Interview with Eileen Schnabel, Author of Kep Westguard Rebel Spy

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Kep Westguard Rebel Spy?

I used to tell my sons bedtime stories, where I would place them into historic settings or battles. We once recreated a famous WW2 naval battle using bathtub ships. Eventually I started writing them down. But the main characters, two brothers, are inspired by my own sons.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Kep Westguard Rebel Spy, what would they be?

I’d say the Rocky Theme song because often my characters are the underdogs.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Middle Grade fiction. I’m also a big mystery fan – from Agatha Christie to Grisham.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m about to start Spy School by Stuart Gibbs because someone compared my series to his (I was flattered). I am just finishing the Emmy series by Lynne Jonell, one of my favorite authors. And I just got back from a cruise where I must have seen a dozen people sitting poolside reading Clive Cussler books, so I picked up one The Race – set in 1909 and the aviation boom – and I’m enjoying it.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes with General Burgoyne and the scenes with Baroness Von Riedesel. I did TONS of research and only a tiny bit make it into the scenes but they were both fascinating characters and fun to write.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Ha – I’m not sure if I’ll regret sharing this, but I often listen to “creativity affirmations” on YouTube when I’m feeling stuck on some plot point. “I am creative. Creative energy flows through me. Being creative comes easy. Etc. ” Often it gets me past my stuck point.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Freedom doesn’t come free.” You can’t study the American Revolution and not be AWED by the sacrifices that were made.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

See above – “Freedom doesn’t come free.”

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