Q&A with Zoje Stage

 

Photo by Gabrianna Dacko

 

 

Zoje Stage is the author of the new children's book My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast. Her other books include the novel Baby Teeth. She lives in Pittsburgh.

 

Q: What inspired you to write My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast, and how did you create your character Pru?

 

A: My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast actually predates my debut novel, Baby Teeth! I'd wanted to give the child character of that novel, Hanna, a favorite book—something her dad would read with her—but after considering copyright issues it became obvious that I needed to use something of my own.

 

I had an unpublished short story that seemed perfect, about a girl trying to make sense of the sounds she hears at night coming from beneath her bed. The creatures themselves are so odd and whimsical, so I knew I needed my main character, Pru, to be just as creative.

 

Pru is part scientist who wants to think rationally about the irrational, and part artist, able to envision things that other people can't see.

 

Q: What do you think J.E. Larson's illustrations add to the story?

 

A: They add everything! This was always meant to be an illustrated book, and J.E. took the assignment and ran with it. He was so thorough in his worldbuilding for these creatures, and his designs are the perfect combination of adorable and ghoulish.

 

I think they add a lot of enjoyment, while also providing readers of all ages with a clear vision of the story.

Q: You've written for adults and for kids--do you have a preference?

 

A: In general I'd say probably adults, as I can really flesh out complex character studies. But it's fun to step away sometimes from my darker stories and let my imagination run wild.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: I hope kids see a bit of themselves in Pru—whether it's her creativity, inventiveness, compassion, adventurousness, or love of finding new hobbies. And I hope for those who may be afraid of the dark, or of odd sounds coming from within their own home, that they find a friendlier possibility for what may be lurking out there.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm in the early stages of writing a new novel. It's too soon to talk about it… I'm a bit superstitious until I'm positive a novel is really going to work!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Though the back cover says it's for children 7-10, adult readers have been very enthusiastic about this book! It's part the connection between this and Baby Teeth and Dear Hanna, and part a sort of ageless, creepy fun that My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast taps into.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Zoje Stage.