Author Jude Watson on heists and hijinks

Hi OOM Readers,

I'm Rachel Griffiths, editor to bestselling author Jude Watson, and today I've got a treat for you as sweet as that first sip of summer lemonade. I've convinced Jude to stop by to tell us about her awesome new book, Loot, and to give us her take on what makes the perfect summer read. 

As the author of bestselling books for The 39 Clues and Star Wars, Jude knows how to get young pulses pounding. She's outdone herself in Loot, the story of twins March and Jules McQuinn, the children of the notorious cat burglar Alfie McQuinn, and their quest to pull off the ultimate heist. Rick Riordan said “Loot hits the jackpot”, and Rebecca Stead said, “Loot is pure delight—a super-smart, funny, and exciting ride.” The critics agree. In starred reviews, Publishers Weekly called Loot “action-packed” and Kirkus praised it as “akin to the best of roller-coaster rides.”

So, just what does it take to make that ultimate summer page-turner? Jude Watson is here to tell us:

You hit the bestseller list for your books for both The 39 Clues and Star Wars, two series that are known for grabbing the attention of reluctant readers. What does a book need to get reluctant readers to crack it open and then stay with the story?

Loot begins with a heist that goes wrong and a spooky prophecy, and then catapults the reader into our hero’s point of view as he’s racing to join his father on a big jewel heist.   Grab a reader with action, keep him or her there with suspense, and deliver it all with a unique voice from a character you want to spend time with. Create a whole world that the reader wants to enter.  Make the reader care.  And don’t forget the jokes! 

Many people don’t know that you have an alter ego – under the name Judy Blundell, you won the National Book Award for WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED. Is there a difference in writing a literary prize winner and a non-stop thrill ride like LOOT?

I don’t like categories, either as a writer or a reader.  I want an adventure to be well-written and I want a so-called literary book to be a page turner. 

I will say, though, that when I’m wearing my Jude Watson hat, it’s got a little more flash—maybe even a spinning propeller on top!  I give myself a greater license to play—to be a little crazy, to stretch the reality boundary, because I know kids will be along for the ride.  There’s a saying that I repeat to myself often: Accept the premise, buy the bit.  (I say it so often that my daughter now can throw it right back at me, along with always be kind and eat your broccoli.) That means that if I do my job well in setting up my story and my characters, I can take some crazy risks and my readers will be with me.

What kind of book should teachers and parents look for if they want to keep their kids reading all summer long?

Summer is for fun.  This is why bookstores have tables marked “Beach Reads.”  I know in my own household in July and August mysteries and adventures start stacking up by sofas and chairs.  I think a mixture of outlandish fun, humor; adventure and mystery can’t be beat for a great summer read.  Kids are busy with camp and playtime in the summers, but there are also those long hot afternoons when the best thing in life is a book and a popsicle.

 Thanks to Rachel Griffiths, editor, for contributing this post!