Today we’re talking with Erik Shein, author of the new
young adult novel The Monsterjunkies; an American Family Odyssey. Welcome to The Bumpy Road To Writing For Children, Erik!
Will you tell us about The Monsterjunkies; an American Family Odyssey? Sure! Tucked away in a remote cul – de - sac on the Maine coast is a place where the strange is normal, and the bizarre, is everyday. This is a place, where, if you do not have an open mind, you will lose your mind in its reality and truths.
Residing at this place, twelve year old Crow and his fourteen year old sister, Indigo , along with their friends go down a reality curve to arrive at the harsh truth of the indelible hurt bullying, emotional abuse, and prejudice can foster. The family faces ignorance combined with aggression at every step as they try to build a life for themselves in the home of their ancestors.
Kids will recognize at least one character from The Monsterjunkies; an American Family Odyssey, whether it’s the main character, much maligned Cromwell, his sister the well-arranged Indigo, or the bully-master himself, Rutherford J. Grimes III. Cromwell or Crow, as he prefers to be called, finds a way to deal with the bullying. He meets it head-on in a unique combination of smarts and one-upmanship. Indigo, too, must find a way to have friends over without sacrificing her family’s desire and need for privacy. Why the overly espoused need for privacy? It is the very estate itself and its unusual set of inhabitants that provides the ticket for Crow’s acceptance.
Some students may be able find solutions to their bullying problems at home, talking to family; perhaps, a family member has experienced bullying in his or her younger years. Or there may be some other suggestion that can provide material for a solution. School counselors are also a good avenue for help. Students who experience bullying at any level should contact school councilors and/or administrators immediately. It is their desire to end bullying as much as the students. They must be given a chance to help and that chance begins by being notified.
Why do your main characters always wear dark clothes? I love the gothic look.
The Monsterjunkies live in an awesome place. Why do they keep it secret and never have anyone over? I hope this question isn’t a spoiler! Great question, because there are so many oddities it’s good to keep them safe, from the outside world, only people with an open mind go to MJ Manor.
I just loved when Crow and his buddies confronted the bully on behalf of a friend of theirs. Would you advise all kids to stand up to bullies with their friends around them? It’s all about believing in yourself. Bullies prey on fear, if you believe in yourself the fear will be diminished.
I realize that your book is to bring understanding to all animals. Indigo and Crow’s friends seem to learn understanding by learning about the monsters at MJ Manor. Did you intend to write humanitariasm into the book? The kids today deal with people that wear masks, so they, most of the them, at least, relate to those with whom they have something in common. When I was a kid, I related to animals more than people.
Can we look forward to another Monsterjunkies book in the future? I think that another book would be ideal! It would answer the unanswered questions like: What happens with those investigations and what becomes of everyone including the Monsterjunkies? I think this would make a great book series! Yes, I will start writing again this summer. My plan is to do a series.
Where can we find out more about you and The Monsterjunkies an American Odyssey? Do you have a website or can do you have a fan page on Facebook? Are you on Twitter? Yes, I have a website. You can find it at: http://www.eriksheinmedia.com and my Facebook site is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arkwatch/174638819266624?ref=hl. You can also find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Erikdanielshein. You can even find me on Goodreads at: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17123659-the-monsterjunkies-an-american-family-odyssey.
Where can we purchase The Monsterjunkies; an American Family Odyssey? You can find it in both kindle and print formats at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Monsterjunkies-American-Family-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B00AN5YTGS/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1359592187&sr=8-1&keywords=monsterjunkies
Thank you very much for taking time to visit The Bumpy Road, Erik. I hope we hear more from you and The Monsterjunkies.
COMING NEXT WEEK
Will be my review for The Monsterjunkies; An American Family Odyssey.
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