Stella Tarakson

Gotta love fellow writers! Author and blogger, Evelyne Holingue, has tagged me on the ‘Meet My Main Character Blog Tour’. Thanks, Eveylne, I’m honoured to take part. Evelyne is a Frenchwoman now living in the United States. She writes in both languages and is a very talented lady. She’s the author of Trapped in Paris, a thrilling young adult novel set on a background of loss. You can find out more about Evelyne and her work here. 

This blog tour helps us learn more about each writer’s book, and in particular that all-important main character. Seven questions have been set. Evelyne has expertly tackled them on her blog, and now it’s my turn!

1 What is the name of your main character? Is he fictional or a historic person?

Mike is fictional, but typical of many 9-year-old boys. He likes to think of himself as ‘Mike the Spike’, as he has tall spikey hair that he’s terribly proud of. Mike’s quite small but believes his spikes make him look tall and very grown up.

2. When and where is the story set?

It’s set in the modern day. Most of the action revolves around school and the average suburban home.

3. What should we know about him?

Mike needs the approval and admiration of his peers. He’s a fiercely independent boy who likes to solve problems by himself, without adult help. This tends to get him deeper and deeper into trouble, with amusing consequences.

4. What is the main conflict? What messes up his life?

Mike’s greatest source of pride – his hair – comes under threat. To his horror, he discovers he has nits. Mike is convinced his head will be shaved. How will he cope with the shame? He decides to get rid of them quickly, all by himself, before anyone finds out. But as anyone who’s ever had nits knows … it isn’t easy.

5. What is his personal goal?

Mike has two goals. The first, of course, is to get rid of his nits. His other goal is to make a great non-spike-squashing hat for the upcoming hat parade. He’s never won a prize before and longs to win something, just this once. But how can he, when he can’t stop scratching?

6. Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The junior novel is called Mike the Spike and it suits readers aged 7 +. Although it’s ostensibly about nits, it’s also about trust, self-reliance, and where you can turn when you need help.

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

It’s being released in August! My publisher is New Frontier, and the book is being published as part of their Little Rockets series. This is a fast-paced series full of memorable characters, and I’m thrilled that Mike the Spike is going to join them.

And now it’s my turn to pass on the favour!

I’d like to invite Marcia Meara of the excellent Bookin’ It blog to take part in this blog tour. Marcia’s written a couple of books that I’d love to know more about.

I’ve previously interviewed Pamela Cook, a rural fiction writer. She’s already had two novels published, is well into her third, and writes the inspirational Flying Pony blog.

Dimity Powell  is a fellow kids’ book author. Check out her blog  Dimswritestuff.

Karren Tyrell is a mental health advocate. She writes books that help children deal with bullying. She’ll be joining me on the CYA Conference success panel next month, which I’ll blog about soon 🙂

Over to you, ladies …