SCOUTS: Interview with Author Shannon Greenland
If you can’t get enough of 80’s inspired adventures like Stranger Things and The Goonies, then you’ll absolutely love reading SCOUTS! It’s the perfect read to inspire all of your end of Summer adventures before school starts.
In SCOUTS, it’s 1985 and the summer before the Scouts start 7th grade is quickly coming to an end. Annie, Beans, Rocky, and Flynn are best friends who do everything together – including climbing to the top of a nearby water tower to watch a meteor shower.
When a meteor appears to crash, the Scouts head out to look for it and embark on a night in the woods that they won’t soon forget. Can their friendship bonds outlast strange happenings, dangerous encounters, friend fights, and possibly even the paranormal?
We were lucky enough to chat with SCOUTS author Shannon Greenland about her real-life friend group that inspired the book, her 80’s favs, and the advice the Scouts would share with YAYOMG! readers.
Interview with SCOUTS Author Shannon Greenland:
- Tell us a little about SCOUTS and what inspired you to write this story.
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SHANNON GREENLAND: I grew up in the 80’s in the hills of Tennesse. My childhood was one crazy escapade after another. My friends and I were never inside. If we weren’t covered in dirt by the end of the day, then we hadn’t truly made use of the hours! When I decided to write SCOUTS, I knew I would be revisiting much of that time and all the adventure that made up my days.
- What are three words you would use to describe Annie?
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SHANNON: Daring. Loyal. Ornery.
- Which of the Scouts do you think you’d have wanted to be friends with in middle school?
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SHANNON: Annie!
- If you had to select one quote from SCOUTS to dazzle a potential reader to pick up your book, which one would you choose?
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SHANNON: “What do you think it is?” Rocky whispers.
None of us have a response.
“I told you…” Fynn’s voice trails off.
“Aliens,” Scarlett breathes.
- Since SCOUTS takes place in 1985, we were curious if you have any 80’s favorites?
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SHANNON: My friends and I used to rock out to Def Leppard, shout the lyrics to Queen, and dance to Cyndi Lauper.
- How are you hoping this story will resonate with young readers?
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SHANNON: I really hope it encourages adventure and exploration. Get outside and enjoy the world!
- Have you ever experienced any mysterious or paranormal events in your own life?
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SHANNON: Only those we made up to entertain ourselves as kids. 🙂
- Tell us a little bit about how you write your books. Do you have a favorite place to write, a special writing snack, etc?
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SHANNON: I love early morning writing and tend to burn out around 11 or so. It’s then that I stop and work out, eat, and switch to other things. I hate sitting down and so I write at a stand up desk. I have a rain app that I listen to. I can’t write with music on. It’s too distracting.
- What are a few of your favorite middle grade books or authors that you’d recommend to our readers?
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SHANNON: I definitely recommend Gwenda Bond, Sarah Beth Durst, Chris Grabenstein, Megan Shepherd, and Kristin O’Donnell Tubb.
- We always ask our authors to share words of wisdom/advice for their readers, but we’d love to hear what Annie, Beans, Rocky, and Flynn would have to say. What advice do you think they would each share with the readers of your book?
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SHANNON: Annie: “Being a girl is so not the point. Do what you want to do. Be friends with whoever. And don’t ditch them. That’s just not cool.”
Beans: “Don’t go anywhere without a compass.”
Fynn: “Forget Beans. Don’t go anywhere without bug spray. And aspirin. And antibiotic ointment. Also band aids.”
Rocky: “Ignore both of them. Don’t go anywhere without food. Also, listen to Annie. She knows what she’s talking about.”
Intrigued by the mystery and adventure lurking between the pages of SCOUTS? You can meet author Shannon Greenland and learn more about the book on her book tour at the dates below:
July 23: EG Fischer Library, Athens, TN
July 24: Barnes & Noble, Chattanooga, TN
July 25: Union Ave Books, Knoxville, TN
July 27: The BookMark, Neptune Beach, FL
August 16-18: Mississippi Book Festival, Jackson, MS
October 11-13: Southern Festival of Books, Nashville, TN
Looking for even more great reads? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!
