Interview with Author N.E. Castle

Today we're talking with N.E. Castle, author of Loogie the Booger Genie: Prince of Prank (Volume 1)

FQ: This is an absolutely adorable book that really touches on a huge lesson for kids; how did you come up with this unique way of getting through to kids?

He just popped into my head one morning when I was remembering a particularly nasty cold which involved the blowing of--dare I keep saying this--a snot bubble.

FQ: Was there an actual castle-tour in you past?

I had actually just finished a trip to England during which we visited several castles along A170 heading from Scarborough to Pontefract. A princely background seemed like a neat twist on the genie concept, so I went with it. And what old English tale doesn't involve a wizard?

FQ: Is there a specific children’s writer who engages you with the way they present everything from humor to morals?

I have a few favorites, including C.S. Lewis, Walter Farley, Dr. Seuss, and of course J.K. Rowling. They all inspire me for different reasons.

FQ: I realize, thankfully, that this is only Volume 1; do you, at present, know how many titles this series will run?

I currently have two additional titles written: Loogie the Booger Genie and the Very Nasty Cold (volume 2), and Loogie the Booger Genie and the Big, Bad Bully (volume 3). I have others concepted and ready to start once I have completed publishing volumes 2 and 3. I envision an ongoing series for Loogie that brings him closer and closer to home. Eventually he will find his way, but he's acted pretty badly and Wizard Hendrick makes no promises as to what will happen once the spell is broken.

FQ: And, in relation to that, there are some writers who ‘already know the end,’ so to speak. This is a question truly aimed at authors because everyone has a different writing style. So, as an author, I was wondering if Loogar is finished in your own mind, or can changes still occur?

Definitely, changes can still occur. Nothing is ever finished until it's finished.

FQ: I personally love the ‘Katie wearing all pink’ character in the book. Is this, perhaps, based on you? In other words, were you or are you a prankster at heart?

My step-daughter loves her pink, but the prankster was my brother growing up, and now my partner has picked up that torch.

FQ: Is you favorite genre children’s fiction? Or are you thinking of branching out into other areas?

My first novel was actually a crime thriller--definitely NOT for children. I like writing whatever comes to mind and I try to structure my writing around the audience that the work is targeted for. I have a few other works under way, including a comedic screenplay, a paranormal sci-fi action-adventure, and a sequel to my first novel that my readers so desperately hound me for.

FQ: YA has become the rage over the past two decades, as we all know. Basically edging out adult fiction after a long reign on top. How do you feel about this? Are you happy that perhaps kids will finally walk away from Facebook and Twitter in order to read again?

Facebook and Twitter have their draw--friends whenever you want them without having to make actual contact. But nothing compares to getting lost in a good book. I do hope that today's young generation don't miss out on that.

To learn more about Loogie the Booger Genie: Prince of Prank (Volume 1) please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.