Caroline Huntoon is the author of the new middle grade novel Going Overboard. Their other books include Skating on Mars. Also an English teacher and theater director, they live in Michigan.
Q: What inspired you to write Going Overboard, and how did you create your character Piper?
A: My parents got married when I was 16 -- but my brother and stepsister were 10 and in the same class! There were five kids in that equation, and my stepmother and dad had to work so hard to make the family work.
None of us actively tried to break them up (I don't think), but we definitely didn't always cooperate. I riffed on that idea -- but made it much gayer! Ultimately, my family is such a wonderful and important part of my life now, it's hard to imagine life without them!
For Piper, I wanted to make a character that was self-assured about their identity but struggled with the things that 12 year olds deal with -- friendship, familial relationships changing, and finding your passions.
Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: Going Overboard is the third title that this book has had. It took us a while to get it right. Originally, it was called Piper’s Got a Plan and then evolved to Piper Goes Overboard. The final title connects to the nautical theme but also is a nod to Piper letting the break-up plan get carried away.
Q: The School Library Journal review of the book says, “Huntoon strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted and sweet to thoughtful and honest while dealing with serious topics important to many tweens...” What do you think of that description?
A: I'm really into it! I try to balance all of my books, especially in the middle grade space. I want to write hopeful stories that challenge the status quo, while reminding the world that queer kids deserve (and experience) lightness.
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 knew the trajectory of the novel, but the character of Piper changed quite a bit. Piper was originally pretty mean and unbearable -- but that felt honest to the story and the moment. I worked quite a bit with my editor to make sure zir emotional arc was clear and zir thoughts were understandable (even if the audience doesn't agree).
Q: What are you working on now?
A: The MG landscape is a little wild right now, but... of course, I can't help but work on another project and hope that an editor picks it up. This one is about a field hockey player. I'm also currently working on a graphic novel about life in the circus and a YA thriller that involved a cave-in in West Virginia. So, lots of stuff is happening!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I really appreciate my readers and want to thank you for taking the time to read this interview and my books!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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