Traveling through time in search of the most delicious food EVER? That’s the plot of EVERTASTER by Adam Sidwell, and it’s definitely a story idea I can get behind. In fact, I could probably daydream about something like that for a good long time!
Here’s Adam, defending…the world!
In May, Sidwell came through our cute little community to share his book with the local school kids, and he lit them on fire for reading. For two days in after school hours, he signed books at Bookworms, our town’s one bookstore, and boy did he sign books. Sometimes authors have booksignings that are a little dry, but not Sidwell. Both times I stopped in he was swamped with kids and parents. He had out his laptop and was showing kids his special-effects-laden book trailers, including one where he put a book in a blender and it turned into a smoothie. Hilarious! He had the kids just rapt! (And parents too. And me.)
My own kids came home from school on his second day in town telling me about his presentation, and I felt like such an awesome mom when I said, “I already bought it for you.” They were shocked and then fought over who got to read it first. Rachel, my reading princess, won, since she’s the fastest reader.
Anyway, lucky me, I got to sit down with Adam and chat a bit about movies and books and such, and he agreed to be interviewed for my blog, and so here it is, folks! And know that while you’re reading this, I’m probably rummaging through my refrigerator because I am a fan of delicious flavor. Today my daughters and I are making chocolate cream pie…
Fans throng Adam Sidwell at his Gila Valley book signing in May
J: Give us the basics on you!
A: My name is Adam Glendon Sidwell and I make things up for a living. I live in Los Angeles, California where I spearfish underwater and try to stay indoors during rush hour and dream of moving to a hollow log in the woods.
J: Did you have to study for this job?
A: Animation degree from Brigham Young University. I also studied Computer Science. So I’m a technical artist — I program and I draw. I love merging the two worlds.
J: I heard you’ve worked in film…
A: By day, or at least most days, I create movie magic, ie Visual Effects for blockbuster films. Some of those films include Tron, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean III, I,Robot, and the upcoming Pacific Rim. CG monsters and robots are my specialty. But there was always a story aspect that lived inside of me that I wanted to get out. Films are fun, because you get to be a part of that. I,Robot was my first film. I had read the novel, and then I was working on the film. I always loved the masters of science fiction, and I had an urge to start to create my own stories. I wrote about that journey here: http://www.evertaster.com/2012/08/07/to-tell-a-story/
J: So, Evertaster!
A: Evertaster is a children’s book series for kids ages 8 and up. It’s an adventure that takes place in our modern day world, when Guster and his brothers and sister set out on an adventure to find the most delicious taste in all the world. Guster hates everything he’s ever eaten, so he needs to find this taste no matter what. You could sum it up like this:
When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.
Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.
J: What’s Evertaster’s journey out of your computer and onto the bookstore shelves?
A: Evertaster was edited and published in ebook by Trident Media Group. The paperback was published and the final design done by my company, Future House Publishing. It is a new unique hybrid publishing method, and I’ve been very pleased with it, as it allows me to control the product and make it what I want with the help of my great agent, Alyssa Henkin who is a wonderful editor.
J: School visits a-go-go!
A: I have! I’ve been to 80 schools this school year, and it’s been a smashing success with the kids! They’re responding really well to the story. It’s great to see their eyes light up when I talk to them about how they can write too, and teach them how to do it. For some of them, Evertaster is the first book they’ve ever read, and it’s an honor to be part of sparking their reading interest.
J: And even to the far-flung Gila Valley of Arizona.
A: I visited 7 schools while I was there, ran from place to place, and ate Burros. I sure do love Burros. Lynda Roderick was a great host, and I hope that I can come back and see the kids again.
Lynda Roderick of Bookworms in Thatcher put out a call on facebook for authors to come visit schools in the area. I promptly replied. The great state of Arizona? “Yes indeed” I said.
J: And now for your latest book…
A: My latest book is a spinoff novella int he Evertaster Series — The Buttersmiths’ Gold. It’s about a pair of Vikings and the great lengths they go to to protect their cows. You would to if you had cows like these. They are no ordinary cows at all.
J: What’s your “Coming Soon” movie poster looking like of your publishing life?
A: I’m working on the next book in the Evertaster Series that will follow Guster and his family to a place called the Delicious City. It continues the storyline for Guster and his development as an Evertaster.
Here’s the fab cover. I love this art!
I really appreciate Adam’s taking time to answer all this stuff — in between his scores of school visits. It was great to meet him. I hear he may be back in the great state of Arizona once again next spring for the ANWA Conference in February (a perfect month to be in Arizona), so I look forward to getting to visit with him once again.
Meanwhile, I’m in search of something great to eat.
I finished the book shortly after I received it, it was an awesome book. By the way,
he says that “The Buttersmiths’ Gold” was book 1.2. Shouldn’t that be 1.5? If not,
he has to make 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 before he does number 2. Does that make sense to you? It may be confusing.
I don’t know how he chose 1.2, Rachel. It seems like that’s how they do software updates, though. And then if there’s a bigger improvement, they make it a bigger leap in numbers. And if it’s something new, they do 2.0 or something. All techy. I don’t get it. 🙂