Welcome back to another of my marvelous Middle-Grade reads selections. Today we visit with J. D. Rempel. J.D. is an award-winning children’s author. Her books include Marigold and the Snoring King, a fairy tale picture book, and her contemporary middle-grade series, The NorCal Girls. Besides writing, J.D. is also a voice-over narrator. In her spare time, she loves to read especially mysteries, play games, and solve puzzles. She lives in Northern California with her husband and their turtle, Applesauce.
Question One: What was your favorite book to read as a child and why?
Answer: As a child, I was an avid reader, spending lunch and recess in the library at school. Many books sparked my imagination but I absolutely loved The Elizabeth Gail series by Hilda Stahl. The main character, Libby (Elizabeth Gail) feels like an outsider and doesn’t seem to fit in, which was very relatable to me. This series is the one which inspired The NorCal Girls.
Question Two: How difficult do you find it to write to a middle-grade audience?
Answer: Some aspects of it are easy and others are hard. It’s easy since I connect with that age group very well. I’ve worked with my husband in youth ministry for a number of years. The hard part is putting myself into my character’s perspective. Middle school can be an awkward and difficult age. The main reason I write middle-grade is so my readers won’t feel alone. Another struggle I faced with writing my upcoming release was the setting of Melanie at Camp Redwoods, which is a real place—Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds. I love it there and I wanted to describe it accurately.
Question Three: What is one life experience that don’t mind sharing which you would relive over and over if you could?
Answer: I’m sure this is a bit sappy, but I loved my wedding. It was such a fun day. I’m very close with my family and so having all the people I love around me was wonderful. It was nice having all my friends and family gathered in one place.
Question Four: What animal would you be if you could choose and why?
Answer: This is a hard one since I love reptiles and find them so fascinating. But I would choose a wolf since they are such beautiful creatures. They are pack orientated and I’m very close to my family. And I would love living in a forest. Some of my favorite books have a wolf as one of the characters.
Here is the back cover copy for J.D.’s newest release, Melanie at Camp Redwoods
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
Thirteen-year-old Melanie Cooper can’t wait to spend the week at Camp Redwoods. When she arrives, it’s even more wonderful than she imagined. She’s experiencing amazing adventures with her friends and beginning to understand more about God. But Bethany, Melanie’s frenemy, seems determined to ruin camp for her.
As Melanie seeks to know God, questions and distractions arise. But God persistently knocks on the door of her heart and shows her what it means to be a child of God. Will Melanie answer and make the ultimate decision which will change her life forever?
Discover with Melanie a loving, heavenly Father who pursues a relationship with His children.
Melanie at Camp Redwoods is doing her cover reveal today and the book will release on April 20, 2023. Get your preorder HERE.
Connect with J.D. Rempel on her WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.
Pam Halter says
So excited for you, Jenn!!
If I could be an animal, I’d be a cat … MY cat … just sayin’. 😉