November 29 Interview with Ann T. Bugg

Author Ann T. Bugg
Ann T. Bugg is the Queen of her castle in southern Minnesota where she lives with her Knight in shining armor (who has come to her rescue more than once) and her own little Princess Valerie. The pets in her magical kingdom come in all shapes and sizes, as do all the critters that make their way out of the enchanted forest. Horseback riding, long walks with her dogs (Otter & Dottie pictured above) and embroidering are on her list of hobbies, but writing will always be her first love.
Ann also writes Women's Fiction under the name June Kramin.

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Interview With Author Ann T. Bugg

1: In your books, there's a magic mirror that transports two girls into a fantasy world. What made you choose the idea of a mirror?

I guess since I was having them run into Snow White, I tried to incorporate familiar things from that story. This is a case of my reality spewing into my writing. I had a beautiful, heavy mirror with a black swan wrapping up the side. It was ruined in a basement flood. I envisioned that being abandoned out in our barn since it was ruined and something like that happening. It did sit covered with a tarp a long time before I cold bear to part with it.

2: In what way is the magical world through the mirror set up? (Are there countries and kingdoms, for example.)

There are a few different kingdoms named throughout a few of the books. The girls travel quite a distance walking & sometimes by wagon with the help of friends. In one book, they actually go back and discover some things they left hidden years before. I've always wanted my daughter to make a map of the first couple books. The mirror isn't always the key. In a few books they visit other "realms" as well. I didn't want to make King Arthur Cinderella's neighbor. ;) That's where other helpful characters like Merlin the magician come in handy. In one book they discover the city of gold. Long story short (too late...) it isn't any one place throughout the series.

3: Samantha goes to visit Valerie in the summer when they find the mirror. Why?

Again, more real life spewing into the books. The girls live 5 hours apart. We actually have Samantha for a week each summer. Once I had the first one done, it just seemed like a good idea to use that to continue. Of course since they age a year each book, I've quickly written myself out of a series I'm toying with some vacation destinations & winter vacation books, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Book 3 1/2? LOL... we'll see what happens.

4: Did you originally plan to make this a series?

In a word - no. I wasn't sure I'd finish #1 let alone now be sitting on 9. I just thought of my favorite stories & how those 2 would handle the situation. They really are fun to work with! They are the bosses in real life and on paper!

5: Is there anything you would change about your books now that they're published?

I don't think so. The stories are obviously very close to my heart. I had one reader not like the point of view & think that it was wrong for what the gnome knew - but that's what 1st person omni is. The narrator knows all. I didn't mean to be confusing - it's just how the story unfolded. It's meant for 8-12 years old. I think the more directions you can see things and have them explained - the better. I've read it so much - I don't think I could change it if I wanted to. Everyone else has loved the gnome. I've made t-shirts with him. He stays :)

6: What was your inspiration for writing about Samantha and Valerie?

They are easy targets! Some days watching them is like watching a Disney show. They never actually played the game that I have them play in #1, but I just saw them doing it. Some day we are going to sit down & invent it! All the ditties come from them. I'm waiting for the non-fan mail from parents. "Thanks. Now my child walks around saying 'Loser loser, double loser....'" LOL

7: What was your target audience for these books, and why did you choose that particular one?

Middle Grade - ages 8-12. They were 8 when I started writing the books. I learned kids like to read about kids their own age so that's where I kept it. I see a lot of Young Adult these days where the swear words fly. I wanted to keep it clean. (okay... I have my mom in mind there, too. :)

8: Are you planning on doing any more books with Samantha and Valerie?

I'm hoping to fit a few more in before I call this quits. I haven't ruled out writing some YA with them... it will just have to take a back burner right now to a lot of my women's fiction that is coming out. If I don't have too many pots on the fire, I'm not doing it right!

Thanks!



Book 1


Book 1: Through the Mirror and into Snow (Snow White)
When best friends Valerie and Samantha discover a magic mirror in Val’s 100-year-old barn in southern Minnesota, they eagerly go through it. Immediately they run into the young Snow White, who has just escaped the huntsman. The girls vow to help her find her father, knowing the dangers that await. On their journey, the fun-loving double-trouble duo quickly discover they are caught up in the middle of their favorite fairy tales.

Having the knowledge of the stories as their only weapon, Val and Sam help two other princesses, make a surprising friend and discover they have a fairy godmother of their very own.


Book 2



Book 2: Into the Forest and Down the Tower (Rapunzel)
It’s time for Samantha’s summer visit again. Both she and Val are anxious to see if they will take another magical journey through the mirror. After learning of a problem with one of the horses, Odette makes her appearance and tells the girls it’s up to them to help him.

What Charlie needs is something that can only be found in their magical land. It can’t be given to them; they have to solves riddles and discover the answers themselves. A family of elves guides them, but even elf powers are limited when it comes to what stands between the girls and what they seek.

Trolls and unicorns were everything they imagined and more, but rescuing Rapunzel from her tower was an added bonus they never saw coming.


Book 3



Book 3: Off to Camp and Discovering Art (King Arthur)
Valerie and Samantha are disappointed that their schedules were not allowing them to spend a week together this summer like they have done every year since they were young. Their parents are able to plan a weekend camping trip towards the end of summer. The girls are happy for the visit, but sad to think they can’t go through the mirror this year on another adventure. They discover the magic is not only within the mirror, but within themselves when they are together. Merlin the magician shows up to take them on their quest to help Arthur find his true identity and his place in Camelot.
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