Fur-Face: When Roald Dahl Meets the Ebook

Flash back to the beginning of June. June 1st was Hulk Hercules' book day. It was also the book day of fellow author Jon Gibbs' Fur-Face.

Jon is a writer's writer. He runs a very interesting blog about writing, and works hard to help other writers find critique groups at Find a Writing Group. He's an active member of writing groups and organizations, and writes the occasional column over at Apex. I've linked to Jon several times.

It seemed logical for me to revise Fur-Face for a couple of reasons: we had the same book day, Jon is also writing middle grade, and I admire Jon as a writer.

Just in case your interested, you can purchase Fur-Face at Amazon.

So, Fur-Face. Man, I wish I could write like a Brit! It's not fair! I have half the genes, and I've read enough classic literature to choke a horse. However, because I want to choke horses in my idioms, I guess I'm American.

Fur-Face has the feel of British children's literature. And your kid is going to like it. If's a fine book to share with your child as the first ebook story you read together. The only way I could imagine the experience being more fun is if there were illustrations of cats in sunglasses.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.

Jon Gibbs Interview

As a companion piece to the Fur-Face book review, here's an interview from Jon Gibbs. Welcome, Jon, to Writer Tamago. Thanks for the delightful and funny interview. For the record, I really like Mr. Tinkles a lot too.

Tamago: Where did you get your ideas for Fur-Face?

Jon: I’ve always liked the idea of someone hearing voices other folks can’t hear. I think it opens the door to lots of potential embarrassment and misunderstandings, especially when there’s a third party in the conversation. The Adventure Safari theme park was inspired by a local zoo, near where I lived in England, and the amazing underground tunnels beneath Disney’s theme parks.

Tamago: Have any writers influenced your writing style? How about other books?

Jon: If what you read influences you the most, then Terry Pratchett has had a big effect, especially his Guards novels. I love the way he has you laughing one minute, then choking back tears the next.

Tamago: Are any of your characters patterned on people you know, or have known?

Jon: Not intentionally. I like to think I’m a lot like Snowy, but in truth, I’m more like Doctor Euston (Billy’s dad), over-protective, useless at DIY and generally boring. Aggie Cranbrook is a bit like my old gran, except Aggie’s friendly, likes children and can’t fart the alphabet.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.