Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Glen Quarry
Book Title: Zoe’s Puzzle Book
Released: 12/27/21
Genre: YA Action/Adventure/Fantasy
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Zoe’s Puzzle Book”?
Quarry: I like creating things, and it shows up in things I do. It especially manifests itself in the woodworking shop where I enjoy building one-of-a-kind creations, from birdhouses and sports-themed table-lamps to coffee tables and dressers. And one day I built a puzzle book. I liked how it turned out, and I began imagining how it could be used in a plot for a mystery. I started putting down words from concepts I’d bounced off the wall, and Zoe’s Puzzle Book began to take shape.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Quarry: I didn’t use the names of my acquaintances, at least not intentionally. I found an old baby names book, and with the help of that and a list I’d made of some of my favorites, I came up with over fifty names for characters, towns, and geological features.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Quarry: It was important for me to organize my story with an outline, although I didn’t realize it when I started. With my first story, I just started writing, one sentence after another, and improvising as I went. The storyline was plagued with aimless wandering, and I struggled to move time forward. After multiple deletions and re-starts, I ended up making an outline anyway, and the narrative cleared considerably. If I had started out that way, I’d have saved myself time and trouble.
This doesn’t mean an outline is needed for everyone. Each writer must find the way that works best for them.
If "Zoe’s Puzzle Book" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Quarry: I’ve never thought of this before. If, by some stroke of luck, I had the choice of who would play leading roles in a movie based on my book, I would be overjoyed. Zoe, Rey, and Strawtop are still in their teens, and my familiarity with young actors is limited. That being said, the actors wouldn’t have to be teens to be believable.
Zoe is a risk-taker who finds herself in trouble more than once, and I would choose Alicia Vikander to play this part. She played a similar role as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider.
Rey can usually keep his emotions in check, but when he’s around Zoe, he loses some of his control. Because of his size, he needs to be played by a tall actor. I would choose Liam Hemsworth for this role.
Strawtop is comical and short. Ben Stiller would fit the bill.
Trapper is Rey’s grandfather, and for this character I would choose Harrison Ford.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Quarry: When I hit a place where I can’t seem to move the narrative forward, I basically leave the story and do other things. I never stress myself with deadlines, for that would wipe out my muse for sure. One time I left Zoe’s Puzzle Book on the shelf for a month before picking it up again. Something that has helped me when I am stumped is to go back a few pages and see where I could change things to give myself a new direction.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Quarry: The best advice I could give an aspiring author is to write the type of story that you like to read. You will be able to stay focused and interested. Secondly, choose a time and place where you understand the life-style you’re writing about unless you plan to do a lot of research to assure authenticity.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Quarry: I like reading young adult or low fantasy the most. I’ve always considered it a gift when I see writers developing their own worlds and filling them with credible characters. I’ve recently finished the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes, and I feel her ability to create strong characters and a fascinating narrative is exceptional.
What are you working on next?
Quarry: I have yet to start a new work, though I am considering writing a sequel to Zoe.
Learn More About the Author and Zoe’s Puzzle Book here:
Apple Retailer: https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1603293495
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165739699
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Find it for purchase here
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