Today’s very important guest is an author with unique qualifications. He holds a Doctorate in Monster Studies from the Australian Monsters University (AMU). When he’s not writing books for kids, he works as a part-time monster researcher. And, when he’s not working part time as a monster researcher, he’s discussing all things writing and monsters with us! Ladies and Gentlemen, give a monstrous round of applause for Mitch Frost – Woohooooo!
Hi Mitch, thanks for joining us today
Hi Ken
First of all, thanks so much for the copy of your book, The Ultimate Survival Guide to Monsters Under the Bed.
You’re welcome
It’s been a big help. Since reading and keeping this wonderful book by my bed at night, I’ve had no Under The Bed Monsters. I’ve had a couple at the breakfast table, and, one after school asking for money, but that’s it.
If you haven’t read it yet you can see our review below. Now Mitch, what’s the number one skill you need when confronting a monster?
To remember that the Monsters should be scared of you, not the other way around. You are brave, strong and smart. Monsters don’t stand a chance!
But I’m scared of spiders
Did you have a monster under your bed growing up?
I did! This was one of the main reasons I devoted a big part of my life to solving the monster problem once and for all. I have really enjoyed my time working with the wonderful team at Goodnight Labs to develop the Monster Survival Guide. Thanks to Goodnight Labs, I believe we are entering a new and exciting chapter of monster free bedrooms!
Praise the lord!
While we’re talking about important books like yours, do you have any thoughts on humour and its role in children’s literature?
Humour is often seen as a great way to attract reluctant readers, which is true, but I feel it is much more powerful than that. Humour not only attracts new readers but keeps all types of readers coming back for more.
I look back on my childhood and I loved funny books. That love has come with me throughout my life. I hope that I continue to spread the love of humour through my own writing.
The world we live in is full of challenges and uncertainties. It is important we continue to have opportunities to laugh, dance and enjoy the wonders that surround us!
What’s the funniest book that you’ve read?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. The pages are overflowing with puns, dad jokes and just pure fun.
You had me at Dad jokes
What could be more fun than teleporting to the Kingdom of Wisdom where you get to travel to Dictionopolis, Digitopolis and the Mountan of Ignorance? Just try not to jump to conclusions!
Awesome!
Who is your funniest fictional character of all time?
The gold medal would have to go to Rincewind from the Discworld series. Terry Pratchett created so many fantastic and humorous characters but Rincewind would have to be my all-time favourite. There is nothing quite like a main character with no real skills or passion for adventure who continually gets thrown, sometimes literally, into danger.
Silver medal goes to Mr Bean, my childhood hero.
Back to monsters for a minute. What’s your favourite type of monster?
While undertaking my monster studies, I heard rumours of a very rare species of Monster, spoken only about in folk tales. In fact, until recently no human had ever been lucky enough to see one. The species is known as the Spiratus-Locknessius-Mythratis, or ‘Dragon Tail’ for short.
Woah!
Following extensive research and planning, Daron (illustrator extraordinaire) and I undertook the arduous journey to find Dragon Tail, deep into the Andes.
After many weeks of minimal rations, freezing cold temperatures and limited contact with the outside world we were about to give up.
On the last night before returning I couldn’t believe our luck. Poking out from under my bed was a small triangle tipped tail. It was Dragon Tail! After a quick snake hiss I managed to snap a picture as it ran away. It is still the highlight of my career! For those who have seen the book, Daron has done a fabulous job of re-creating Dragon Tail in Step 8 (he is the big blue one).
What’s the scariest monster you’ve ever encountered?
The scariest monster must be the Carrot Monster. What could be more scary than a Monster and vegetable combined?
Yukk. I sure hope there’s no such thing as a Brussels Sprout monster.
Hey, what do monsters think we taste like? Chicken?
An interesting fact about monsters is that despite hanging around humans, they have no interest in eating us. Different species of monster enjoy different foods but generally their diet consists of berries, grass and garbage bin leftovers.
Okay, let’s move away from monsters for a minute, you’re grossing me out. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot or spirit animal? Don’t say a garbage eating Vegetable Monster.
My mascot would be my little dog Daisy. She always sits/sleeps by my side while I write. She also still seems to love me despite not walking her as often as I should.
If you could go back and do anything differently as a child to be a better writer as an adult, what would it be?
I wish that I discovered writing for children sooner in my life. I would go back and tell my younger self to always follow your heart and do what makes you happy. I would also tell him to enjoy that big bushy head of hair – it won’t be around much longer!
Did a monster take your hair?
What tip would you give someone looking to write/create a funny book?
Write what you love and try not to focus on being funny. Let the humour come through naturally.
You will find the book is easier to write and the final product will be much more authentically you!
One last important question, should pineapple ever be on a pizza?
Yes! Yes! Yes
Woohoooo!
Anything else we should know about monsters before we go?
There were tons of amazing monster facts that couldn’t make it into the book. Here are a few facts that you might not know:
Did you know that Monsters can only count even numbers? Because of this peculiar condition they only get to celebrate their birthday once every two years.
That’s odd!
Monsters can read upside down. This is fantastic news for Ultimate Survival Guide owners. It doesn’t matter what way your survival guide is facing, monsters will still be able to read the cover and will run for the hills!
7 out of 10 monsters hate opera music. Strangely, the other 3 out of 10 only hate it on weekends.
Hahahaha, that’s a classic.
Well, there you have it folks, you heard it here first. Thanks so much for joining us today, Mitch, your advice on monsters and writing has been awesome.
Thanks Ken
To view our preview of The Ultimate Survival Guide to Monsters Under the Bed, click here: https://readingwithachanceoftacos.com/ultimate-guide-to-under-the-bed-monsters-tacos-review/
For more info on Author Mitch Frost and his amazing work click on his website here: https://www.mitchfrost.com/