Monstersona
by Chloe Spencer
Released: Feb 14, 2023
Genre: Horror
Why this book and why now?
Monstersona is a book that focuses on grief, trauma, and the ways in which love can help us overcome those things. I began writing it in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, originally as a means of expressing my frustration over what was going on the world–not just in relation to how the government was addressing the virus, but also, how laws regarding bodily autonomy where under attack. It then became a book that helped me reflect on experiences I had as a teenager. I have always been a fan of the horror genre, as well as road trip stories, so I wanted to write something that was a combination of those two interests.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
One of the most important subplots in the book is Riley’s relationship with her dad, whom at the beginning of the story, she idolizes and is very close to, but over the course of the book, she learns some information about him that changes her perception of who she is.
The original storyline was a lot more simplistic and had a negative ending, but I think that the editing process helped to shape it into something that more holistically examines our changing relationships with our parents when we learn more about the
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I think that I would get along well with Aspen, since we have very similar interests and she’s more extroverted/adventurous, but Riley is very introverted and doesn’t really open up to people too easily. I don’t know if we would like each other, but it would at the very least take her a long time to warm up to me.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Riley would want her dog, Tigger, along with a lighter, and probably a machete. She tries to be a practical person, so she would plan accordingly.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Aspen is the type of person who loves planning dates, so she would probably take charge on this front. She likes encouraging Riley to try new things, and wants to plan new experiences. I think she would start by taking Riley out for a meal at a revolving-plate sushi restaurant or an Indian restaurant. Then, she would probably take her to an arcade, because she knows how much Riley loves to play video games. Afterwards, it’s a toss-up between going out for a long drive where they can talk and listen to music, or going back to someone’s place to watch a movie. Cozy, but busy!
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Aspen would absolutely want a matcha milk tea with boba and a caramel drizzle. She LOVES boba, and also has a very big sweet tooth, but enjoys the nice flavors and aroma of matcha to kinda balance it out. She sees this drink as something that’s very fun, but has a mature edge to it.
Riley is a chocoholic, so she would probably want one of those towering milkshakes that you could find at a restaurant like The Sugar Factory: towering, full of treats, something that’s going to make her stomach hurt at the end. I think that for a celebration, she would think “The bigger the better.”
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Aspen would absolutely pick Earth, Wind, and Fire’s September, because it’s a bop and she enjoys older music.
Riley would pick Don’t Stop Now (feat. Michelle Gonzalez) by Daniel Rojas, which yes, is from Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. I imagine that that’s one of her favorite shows, and the soundtrack for it is very upbeat and fun.
