This first appeared on my Substack newsletter January 2, 2024.
I am excited to introduce you to a fantastic new author, Adrian So!
Adrian is 14 and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (You will notice by his British way of spelling – adds to the charm, right?). His debut chapter book, The Groundworld Heroes, will take the world by storm on August 6, 2024. You, and all your insatiable little readers, will love it!
Adrian was kind enough to take a moment for one of my quick interviews. Come get to know Adrian and get ready for The Groundworld Heroes on August 6th!
Adrian So Interview
What book or author inspired you most to become an author?
The author that inspired me the most has to be Roald Dahl, every time when I was asked this question. He was my favourite author since a very young age and the one I stuck with since then. I’d have to say it’s Roald Dahl’s humour and voice that made me become a fan, and he’s still a role model for me as a writer. And the book that inspired me the most is also by him, it’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and it’s the book’s whimsical concept that clicked with me. But other honourable mentions would be Gordon Korman, David Walliams, Andy Stanton, and David Solomons.
What is your obsession at the moment? (Sport, show, book, or anything – what preoccupies you most)
I’ll have to go with THE OFFICE, it’s funny and I’m rewatching it because there’s just nothing to do in the Christmas break, except for spending time with friends and family, and chomping down a ton of good food.
What sparked the idea for The Groundworld Heroes?
THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES came to me when I was just opening a new document on my laptop, trying to start a new project after my last one flopped before I even finished it. The first three chapters just surfaced in my mind and I got to writing right away. I’m such a pantser that I don’t even give the story some time to sprout in my head before getting to work. But I don’t think the idea came from nowhere, and I believe I got it subconsciously when I saw the rabbit holes in my yard while mowing the lawn or maybe it’s FANTASTIC MR. FOX (also by Roald Dahl) that sparked the idea.
What do you hope readers will love most about your book?
I hope readers will enjoy the humour in THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES. I mean the book wasn’t humour-driven but there are little bits of comedy here and there. And since I think a good book needs some humour in it (of course there are exceptions), I hope a child will love TGH as much as I did with CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
Most important question: absolute, go-to, cannot do without, comfort food?
Shepherd’s pie is my favourite Western comfort food (my favourite comfort food is an Asian dish that very little people know) because it’s the first dish I tasted and enjoyed when I moved to Canada. So it is always my go-to food if it’s a choice on the menu.
Thank you Adrian for taking the time to answer my questions. I am sure readers are going to love getting to know you and WE all cannot wait to get our hands on The Groundworld Heroes!
Visit Adrian:
Buy Groundworld Heroes
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-groundworld-heroes-adrian-so/21423881?ean=9781957656625&next=t
Russell J. Fellows 
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