is a new adventure fantasy called, Eternal Vows. This is book one in The Ruby Ring Series.
It’s about a twenty year old girl named Sarah Larker who returns to a cave where her sister disappeared five years earlier. She walks through a portal and is mistaken for a runaway princess on the run by a dangerous Immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring—become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal back home. Then find her sister and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.
ETERNAL VOWS
Never marry a stranger...even if he is a drop-dead gorgeous immortal king.
Never pretend to be a princess.
And most importantly...never slip on an ancient wedding ring you know nothing about.
Never marry a stranger...even if he is a drop-dead gorgeous immortal king.
Never pretend to be a princess.
And most importantly...never slip on an ancient wedding ring you know nothing about.
It’s about a twenty year old girl named Sarah Larker who returns to a cave where her sister disappeared five years earlier. She walks through a portal and is mistaken for a runaway princess on the run by a dangerous Immortal king in medieval times. Her plan is bold as well as daring—become this princess, wed the king, and slip on an ancient wedding ring that will unlock the portal back home. Then find her sister and run as fast as she can out of Dodge. But taking on the identity of Princess Gloria comes along with dangerous consequences; and slipping on the ruby ring comes with an even higher price.
Wow! Love it! Especially that ruby ring! And the cover is just amazing. I hear there is a sequel too.
Yes! It's called Eternal Destiny. (Book Two in The Ruby Ring Series)
Chrissy, don’t take this the wrong way but you’re not exactly inspiring confidence with all those beads of sweat rolling down your face. You sure this is going to work?
Chrissy, don’t take this the wrong way but you’re not exactly inspiring confidence with all those beads of sweat rolling down your face. You sure this is going to work?
Why wouldn't it? Keep me distracted by asking more questions. *makes the switch and grabs the idol*
Vampires or werewolves?
Definitely vampires. I have a thing for boys who sparkle. And even for vampires who don't sparkle. Look below! : )
You like vampires, zombies too?
I did just write a horror novel. See below.
*The cave rumbles and shakes* Hey! The swap didn’t work Chrissy! Everything's caving in around us!
Oops! Guess I didn't calculate the weight right!
*glares at Chrissy* Guess you didn't!
*a huge boulder (form-fitted perfectly to the passageway) speeds toward us* Uh, Trish, we have another little problem. *Gulps*
Little?
Oh, crap! Runaway boulder. Run, Trish, run!
The Galapagos Islands. You can swim with giant mantas, turtles, dolphins, tuna, sea lions, and let’s not forget about the 32 species of sharks! White tip reef sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks, and large schools of hammerhead sharks swim throughout the clear waters.
No way. I think I’m more likely to be killed by lightning or a bee sting than by a shark attack. Swimming with sharks would be such a blast!
Yipes! *Native warriors in full battle paint carry long blow guns. A white man named Belloq dressed in safari gear speaks with a French accent.*
“Chrissy, again we see that there is nothing you can possess that I can not take away," said Belloq. "And you thought I had given up."
*Chrissy rolls eyes and hands Belloq the idol*
"You choose the wrong friends. This time it will cost you,” said Belloq.
“Chrissy, who is this weasel?” asks Trish.
“My competitor, stupid.”
“So, Chrissy,” said Belloq. “I have an interview question for you. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Chrissy bites lip. “Super strength to kick your butt.”
“Yeah that would come in handy right about now,” said Trish.
Chrissy (eyeing the natives) “Too bad the Hovitos don't know you like I do, Belloq.”
(smiles) “Yes, too bad. You could warn them...if only you spoke Hovitos.”
Chrissy and Trish exchange a glance. *they bolt into the jungle as a rainstorm of poison darts and spears pass over their heads*
*Chrissy and Trish run across the open patch of jungle with pursuers hot on their trail*
Sorry Trish. *angry yells radiate from the jungle* Jump into the river! *hands Trish a leafy vine*
*Chrissy and Trish swing into the river Indy style*
SPLASH!
I hear the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme song playing in the backgroud!
Well, this is your interview! You must've incorporated in somehow. But forget the theme song! We gotta get out of here! LIKE NOW! *Trish screams at pilot fishing off side of plane and reeling in a giant fish* Start the engines!
Yeah, let that fish go and move your butt! Start those engines!!!!!
*Chrissy and Trish swim to the seaplane! More arrows whiz past head as Trish climbs onto plane*
Why did I agree to do this interview with you? *Trish helps to pull Chrissy up*
Because you love me? *smiles*
*Trish pushes Chrissy* “Always”, bestest friend, but I don’t know why. We didn’t even get the golden idol.
Plane speeds off over the jungle. Phew! Now that we're back at my place, Chrissy, how about we check out your book trailers? I bet they're over the top like you and your books.
Yep! And thanks so much Trish for having me in your lovely blog! It was a blast!!!!!!
All righty then, let's play it. Got any popcorn? Here are the book trailers for Agartha's Castaway, Eternal Vows, and The Zombie Chronicles. I hope everyone enjoys it.
This interview was hosted by children's author, Patricia Puddle. Check it out on her blog: http://trish-mollygumnut.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-23T18%3A07%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=5
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