Yay For Middle Grade Books! Interview With Beth Fantaskey

Today I'm pleased to present an interview with Beth Fantaskey! Ms. Fantaskey is the author of the MG book Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter. She is also the author of multiple YA books.

The bold writing is the questions I asked, the regular writing is her responses, and the bold italic writing are my comments about her answers.

1. Would you please describe your book, Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter, in seven words? 

Spunky newsgirl fights to save friend’s life.

2. The book takes place in 1920s Chicago. Are there any other times in history that you would like to set a MG book in? 

I’d like to go back slightly farther in time and write a book set at the turn of the century. I can’t reveal the location, though, because I don’t think there’s a middle-grade book that takes place in this setting. I want first crack at writing the story!  

3. Random question! If you could go back in time for one day, what place in time would you like to visit? 

Okay, I’m going to set some parameters, because, like everyone, I’ve lost people I’d give anything to see one more time, even just going back a few months. So I’m going to self-impose a rule that says I’d have to go back at least 100 years. And I’m going to pick Egypt, during the time of the great dynasties and the construction of the pyramids. Just plop me down there on any given day. I can’t imagine anything that would be more different from my existence right now. I’m sure I’d see things that even archaeologists have never dreamed up. Maybe I’d come back and say, “Sorry, you’ve got it all wrong!”

That would be neat! :)

4. If you're able to talk about it, what are you working on now? 

I’m writing a series of “cozy” mysteries for adults. The first book, Death by Chocolate Lab, just came out a few weeks ago. And there are at least two more in the series. But I haven’t given up on YA and middle grade books. I definitely have middle grade projects in mind. And I’m toying with the idea of writing a third book about my royal vampire couple, Jess and Lucius, from Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. I’ve been floating ideas on Facebook, and readers seem really receptive.  

5. What are some of your favorite Middle Grade Books? 

At the risk of seeming unoriginal, I have to say that my two favorite series are the immensely popular Lemony Snicket and Wimpy Kid books. Not only do I just love the stories, but I have great memories of sharing them with my girls when they were younger.

I actually have the first Wimpy Kid book on my TBR pile right now! :)

Thank you so much to Ms. Fantaskey for participating in this event! :)

Here are few links:

Her Website

Her Twitter