Sam Campbell is the author of the new middle grade novel Quagmire.
Q: What inspired you to write Quagmire, and how did you create your character Cooper?
A: The idea for Quagmire came from two distinct moments a couple of summers ago. While my family was vacationing at the beach, a white sea boat washed up on shore. It stuck right in the sand and immediately drew loads of attention.
My family watched as tourists and emergency personnel surrounded the big boat, and it got my wheels turning. I couldn’t help but think: What if this boat washed ashore unoccupied? What would be the story behind the missing seaman?
That same summer, driving home from the beach, we passed a pretty rundown motel on the side of the road. The sign was worn, and weeds had overtaken the courtyard. Something about it felt very campy. Again, questions started swirling in my mind, and I knew I wanted to write a story set around a similar derelict motel.
Cooper came after those initial inspirations. I started asking myself: Who runs this motel? Why is it in disrepair? Who’s the kid that’s going to have a summer adventure here? Cooper just organically evolved from there.
Q: The novel is set in Georgia--how important is setting to you in your writing?
A: So far in all of my books, setting has played a huge role. I’m a very visual writer. I see each scene as if it were a movie playing out in my head, which means the setting can’t be generic. It may be a fictional place, but it has to have a certain vibe and texture.
I chose to set Quagmire in Georgia because I feel like that marshy coastline doesn’t get enough love in fiction. We read plenty about North Carolina and Florida coasts (No hate—they’re both great!), but the Golden Isles of Georgia have their own unique beauty.
My dad and I took a trip to St. Simons Island the summer I was outlining Quagmire. Between the history and the marshes and the nature trails and the Spanish moss and the live oak trees, I knew the Georgia coast was the perfect place to set Gator Island.
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’ve become a plotter—not a super detailed one—so I did have all of the major beats down that I wanted to hit, including the ending. I was surprised at how closely the final book follows that original outline.
I used to pants everything, and looking back, that’s why it used to take me forever to finish a first draft. I was just weaving my way along, not sure what would happen next.
I enjoy loosely plotting these days because I have a game plan each time I sit down to write (there’s nothing worse than a blank page and no idea what to write), but since my outline isn’t that rigid, there’s always room to play around too!
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book called it an “enjoyable tale of intergenerational ingenuity that emphasizes the meaning of family.” What do you think of that description?
A: A mouthful? No, I do think it captures two of the most important aspects of Quagmire: Cooper’s friendship with elderly Mr. O’Malley as well as the love Cooper’s family shares.
I often feel like I relate to and communicate with older people better than my peers, even growing up, so Cooper’s relationship with Mr. O is one of my favorites. I’m glad Kirkus recognized that.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I don’t think we’ve left Gator Island for good just yet. And that’s all I’ll say.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I’m always eager to connect with libraries and classrooms, so if you’re a librarian or teacher, please reach out! You can contact me via my website, samcamwrites.com. I may or may not have some books and merch for you.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Sam Campbell. Five lucky winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Quagmire by Sam Campbell, and one grand prize winner will take home an extra-special Quagmire prize pack featuring a signed paperback, a bookmark, stickers, and a Pink Fountain Motel keychain!
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