It's not every day that you get the opportunity to interview your mom as a newly published author. As an adult watching my mom (Jill Chapman) pursuing her dreams of being published and then accomplishing it has been inspiring. Even as a teenager I remember my mom saying, "I should write a book about that!" and multiple people telling her to go for it. Some will say she was published really fast for a newer author, but she's been writing stories in her mind for years! There are so many questions you might have for her, but these are five questions I wanted to share her responses to. I hope you enjoy our chat and be sure to check out THE BOMB SQUAD now available on Amazon!
Me: Having two daughters, what made you write a book about four boys?
Jill: "As a teacher, I saw many children long for a group of friends to call their own. The Bomb Squad was inspired by some of my students and my grandsons. Each character is a blend of different children in my life. I'm really not sure how I ended up with four boys instead of girls in my story. They came to me as I began to plan and write the story. I do have an idea that is in the planning stages for a group of girls who have adventures!"
Me: Your book starts with the lead character making a mistake. Is this a story of redemption and was that your intention from the beginning?
Jill: "The story begins in the middle of the action. The action happens to be a huge mistake by Bryan. Right away we see the loyalty of his friends. The main theme of the story is friendship and loyalty, with Bryan, his friends, his family, and in the neighborhood. Although Bryan wants his neighbors to forgive him, he has a hard time staying out of trouble. Does he redeem himself with the neighborhood? You'll have to read The Bomb Squad to find out."
Me: There's a family pet featured throughout the story. Have pets been a big part of your own story? (I sort of know the answer to this, but for the sake of my readers I'll ask.)
Jill: "Dogs have been a part of my life since I learned to walk by holding our German shepherd's tail. I've had many pets, dogs, cats, a horse, two goats, a hamster, and fish! I can't imagine my life without a pet to love."
Me: Ah, yes! We had lots of beloved pets through the years. Okay, now let's do a random this or that. Would you rather write a book everyone loved that you weren't proud of OR write a book no one heard of that brought you great satisfaction in the writing?
Jill: "Wow! What a question! At the end of the day, how you feel inside is the most important thing. To know I put my whole heart into something would mean everything. Even if no one heard of it or liked it. Popularity is so fleeting and fickle. Putting words done that truly express my heart and soul would bring great satisfaction."
Me: If you could pen The Bomb Squad on an adventure to any country where might they go and why? No spoilers necessary!
Jill: "I do have a trip planned for the third book but they won't be traveling outside the United States. Maybe the next book after that will send them to see the Pyramids! I've always wanted to see them so maybe I'll send the boys on an adventure in Egypt. There are so many fabulous places to travel so sending them to a big city in Europe would be exciting for my small town boys also."
Me: That sounds exciting! I can't wait to read the next in The Bomb Squad series. This has been a fun chat, I will come up with more questions for you later. Perhaps my readers will have questions for you as well.
About The Bomb Squad
Bryan and his three friends, Josh, Shorty, and Tim, find adventure at every turn. After a Fourth of July fiasco, when Bryan accidentally sets off the community fireworks, the boys earn the nickname The Bomb Squad.
Although the neighborhood holds a grudge, it doesn’t stop the boys from investigating a mysterious new neighbor who might bring trouble to their town. The Bomb Squad sets up surveillance to discover his secrets. Can the boys redeem their reputation in the neighborhood before Shorty eats all the snacks?
Their round-the-clock watch gets them in trouble again, yet they learn enough to know the investigation isn’t over. The boys uncover some weird clues, and even Max, Bryan’s dog, gets in on the action when he finds a key that unlocks the mystery.
When some strangers show up, and a fight breaks out, the boys must lean on each other like never before. Will The Bomb Squad keep the neighborhood safe, or will trouble explode on them again?
The Bomb Squad first in the series is now available on Amazon.
You can connect with author Jill Chapman on Facebook and Instagram.
Giveaway Time!
Three lucky winners will be selected to receive a copy of The Bomb Squad! (ARV $10) Open to entrants in the US, 18 years and older. Sorry no PO boxes. Open for entry from 10/05/2021 - 10/19/2021 at 11:59 pm EST. The selected winners will have 24 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. The Mommy Island is responsible for fulfilling this prize.
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