BooksChatter: ℚ Behind The Fun Zone: The Age of Amy [4]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with multi-talented author Bruce Edwards to talk about Behind The Fun Zone (1 August 2015, Lambert Hill, 216 pages), book four of the Young Adult series, The Age of Amy.

"Readers will appreciate Amy’s sharp wit." —Booklist

"Funny and bright and a lot of fun."
—Readers' Favorite

"I enjoyed the action and adventure in Behind the Fun Zone. Edwards gives the reader something to think about in this fantasy that points out the dangers inherent in technology, and his specter of a commercially based totalitarianism is properly spooky. Fans of Arthur C. Clarke will also get a kick out of the author's clever homage to one of Clarke's more popular works." —Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite
Author Q&A | Trailer 1 | Synopsis | Trailer 2 | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Tour Stops

A big welcome to Bruce Edwards, thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

Another highly accurate assertion by George Carlin.

What was the inspiration for Behind The Fun Zone?

"Two things: the intrusiveness of today’s hi-tech gadgetry, and people’s obsession with them. Comedian George Carlin famously said, “We are slaves to our gizmos and toys.” Behind the Fun Zone takes that assertion a step further, as the book’s characters race to get brain-implanted smartphones!"

What makes your series unique?

"The appeal of The Age of Amy series is how it examines the absurdity of human behavior. Behind the Fun Zone explores the trappings of modern technology, but also addresses why people think and act the way they do."

Who would you recommend Behind The Fun Zone to?

"Simply, anyone looking for a departure from the same ol’ same ol’. This book offers an engaging story with a fresh point of view, that you don’t often find in young adult titles. File these books under “Relevant Fiction.”"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Amy and I are a lot alike. She sees things as they are, and doesn’t allow politics or the media to cloud her worldview. She recognizes when the powers that be are trying to control her, and wonders why it isn’t obvious to everyone else."

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Can you tell us something quirky about Behind The Fun Zone, its story and characters?

"The book’s theme is about manipulation. The story of Pinocchio [by Carlo Collodi] perfectly illustrates how humans behave when their “strings” are pulled. Although the little wooden puppet wants to do right, his own ignorance and greed get him into trouble. Many references to Pinocchio are scattered throughout this book–some obvious, some hidden."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Behind The Fun Zone - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I design the covers myself. The style was established with the first book in the series. Amy appears on each cover, but her face is always concealed, allowing readers to imagine her appearance from the book’s description of her."

If you could / wished to turn Behind The Fun Zone and the The Age of Amy series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"A screenwriter with the sensibility of Rod Serling, a director with the zaniness of Terry Gilliam, and a lead actor of the caliber of Ellen Page. (You can still play a teenager, can’t you, Ellen?)"

Do you write for a particular genre, or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love writing for a young adult audience. YA fiction offers a wonderfully broad canvas on which to express yourself creatively. Adult literature is too confining for me. You won’t find many chocolate factories in them."

What is your writing process?

"1) Observe. 2) Outline, outline, outline. 3) Write. To keep my energy up, I have a collection of notes scattered across my desk–little scraps of paper holding tiny bits of wisdom. My favorite one says, “Make an elephant fly!”"

What is in store next?

"With the 2016 elections fast approaching, Book #2, The Thumper Amendment, is getting special attention. (Amy joins a presidential campaign, as 14-year-olds earn the right to vote.) Meantime, look for Amy to embark on another bizarre adventure sometime next year!"