One of my clients, Taegais Publishing, just released another book last week. I’m really excited for this MG adventure novel by Glenn Haggerty. I’m even more excited to have him on my blog today! Stay tuned after the interview for more information on Run.
What inspires you when you write?
Several things: Reading books that I really like by other authors—Andrew Klavan has had a big impact on me—but there are so many great books out there, I’d leave too many out if I started listing them! Exercise. I often get some great ideas and insights as a ride my stationary bike. A quiet comfortable place. No phone and no to do lists. And prayer. Definitely.
What is your current work in progress?
Working title, Hyde. This is a fun adventure set in Boca Raton Florida which is by the way my first non fictitious setting. I’ve researched the Spanish Gold Fleet of 1715 that was destroyed by a hurricane leaving the wrecks of 12 ships scattered from the Florida Keys to the Sebastian Inlet on Florida’s east coast. Two of the ships are unaccounted for . . . So we have modern day pirates, a couple of nosey oceanographers, and of course some fun loving teens who are yet again in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tell us about RUN.
Run is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy from a Christian home trying to find his way. Wanting to hang with the cool crowd caused Tyler to make some bad choices that mushroomed into a huge mess. A family relocation gave him the opportunity to start over, but he’s not a fast learner . . . Everything seems stacked against him, including a nasty run-in with some very bad men. But Tyler still wants to do things his way. Slowly he begins to trust in God again, and things begin to change. And it’s a good thing, because he’ll need God to make it through what lies ahead.
How’d you get your idea for Run?
Abandoned houses in the woods have always fascinated me. Such mystery! My imagination just runs wild, especially when I remember those times I was brave enough to poke around in the ruins. This was the germ for the story.
So Run’s target audience is mainly boys age 10 to 14?
Yes and no. It’s true that the protagonist and most of the secondary characters are boys, but I’ve received a number of rave reactions from tween and teen girls as well. In book two of the series, one of the girls from Run, Audrey, is a main character. And both women and men enjoy RUN, it brings a certain nostalgia I think.
For fear of reprisals, kids are often reluctant to tell parents about bullying. When should parents suspect their children are being bullied?
- Emotional, depression, withdrawal,
- reluctance to go to school or other social venues
- marks of physical violence
How can parents coax their children into discussing possible bullying?
Tap into your own experiences with bullying, or that of “a friend” (hypothetical or real). Paint a picture of what it was like and how it was resolved. Then ask if your child has ever experienced anything similar.
My protagonist’s dad wheedle the truth from Tyler when he caught him practicing martial arts. He then gave some good and godly advice that helped the protagonist work his way through. The results were still less than ideal.
What are the most important things for kids to realize when faced with bullies?
First, they don’t deserve it and it’s not ever right. Second, their parents and most adults (school authorities) are on their side. Parents will do whatever it takes to help children work through it. School teachers and officials want to eliminate bullying.
How can kids find healthy friendships?
Kessler used to say “if you want a friend, be a friend.”
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (Philip 2:3 NLT).
This is the “lesson” Tyler learns throughout the book—his character arc.
How can parents help their kids find healthy friendships?*
Connect to good church youth and children’s groups. If they don’t have one at your church, find one that does. Get involved with the programs. Create opportunities for your children to meet people of like mind and interests. Other ideas are, Home School groups, athletic, music, drama, and other social organizations for kids.
Tyler’s parents immediately connected to a local church with an active youth group.
What specific things can kids, or parents for that matter, do to help newbies feel welcome?
When you see someone you don’t know and alone, walk up to them and introduce yourself! It sounds simple. But yeah. Ask them questions about themselves, like “How long have you been coming here?” That way if they’ve been coming a long time it still wouldn’t be awkward. Then “How do you like it?” etc.
Second, include him or her with your friends. Invite him or her to sit with you. Etc.
Thanks for hanging with us today, Glenn! I look forward to reading the book, as I’m sure ALL my kids will too.
If you’d like to purchase Run by Glenn Haggerty, visit Amazon.
You can visit Glenn on his website or Facebook!
Sounds interesting and the cover looks great!