Official Interview: J W B Rowley

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features J W B Rowley author of Sock Sloth and the Lunar Blades.

View Official Review

View Kindle edition on Amazon

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
1. What was the first story you wrote?

I was five when I wrote my first story during 2020 in lockdown and it was called Fantasyland. I really enjoy coming up with new characters and this was about a theme park.

2. What authors have been an influence on you?

My mum, who is a successful children's author, is a big influence on me and I love David Eddings and Rick Riordan too.

3. Let's discuss your book Sock Sloth and the Lunar Blades. Can you give us a synopsis for those that don't know?

Sock Sloth and Rick the Panda are the proud owners of the Super Awesome Dudes Crime Fighting Agency (or SAD for short). But their investigating skills are about to be tested to the limit by the theft of the Lunar Blades, two all-powerful katanas, which protect Aridonia and beyond. In the wrong hands, they can wreak havoc and lead to a global disaster. Can Sock Sloth and Rick the Panda come to the rescue and prevent the collapse of the world as they know it? Get ready for an incredible adventure centred around an ancient myth, ferocious battle and some of the most loveable characters on the planet - a sloth and a panda. This epic series will leave you wanting more. All from the imagination of a nine-year-old.

4. How did you come up with the idea for the book?

During a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, I saw a sloth and the last two pandas in the UK before they returned to China for a breeding program. This gave me the idea of Sock Sloth and Rick the Panda and Grandpa Panda as the characters. I then sat down and worked out the story arc and the rest is history.

5. Why did you choose animals as characters?

I chose to have animals as characters because they can seem more loveable and for children in particular, more relatable.

6. Some of the names in the book are quite creative, Wacky Bottomsmirk for example. How did you come up with them?

I love creating characters and enjoy coming up with names on the spot. I thought about the evil character as a walrus because I was looking at an animal encyclopedia and Wacky Bottomsmirk felt like a naturally good fit.

7. Which character is your favorite and why?

Rick the Panda because he's a panda and I'm obsessed with all things panda. They are the best animals because they like hugs, just like me.

8. What lessons did you want readers to learn from this?

It's really important to never give up and to see things through. I started writing lots of stories before this one, but somehow, apart from Fantasyland they were never finished. This was the right story for me to finish and I'm so glad I have. The next book in the series is also coming soon.

9. What's next for you? Any more adventures for Sock Sloth?

Yes, I've just finished writing the 17 chapters for the next Sock Sloth adventure and am so excited as it's now been handed over to the publisher. I can't wait to hear what my editor makes of it.

I like to end with fun questions.

10. Besides your own, who is your favorite children's character?

Grover from the Percy Jackson books. He is hilarious as a character and I like the fact he is also very loyal to Percy too.

11. What's your favorite food?

Mushrooms! I would eat them with everything.

12. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?

I think it would be for my next book to become an international bestseller too. When my mum told me what had happened, it really was a pinch me moment - a real dream come true.

[Blessed Hope]

I also like mushrooms like you and can be quite a treat. Though, nowadays they are bit rare. We should learn never to give up because life presents us with challenges every day