Interview with children's author Karen Tyrrell!

Today, I am delighted to welcome back Australian children's author Karen Tyrrell, to help celebrate the release of her new novel, Jo-Kin Battles the It!

1. So Karen, why sci-fi?

I’m an avid reader of sci-fi books by authors: Jules Verne and Emily Rhoda and movie fan of Star Wars and Star Trek. From the age of seven, I was enthralled by TV series Lost in Space, Superman, Jetsons, Thunder Birds and Get Smart. My favourite school magazine story in Grade 6 was about the IT, a mysterious fantasy creature, whom a family of children discovered living in their sandpit.

2 Can you tell us a little more about how Jo-Kin was created?

I created Jo-Kin Battles the It (Super Space Kids #1) as a comedic escape from writing a trauma memoir on my recovery from parent-teacher bullying and mental illness. (Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness.)  When super geek Jo-Kin zoomed across the cosmos battling gruesome monsters and killer robots, he could save the galaxy and be the hero in his own life. Writing humour and fantasy became my coping skill. The ending of the story was inspired by an intriguing calendar picture of a boy landing on a desolate planet, clutching a suitcase. I then developed the story ‘backwards’ leading up to that scene.

3. Is this a standalone novel, or just the start of many more? If the latter, can you give
us a sneaky peek into what might come next?

Jo-Kin Battles the It (Super Space Kids #1) is Book 1 of the Super Space Kids series. In Book 2 Lord Terra is hell-bent on destroying the galaxy and the super space kids. He kidnaps Pandora (Commander Nova’s sister) and the junior space team.  Can Jo-Kin save the galaxy before it’s too late?

4. Does this book have a message, similar to your previous work?

Both books have powerful messages to empower kids to live strong and become heroes in their own lives.  Strong messages of resilience, perseverance, team-work and brain power are entwined in a hilarious action packed space adventure novel. Science, curiosity and problem solving themes are also curriculum based.

Fantastic! Sounds amazing! To top this off, here's a little more info about the book and where you can buy it, plus a cheeky giveaway!


Jo-Kin Battles the It Book Giveaway
Win a signed copy of Jo-Kin Battles the It OR one of four eBooks of Jo-Kin Battles the It OR signed artwork from the illustrator, Trevor Salter.
 For a chance to WIN please like Karen’s Super Space Kids book series page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuperSpaceKids and
Please leave a comment on any of the above Blog stops 19-30 Oct.
 Winners announced in November. Good luck J

 Where to buy Jo-Kin Battles the It
Jo-Kin Battles the It is available direct from the author, from Amazon, LSI, Fishpond and book shops such as Riverbend in Brisbane, Dymocks: Penrith, Carindale, Garden City. Angus & Robertson: Victoria Point & Post Office Square, Mary Ryans Milton.
 MORE stores coming soon.

Super luck to you and Jo-Kin!