May the K9 Spy Returns!

In 2011 I had the pleasure of introducing ya'll to May the K9 Spy and her author mom, KC Frantzen. We talked about their first hardcover, illustrated book for middle readers (and all the young at heart!) - May on the Way: How I Become a K9 Spy. (If you missed that interview, you can read it HERE!) Today I'm excited to feature that book's sequel - May Finds a Way: Peril in Paris!

*** ***

Amber: Welcome back to the BB, KC! What was the hardest part about writing a sequel? What was the best?

KC: The hardest? Getting started! Once I give myself permission to write, albeit badly, then it’s fine. After recently editing and polishing the previous book, it was hard to start a first draft, which is inherently messy.

OOOH – the best? May sharing more adventures in first dog. Since she has no thumbs, and has difficulty typing, I’m amanuensis. She is quite something! Yes May, you’ll have a turn. Just a moment…

And an impromptu research trip, courtesy of my husband. That was marvelous. =)

It really IS fun to see where things go. Authors such as Stephen King and Jerry Jenkins have written about being surprised as a story develops… The idea being, if the author is surprised, surely readers will be. It has happened several times writing both books. Readers young and old will share their reaction to something unexpected, most often saying, “Oh NO!”

But readers have come to understand that May and I believe in Good. We strive to have satisfying endings. We hope her fans will keep turning pages to discover what happens next!

Amber: About that research trip and the main setting of this sequel... What do you love the most about Paris? 

KC: The history, paws down. Speaking of, I’m reading The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough. Outstanding if you enjoy historical detail.

I’ve been to Paris twice, once to research for this book! I went alone with only a backpack and was on the ground 28 hours total. (Hotel points and frequent flyer miles are a blessing!) Prior to the journey, I used my DK Eyewitness Travel Guide, listing and mapping everything I thought I would need. Then I visited each place and took notes to richly and accurately layer the story. There was one exception – the sewers. Didn’t realize I’d need that info until later. Grace prevailed when I discovered a tour video online. I really did dine at La Solana Café and visit Félix Canis (dog & cat salon and shop). Everyone was so kind, I knew those establishments must be included, by name. =)

I chose Paris for a variety of reasons, chief among them the opportunity to broaden horizons of young readers. Hopefully it’s presented well enough for adult readers to relate, if they’ve been. There is little literary license. For example, when writing May’s travel through the city, I referenced a map to ensure accurate setting portrayals. That is the fun of it, weaving the fiction in with the facts! When May and her FURiend Léonce, the feral cat, must escape Le Panthéon, we use a real group, Untergunther, to play a part. And why Le Panthéon? Because Louis Braille is buried there! Did you know he started working on a communication system for the blind (now known as Braille) when he was only 11 years old?

Those are the little things we use to make our books sparkle.

Amber: Sparkle, indeed! Sounds like you've included a lot of interesting facts and research in May Finds a Way - very cool! So, are there any more “May the K9 Spy” stories in the works? 

KC: Taking tips from other successful authors, such as Stephenie Meyer, I included a sneak peek into the next book. So, yep, there is a May 3 in the works as we speak! Okay okay May, you can tell Amber more…

Amber: These next questions are for May - Are you excited to share another story with your reader friends? What do you hope children and adults alike will learn from your latest adventure?

May: Yes! I’m wiggling my entire self I’m soooo excited to be here with you, Miss Amber, and your FURiends! Thlpbt!

My favorite part of life is getting to meet my fans, in dog. They tell me sometimes how much my stories help, knowing how I was abused and all, and how I survived to become a K9 Spy. When I’m incognito, I can be out sharing my stories. It’s a great life.

Hope –– that’s the word. Good job, Miss Amber. My second story is all about hope finding a way, even in the darkest of times. Like oh, hypothetically speaking, being lost, deep in a Paris sewer surrounded by rats or maybe… Suffering betrayal from someone close to you… Or say… Being trapped in an old crypt in the Cimetière Passy. But coming to know the Creator always, always has a plan, even if it’s not apparent when you’re stuck alone in the dark!

I also think young humans can do a whole lot more than grown humans think they can, just like a little runt, I mean Mini-Schnauzer, can… I like to challenge their thinking in a good way, with adventures and morals, showing consequences for decisions. Maybe they can learn how to make good decisions the easy way on some things, to help make their life better.

Oui, I mean yes, I just love what I do!

Amber: That's great, May! Now, what do you love the most about Paris?

May: The smells, definitely. So many stories!!

*** ***

May's Giveaway!

Here’s the link to hear Mom read Chapter 1 of May Finds a Way. I would have read it but you might not speak critter.

Is it okay, Mom, to do what I asked about? Grrreat!

FURiends, since you’re probably unfamiliar with my story, I’d like to give away a copy of my first book, so you can know there is hope too! It tells how I become a K9 spy. I hope you enjoy it!!! BOL! (Barking Out Loud) 

Let’s go!

Amber again: If you have a U.S. mailing address and would like a chance to read (or share with a younger person in your life) May's first book, leave a comment with your e-mail address! I'll announce the winner next Monday!

Thank you, KC and May, for visiting! And, readers, you can learn more about this dynamic duo on their website: www.maythek9spy.com!

(Note: All photos and artwork (c) 2012 KC Frantzen.)