Have you ever wondered what would happen if a character from one book met a character from another? Well, wonder no more because today you’re going find out. My Sam from Sign of the Green Dragon is asking Joshua from Joshua and the Arrow Realm some questions. The Character Book Club was a brilliant idea from two top middle grade storytellers Jess and Stephanie.
So take it away Sam and Joshua!
Sam: Hey, Joshua, I just finished reading your last adventure, and wow! You had some rough times. What was the scariest part for you this time?
Joshua: Definitely when I was all alone and thought my friends had abandoned me. It’s scary enough in the Arrow Realm with all kinds of freaky beasts ready to jump you, but at least with a friend you can fight them off together!
Sam: I’ve been wondering about the Lightning Road. That’s pretty scary by itself. What happens to a kid if he falls off that thing?
Joshua: I am pretty sure they float in the Great Beyond forever! I almost fell off the edge of Nostos once into the Great Beyond and saw bones floating by. Yikes, I didn’t want that to be me – or my good friend, Charlie! He took a big chance by jumping on the Lightning Road with me when that girl, Ash, grabbed me back to Nostos and the Arrow Realm. The road is narrow and only a few people can fit on it at once. Charlie totally risked his life to go with me. Like I said, he’s a good friend.
Sam: I was trying to tell Joey and Roger about the Wilds, but they didn’t believe me. Maybe if you told them what it’s like and who lives there, they’ll listen.
Joshua: The Wild Lands are scary and cool all at once. Scary, because Queen Artemis starves the animals there to hunt us kids! Charlie and I almost got munched on by cretan and agrius beasts and we were sooo lucky to meet up with Ash, who saved us! She’s the leader of the Wild Childs who live there in treehouses way up in the tree tops to stay safe. The houses all connect with bridges right under the stars. I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a treehouse, right? The Wild Childs hunt, haul water up, and even have a veggie garden up there (I know, vegetables, right? But when you live without grownups around you kinda have to be one yourself).
Sam: Oh, and tell them about “scram and cram.” What’s that mean? Joey’s real interested in how to use that when he gets back to school.
Joshua: Hey, that’s a good idea, Joey! I learned from the Wild Childs that “scram and cram” is one of their rules that means run and be quiet. I bet you can totally use this in school. LOL! The Wild Childs have a rule sign when you enter their main tree house with this rule on it and other rules like “Keep on the Runabout” and “One for the Many”. They all watch out for each other which is pretty cool. They are like a family, because they left all of their own families behind when they were stolen from Earth.
Sam: I liked Ash. I thought she was really cool living in the Wilds and on her own. Do you think you’ll get to hang out with her again?
Joshua: Yeah, at first, I thought Ash was kinda weird because she dresses in animal skins but she turned out to be a pretty good friend who hid me away when I had nowhere else to go. I really hope we can hang out again – just not while we’re on the run for our lives! I sort of miss living in the treehouses with lots of kids around.
Sam: In your first adventure, Leandro was kind of like a dad to you (have to say that kind of made jealous), but he sure wasn’t this time. How did that make you feel?
Joshua: Well, you’re really lucky to have an uncle who cares about you. I only have my grandfather, Bo Chez, who isn’t around much right now. I wished for a while Leandro was my dad, but not on this adventure! At first I was mad that he wasn’t there for me, but then just sad about it. I kept wishing he would be the guy I used to know.
Sam: The best thing was when you turned yourself into a cadmean beast. Tell us what that was like. I got kind of itchy reading that part, but I’d give it a try. Do you think I could do something like that?
Joshua: Turning into the cadmean beast with flame-throwing breath was pretty scary! When I saw myself in the mirror I freaked out. It does take a special technique to do it, as I learned, and you can only do it on the world of Nostos so not sure you could do it Sam. BUT I could try and teach you! Although turning yourself into a bird might be way better. We could fly all over and check things out from above. Next time I go to Nostos you could come along, but I’m warning you – things get crazy there and you never know who, or what, will be after you!
Sam: I had to look up Oracle. It’s a pretty powerful thing. Do you think the Oracle can give back the powers to the gods and stop Zeus from plundering Earth?
Joshua: Honestly, I don’t know. The Oracle was always a myth and now that I know it’s true, I’m not sure what all its powers include … and I’m afraid to find out, even if it means making Earth a better place.
Sam: Hekate came back to life once. Man, is she wicked. Do you think that will happen again? And if it does, what then?
Joshua: If she does, I am ready to toast her all over again – for good! I’ll get Zeus’s lightning bolt and blast her into the Great Beyond. Nothing in this world of Nostos surprises me, so maybe she could come back to life but let’s hope not. She was so mean to me and all of my friends and family!
Sam: I asked about this Zeus guy, and Uncle Jasper told me he’s the most powerful god of all. Do you have a plan for keeping out of his way, or are you going to go straight at him?
Joshua: Phew, keeping out of his way in this adventure was a good thing! I need to talk to my friends on Nostos first to see how to deal with him. Everyone is pretty scared of Zeus but there has to be a way to take him down if we work together – or change his mind about plundering Earth. If he could find other resources for Nostos and stop stealing us kids, that would be a great ending!
Hey! This was fun. We need to get together again. Be sure to let me know if you’re heading back to Nostos.
Thanks for hanging out, Sam. This was super fun! I bet we’d have a most amazing time together on an adventure but let’s stick to our own world for now.
Donna Galanti is the author of paranormal suspense Element Trilogy (Imajin Books) and the fantasy adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road series (Month9Books). Donna is a contributing editor for International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine and blogs with other middle grade authors at Project Middle Grade Mayhem. She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives in Pennsylvania with her family in an old farmhouse that has lots of nooks and crannies, but sadly no ghosts. Visit her at www.elementtrilogy.com and www.donnagalanti.com.
Connect with Donna:
Baby Moo has a dream. He wants to travel the world and sing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House! While he loves his home at Sunrise Sanctuary, it hasn’t been the same since a piglet named Nathan showed up and stole all the attention away from Moo. Jealous of the new baby, Moo decides now is the time to make his escape and pursue his dream.
But the world outside the sanctuary gates is not quite the fun and exciting place Moo imagined, and he quickly finds himself in big trouble. Moo’s friends Missy the dog and Ruthie the cat rush to help him, and land in some trouble of their own.
Lost and frightened, Moo and his friends must rely on each other to find their way back home. Will they ever see Sunrise again?
Release date: September 8, 2016 from Native Ink Press
Links:
Julie Flanders will donate $1 to Sunrise Sanctuary, home to Baby Moo and numerous other rescued animals, for each copy sold in September.
Tweet:
Baby Moo’s Great Escape by @JulesFlanders is here! $1 will be donated to @sunrise_ohio for each copy sold in Sept. http://tinyurl.com/–
Julie Flanders, Writer
J.H. Moncrieff says
What a neat idea! I loved this post.
Olivia Rose says
Unique way of doing this. I'm intrigued now!
Mark Noce says
Sounds like a fan's dream to have characters from two different books meet! So cool! 🙂
Shannon Lawrence says
Having one character interview one from another book is such a fun idea. And a great way to explore their characters.
C. Lee McKenzie says
This is our second time doing this. I hope we can do it again.
DonnaGalanti says
oh me too! (and Joshua can't wait to interview Sam again about his next big mysterious adventure!)
Joylene Nowell Butler says
I agree with the others; this was a fun interview. Great way to introduce, not only one character, but two. Best of success, Donna.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad you enjoyed the boys!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks so much Joylene! Their adventures continue … 🙂
DMS says
So fun to see Joshua and Sam here. Two of my favorites! We are so glad you and Donna are part of the CBC! 🙂
~Jess
C. Lee McKenzie says
It wouldn't have happened it weren't for you guys. Thanks.
DonnaGalanti says
Ditto what Lee said! thanks Jess and Stephanie for having us on your character book club! Always super fun.
Loni Townsend says
Cross-overs are so much fun. Good job, Lee! Grats to Donna and Julie!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Loni!
Elizabeth Seckman says
What a clever interview. Best of luck to Donna. And to Julie for her new book!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks for the well wishes Elizabeth! And I agree, Sam asked some clever questions 🙂
Sherry Ellis says
What a fun interview! Great idea to have these two characters interact.
Nicola says
Super conversation – great characters. I loved the uniqueness of this post. Congrats to both of you!!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Nicola! Definitely a different spin on the character interview.
Denise Covey says
What a novel idea, Lee. Was lovely to meet these characters and eavesdrop! 🙂
Nas says
I loved this meeting between Sam and Joshua!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Nas! I'd love to see more meetings with other characters too – especially from some of my own favorite books.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Nas. Thanks.
Victoria Marie Lees says
Hi Lee and Donna! This scene was great fun. Thanks for sharing it with your followers, Lee. I've connected to both of you on social media. All the best to both of you ladies.
DonnaGalanti says
How wonderful Victoria! I'll be sure to connect back!
Kelly Hashway/Ashelyn Drake says
Congrats to Donna and Julie. I've seen both there books all over the internet lately.
DonnaGalanti says
Kelly, thanks so much! And nice to know Joshua and Sam are out there cruising the internet waves 🙂
Julie Flanders says
What a great idea! I hope Sam interviews more characters soon. And thanks so much for sharing Baby Moo, I really appreciate it!
nashvillecats2 says
This made excellent reading albiet a wee bit late.
Yvonne.
emaginette says
What fun. No doubt you'll be doing that again. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Yvonne Ventresca says
Love this fun interview format, Lee and Donna!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Yvonne! It sure was something different to do and another way to meet the characters.
Kathleen Valentine says
What an intriguing idea–it opens up so many possibilities. I did something a little sneaky when I snuck a minor character from one novel, into the next novel. Only a couple people noticed though.
DonnaGalanti says
That sounds like sneaky fun, Kathleen! I think it's also fun for readers to see characters in a different light from one novel to another – even if not a series. Maybe a new thing you do for all you stories? 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Some people I share writing with (before anyone else sees it) often put in characters that represent our critique group members. In one story I was Lee the owner of a florist shop. I liked that.
Medeia Sharif says
These two are great together. They could be friends and a dynamic duo in their own book.
DonnaGalanti says
I think you are right Medeia! They would be good friends too, I bet.
Robert Bennett says
Very cool. Not gonna lie, I might need to steal this concept for one of my DBTC posts. I have a few characters that I think might get along (and some that really won't)
C. Lee McKenzie says
Steal away, but be sure to let us know when you do, so we can come over and see what happens.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
I agree with the boys. This was fun. Their authors, C Lee and Donna, are fun too. Thanks for a fun post. I guess that's enough fun, huh? Congratulations, Lee and Donna on creating such amazing characters.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Beverly. Always appreciate your comments.
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks so much Beverly! It was fun for them to get together 🙂
Elephant's Child says
Oh what fun.
And I love the idea of characters from different stories interacting. I am pretty sure Baby Moo would also like to join in.
C. Lee McKenzie says
She's invited! What a party that will be.
Karen Lange says
What a fun idea! Fun to read too. 🙂 Nice to meet Donna – wishing her well. Thanks for hosting, Lee!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks for the well wishes Karen!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Karen,
Enjoyed your guest post today. I'm starting a wish list right now based on what you had to say.
Liz A. says
Now they just have to join forces for a crossover book.
DonnaGalanti says
Liz, that is a wonderful idea!! I can see a whole series of crossover books…
DonnaGalanti says
Liz, that is a wonderful idea!! I can see a whole series of crossover books…
Tamara Narayan says
What a wonderful idea to have characters talk to each other about their stories. I'm intrigued by the tree house setting described here. Sounds like a cool place.
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Tamara! Just this past month I shared pictures from the map of the Arrow Realm of the wooded setting and some of its creatures and people – along with brief excerpts about them. Check it out for fun: http://www.donnagalanti.com/release-day-joshua-arrow-realm/
Kali Delamagente says
Well done. I have always liked when two TV shows blend their characters. It makes everything so much more authentic.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Kali. You're right. That does mix things up nicely.
Shady Del Knight says
Hi Cheryl/Lee!
Joshua wrote:
"It’s scary enough in the Arrow Realm with all kinds of freaky beasts ready to jump you, but at least with a friend you can fight them off together!"
I totally agree. STRONGER TOGETHER! 🙂
DonnaGalanti says
Yes, Shady! With friends, anything is possible 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
And now you have my whole name! That's how my mom or gram called me when I was in trouble. 🙂
Lexa Cain says
The two boys are so cute! The Arrow Realm sounds like a scary place and a very exciting read. I'm wishing Donna much success with her book. And yay for Julie and Baby Moo! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
There were some scary moments for Joshua. Sam was impressed.
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks for the well wishes Lexa! The Arrow Realm is a scary place but thank goodness for friends to help Joshua out. 🙂
Donna K. Weaver says
Too fun. I love the idea of having them meet, especially if they can have fun.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Writing the questions was a bit tricky. Neither Donna nor I wanted to give away plot points.
DonnaGalanti says
I admit it was tricky – but a fun challenge! Everyone can meet Sam here on my blog too, where Joshua interviewed him: http://www.donnagalanti.com/character-book-club-sam-sign-green-dragon/
DEZMOND says
I just can't seem to adjust to all that black on Baby Moo's cover, isn't it supposed to be a children book? Why would they pick out black lettering?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Your designer eye at work again, heh?
Natalie Aguirre says
Fun way of doing the interview. And a great way to promote both books.
C. Lee McKenzie says
And fun for the authors, too.
Christine Rains says
That was a lot of fun! That sounds like an awesome adventure. And yay for Julie!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Three books in one post! How good is that?
Crystal Collier says
Oh my goodness, that was so much fun! What a blast! I love this idea of a character interviewing a character.
And yay for Julie!!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Crystal.
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks Crystal! I'd love to see more characters interview each other. Would be fun to have sidekick characters interview each other, I think!
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
What a great way to get to know characters. This would be a fun reading activity to have students do in school.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, it would. It would be a wonderful way to learn about different books and the character in them.
Pat Hatt says
Zeus better watch his back indeed haha a fun mix and match for sure.
C. Lee McKenzie says
All we need to make the company complete is a cat. Got an extra one, Pat?
Shooting Stars Mag says
What a fun interview! I don't think I've ever seen characters from different books "talk" to each other. Clever!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm imagining all kinds of character conversations. But Roland does something similar in his books. He's the master at bringing people together from all different ages to chat.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Hekate and Zeus? Ouch! But my money is always on the underdogs. Baby Moo is too cute.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Three cheers for all underdogs.
Barbara Fisher says
Sam asked some excellent questions, and I enjoyed Joshua’s responses. Good idea from Jess and Stephanie.
DonnaGalanti says
That Sam is one smart kid – and a great one to have along to figure things out when trouble brews (which it does a lot for both Sam and Joshua!).
C. Lee McKenzie says
Jess and Stephanie have Donna and me at their Character Book Club. They're the best.
DonnaGalanti says
Agreed!! Stephanie and Jess are AWESOME!
L. Diane Wolfe says
Scram and cram – LOL! Love it.
DonnaGalanti says
Me too! Trying to think of a way to use it as a grownup 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I see that phrase useful in several ways!
Juneta Key says
Delightful post and fun read. Congrats. Baby boo is so cute. Makes me want a pet cow again. I had one as a kid that I bottle fed.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
We should start "Pet a CoW" week.
Juneta Key says
LOL, too funny. We should. Mine was actually a bull calf. When he started getting his horns daddy put him out to pasture because he was afraid he'd hurt me playing. Do you know after not seeing me for 2 yrs, daddy was trying to round him up and could not catch him, I walked out into the field and called his name, Bossy and he came right to me and walk docilely into the trailer and let me love on him. I miss that bull.
Lynda Dietz says
That was fun! What a great way to do an interview.
C. Lee McKenzie says
This is our second year doing this. Donna and I had characters from Joshua and the Lightning Road and The Great Time Lock Disaster. That was fun, too.
DonnaGalanti says
Now we need a trio adventure going on!
Mason Canyon says
Great interview. Those two definitely need a story together and including Baby Moo would add another layer of fun.
Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oddly interesting, I think. And fun!
Bish Denham says
Wow! A lot of stuff going on in Joshua's world! I can totally see him and Sam going adventuring together. Watch out Hekate and Zeus!
DonnaGalanti says
Hekate does have a match with Joshua – more than one! Sam would be a great wingman to help Joshua take her down!
C. Lee McKenzie says
If Joshua and Sam could meet, I'm sure they'd be a formidable duo.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee and Donna – fascinating to add to the story line of the two characters interacting from the two books – encouraging youngsters to read both. I am absolutely certain Moo would love to sit and mull things over in a field of daisies …
Cheers Hilary
DonnaGalanti says
Hilary, perhaps Joshua and Sam could visit Moo for a much needed rest from adventuring! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
What an adventurous threesome.
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks for having me and Joshua on with Sam! I totally want to see them go on their own adventure – would be a wild ride!
DonnaGalanti says
Thanks for having me and Joshua on with Sam! I totally want to see them go on their own adventure – would be a wild ride!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It definitely would be that. Great to have you here today, Donna!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I can see them banding together to take down Zeus. Anything is possible!
DonnaGalanti says
It certainly is in our imaginations, Alex 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
yay for the kids!