in which Throgwottum Glen bursts onto the world stage, Lilliwan proves adept at questioning, and a formerly unknown author alludes of grand plans
author Brian T. Gill
“Have you heard the news?” puffed Gapron Tuggles. “A book about Throgwottum Glen was accepted for publication. Wiggiwump Village will be on the map. Why, soon I will be the mayor of a famous town!”
“Well yes, I suppose so,” replied Ms. Brumps in her characteristic measured tone. “Would you care for some crumpets?”
“Don’t you see what this means?” Gapron continued, still gasping for air. “Be prepared for a flood of calls, Ms. Brumps, maybe visits too. Journalists – even better, screenwriters – will want to learn how it feels to lead the newest ‘it’ city. What are my motivations? My vision? How do I approach the pressing issues of the day? And so forth. Not to mention all the pipa, popa … what’s the word?”
“Paparazzi.”
“Precisely, Ms. Brumps. Quite intrusive they are! Be ready to take evasive measures. And let’s not forget PR. Henceforth all difficult questions, and particularly the insightful ones, are to be referred to me.”
“Oh, certainly.”
“And I haven’t even started with the development angle … ” By now the mayor was flush with excitement, pausing momentarily to loosen his tie. “We shall found the world’s first Throgwottum Glen Museum. And mini-golf course – imagine putting through Tryg Mountain! Perhaps a waterpark, too, with a replica of the Musical Fountain. Block out the next six months on my calendar for groundbreakings.”
“Aren’t we getting a little ahead of ourselves, Mayor? Maybe we should start modestly, with an interview.”
“Capital, Ms. Brumps. Inform the press that I am available!”
“I was rather referring to the author.”
Gapron found the suggestion doubly disappointing. “Are you sure that’s wise?” he protested. “It’s always a pig in the poke with literary types: they tend to prattle on about nothing at all.”
But the assistant had adroitly slipped out of the office to place the necessary calls. Lilliwan, gracious as ever, agreed to question a previously obscure writer, who for his part eagerly accepted the invitation. The chat took place in the informal, cozy environment of the Sygards’ back yard, over fresh brackawack berry tea. Jax might have stirred once or twice. A chattiwog perched on the roof went unnoticed, as did a bespectacled pocket shrew peeking out from behind the flowers.
฿฿฿
Lilliwan:First, welcome to Wiggiwump Village! We hope that you are enjoying your visit.
Brian:That's very kind of you, Lilliwan. I certainly am, and would like to thank the residents for the warm reception.
Lilliwan:Let's begin with a curiosity. Is it true that before writing "Throgwottum Glen" you worked with a diplomatic organization? What inspired you to try fiction?
Brian:Yes, that is correct. But actually, the question should be whether I ever wrote true material. [Laughs]
Lilliwan:Interesting. Can you explain?
Brian:This topic could make for a long discussion! In short, there are parallels between diplomats and actors. The venues are different, yet ultimately both are performers who read from scripts – in diplomacy the documents might be titled as "talking points" and so forth, but in essence they are scripts – and take directions on staying within character.
Lilliwan:Would it then be accurate to say that "Throgwottum Glen" is drawn from your life experience?
Brian:Definitely. The Caucasus and the Alps are both lands of fairytales, and shaped the setting. Certainly the anecdotes and colorful personalities I encountered along the way are reflected in the story too. "Throgwottum Glen," as a series, would not have come into being had I stayed in my home country. At the same time, the place existed separately. I am relieved that there is now proof – my friends suspected me of being quite mad.
Lilliwan:What, exactly, motivated you to write the book? Was it an act of escapism?
Brian:We were living in Tbilisi, Georgia when the war with Russia broke out in August of 2008. My wife and I had two young sons at the time. Being less than one year old, Maxim could not comprehend the danger and slept peacefully through the air raids. But Anton, then four, had nightmares for months afterward. I created "Throgwottum Glen" as a haven, a place where children are indeed confronted with problems, but can overcome them – and grow through doing so.
Lilliwan:Obviously your sons played instrumental roles in bringing the story to print.
Brian:Yes. Anton would fall asleep laughing, and plead for a new tale each night. The constant improvisations exhausted me at first; it is much easier to tell stories without endings, which I had done in my prior work. But when I realized that the strange adventures of Kedra and Fruku had the power to chase away bad dreams, I started to think about a wider audience. Anton pushed me to finish a manuscript.
Lilliwan:And as they say, the rest is history.
Brian:In fact Anton had an entire marketing campaign in mind, from plush animals to video games and apps, so I suppose my calendar will be full. Maxim has since joined him as a promoter of "Adventures in Throgwottum Glen."™ I owe so much to my sons, each of whom has boundless creativity, and to Alyona, my wife and muse.
Lilliwan:That might explain your ability to identify with Kedra and Fruku. How are you able to give them "tween" voices?
Brian:They are fantastic kids, by the way, energetic and clever. You have every right to be proud.
Lilliwan:[Beaming] Thank you!
Brian:Back to the question … it would seem that smart children should easily find their place in the sun, but it isn't always so. Talent often goes unrecognized and unrewarded, and even well mannered kids become frustrated when held back. I wanted to make Throgwottum Glen a place where the Kedras and Frukus may reach the top, not necessarily at first but eventually, through perseverance. As for writing at their level, there is a difference between aging and maturing. The former is inevitable; the latter is a choice, and on principle I refuse to leave childhood behind!
Lilliwan:[Taken aback] Are you telling me that you don't know what you want to be when you grow up?
Brian:[Fidgeting] Well, in a way, yes.
Lilliwan:If I might put you on the spot again, who is your favorite character?
Brian:[Pauses] That is a difficult question. I relate to them all, somehow. Certainly there is a soft spot for GubuGar, who, by the way, took me on a very nice walking tour earlier. We were delayed while they argued over left or right, but eventually that was sorted. I also identify with your husband's occasional flops: through overcoming the fear of disappointment he is a role model. But Kiparu probably is my alter ego. I have incurable wanderlust, for which I have paid a high price but on balance gained immeasurably. Kiparu is forever searching, for a fountainhead, maybe. Knowledge slakes his thirst, but also brings a hint of sadness.
Lilliwan:Speaking of personal experiences, how do you hope that readers will be affected by "Adventures in Throgwottum Glen"?
Brian:Above all, I would like to stimulate "moral imagination"…
Lilliwan:If I may cut in, because this seems to be at the core of the story: what exactly is moral imagination?
Brian:Well, first, it's the opposite of Wonkus.
Lilliwan:But surely there is no such thing!
Brian:Only the name is made up – Wonkus is very real. And devastating. Picture a world – I prefer not to, actually, because the thought is alarming – where people lose the desire to exercise their minds, to innovate, or to make decisions. Life becomes unbearably dull.
Lilliwan:Is creativity the cure?
Brian:It is an essential ingredient, anyway. The intellect can be used for both good and evil. The key is to know the difference, and not to be fooled into thinking that there is none. For example, The Mudupan poses a real threat: it is in the beast's nature to destroy, and there is little point in trying to reason with it. True wisdom and courage start with recognizing a situation for what it is.
Lilliwan:That lesson, like others in the book, seems to be at odds with modern conventions.
Brian:Exactly! Many are now taught that life is without an anchor. But generally being adrift is a choice, a bad choice, not an inevitability. "Adventures in Throgwottum Glen" is written to the Kedras and Frukus – the rising generation – to instill a sense of direction.
Lilliwan:How would you then summarize the rest of the morals? What should readers take away from the story?
Brian:Live according to the teachings of brave, upright persons. Likewise, seek out your heritage, and don't discard it wholesale for its faults. Dare to be great, do not apologize either for falling short or excelling, and keep trying. Succeed through your own hard work and effort, while showing respect for those who helped pave the way. Take different viewpoints into account but in the end form your own, reasoned opinions. These messages are not necessarily new; decades ago they might all have been norms. But today they are rebellious! Maybe children will enjoy the book for that reason.
Lilliwan:So, have you fully stated your case, or are other projects in the works?
Brian:Many more are under way! To start, there will be a follow up to "Wonkus."™
Lilliwan:You anticipated one of my questions. Can you give us a preview?
Brian:The working title is "The Zazzle Winds."™ I don't want to spoil any secrets, but the sequel contains new challenges and doubts, and possibly an addition to the extended "Throgwottum Glen" family. The plot helps to make sense of the present by exploring the past. In this respect it picks up on hints that were dropped in the first book. Hopefully readers will be surprised by how the dots connect.
Lilliwan:You indicated the possibility of other pursuits. What else might follow?
Brian:"The Accidentally Brilliant Mr. Spuddles,"™ another children's series, is in the early stage. And a bit later I will meet with Mayor Tuggles to discuss a mini-golf course. I admit to being skeptical, but will listen carefully.
Lilliwan:That sounds ambitious! Can you tell us when these other initiatives might be finished?
Brian:Soon, hopefully. But I might extend my visit to Throgwottum Glen first – it's nicer here than in the "real world." [Smiles]
Lilliwan:Again, thank you for making time for this interview.
Brian:Lilliwan, it was a pleasure. Thank you so much. And forgive me if I did most of the talking.
