Q&A with T.J. Scripps

 

 

 

T.J. Scripps is the author of the new middle grade novel Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light. She is based in Austin, Texas.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light, and how did you create your character Ruby?

 

A: I was inspired to write Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light during a trip to New Orleans in December 2019. While dining at Muriel’s in the French Quarter (supposedly haunted, by the way!), I noticed a streak of light reflecting off my glass, and it felt like a sign.

 

After that, light seemed to speak to me everywhere I went—whether it was colored specks on the wall, a streak of rainbow light, or the long shadows during a ghost walk on Bourbon Street. The festive Christmas decorations in the hotels, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Mississippi River, added to the magic.

 

I became fascinated with the idea of signs from the universe, communicating to us through light and other mysterious ways. What do they mean, who sends them, and why?

 

I thought kids would really enjoy the concept; the idea of uncovering hidden messages in the world around us. This curiosity became the heart of Ruby’s journey in Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light—a story of wonder, discovery, and the magic of the universe speaking to us.

 

The name Ruby came to me in a dream, and her character, ultimately a superhero who investigates such signs, felt like the perfect fit for the story. 

 

The world needs a female superhero right now, and Ruby was born to bring that magic to life!

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the world in which the story takes place?

 

A: The idea for the world of Glow in the Dark was inspired by the natural beauty of Africa, where I was born and raised. Being proudly South African, I wanted to bring that magic to life for American kids.

 

Our vast landscapes, starry skies, and rich mythology about what lies beyond—and who might live there—inspired the setting of Starland, along with our many folk tales about how nature communicates with us through animals, insects, the weather, the sky, clouds, shapes, numbers, plants, flowers, and light (including sunsets and rainbows). This is how the various “Departments” on the planet Starland were born.

 

As for their dazzling descriptions, that was easy! The crystals, semi-precious stones, gemstones, and diamonds South Africa is known for helped me design the world.

 

As a child, I was captivated by rocks and crystals, especially Tiger’s Eye. I remember the wonder I felt, and I know children today will feel the same magic, no matter how tech-friendly we get. In fact, I still have my favorite amethyst geode from when I was 10!

 

Now, I hope to share that same sense of wonder and excitement with young readers through Ruby’s adventures.

 

Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I absolutely did know how the novel would end before I started writing it. I had a clear vision for Ruby’s journey from the start. However, the last line of the book came to me right at the end of writing, almost like a final piece of the puzzle falling into place. It was a moment of clarity that perfectly wrapped up the story.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: I hope readers take away the idea that the universe is always speaking if you just listen. Signs are real, and if you let nature guide you, you’ll find wholeness and joy. Ruby’s journey is a reminder to trust the world around you and embrace the magic in everyday life.

 

Q: What are you working on now? What's next in the series?

 

A: I’m currently working on the next book, of course: Glow in the Dark: Aura Girl, The Shadow War and The Fractured Signs (working title). It’s an exciting continuation of Ruby’s journey with even more mysteries to unravel!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Fun fact: The book was published on Women’s Day in South Africa! It felt like the perfect day to celebrate Ruby’s journey and the power of female superheroes.

 

Fun fact: I’m obsessed with symbolism and the meaning behind things. I consider myself somewhat of a semiotician now and have collected loads of mythology books to study the historical and cultural significance of the signs around us. I wanted to be as accurate as possible with the meanings of the various signs for the kids reading. 

 

Fun fact: I made sure to finish drafts and arrange Zooms and PR tasks on meaningful dates like Oct. 31 (Halloween), Nov. 1 (Diwali, the festival of lights), and Nov. 5 (Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night). I even wrote a chapter in Paris—the city of lights! These moments helped me fully immerse myself in the world I was creating.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This post was created in partnership with T.J. Scripps. Enter this giveaway for your chance to win a signed paperback of Glow in the Dark: A Streak of Light! Imagine the thrill of being the one lucky winner who will receive a signed hard copy, a Montessori Toy Interactive Constellation card pack, a Scratch & Play Scripps National Spelling Bee activity book, and the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025 “Words of the Champions”!