Rick Riordan recently sat down with author Stacey Lee to discuss the latest addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies.
Read on to discover Stacey’s inspiration for Winston Chu, why San Francisco is the perfect setting for this story, and which Whimsies Stacey and Rick would like to take home for themselves.
Rick:
Hi, Stacey! I’m so excited that readers are finally able to experience Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies! Thank you for this wonderful contribution to the imprint. It’s definitely one of the most imaginative stories I’ve ever read. I got so involved in it that I couldn’t even stop to give you editorial notes! What was your inspiration for the novel?
Stacey:
My son was definitely the inspiration for my hero, Winston Chu, though I’m really not supposed to say that out loud. (He doesn’t want his friends to jump him.) So, my kid’s button has been stuck on ‘go’ since he was born, which has meant lots of adventures for me. He’s touched more than his share of things he’s not supposed to touch, and I have the broken toe to prove it. So I wondered, what if there were magical consequences for a good kid whose motor always ran a little too fast? Enter Winston.
Rick:
Let’s talk about the Whimsies, the enchanted items Winston comes across in Mr. Pang’s shop. There are so many marvels it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I think mine might be the fuzzy ukulele, because I play guitar. Which one would you take home if you could, and which one would you avoid at all costs?
Stacey:
I really like your choice, Rick. For readers who don’t know, a fuzzy ukulele puts everyone in a good mood and would be a handy instrument to have around during global crises, or when your mom discovers you’ve thrown your wet socks into the hamper. I personally like the Ask Me Anything Beethoven Busts, which answer burning questions that aren’t easily searched on the Internet, such as “Why is my sister mad at me?” Or “How do I stop someone from snuffing out the moon?” The whimsy I would definitely NOT choose is the Break-Free Cactus. If you ever happen upon it, back away slowly and do not say “Ariana Grande.”
Rick:
The setting of this book, San Francisco, is so important that it’s practically one of the characters. I understand the appeal of the place because I taught in the Bay Area years ago. What about the city made it the ideal location for this particular story?
Stacey:
San Francisco has everything going for it—a gorgeous location where the Pacific Ocean flows into the Bay, whimsical landmarks including a bright red bridge and a pyramid skyscraper, a diverse population, and islands that are perfect hiding places for magic. And it also happens to be where my family is from.
Rick:
The importance of family is a major theme of Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies, and I appreciated the way you portrayed the sibling relationships in particular. What are you hoping readers take away from Winston’s family dynamics?
Stacey:
Winston and his older sister, Philippa, don’t always see eye to eye. She’s night, he’s day; he’s sentimental, she’s practical. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be there for each other when the going gets rough, especially if the family is in trouble. Often your best ally is your former enemy.
Rick:
Before we sign off, what’s your favorite flavor of boba tea?
Stacey:
I like to switch it up depending on my mood. My last one was pineapple green tea with basil seeds and rainbow boba. It was a whimsical explosion of flavor and chewiness. What about you, Rick?
Rick:
Well, in honor of Percy Jackson, I’d have to say Butterfly Blue!
Thank you for taking time to answer these questions—and for letting us publish your book! I can’t wait to see what new kind of trouble Winston gets into in the sequel, Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters, next year.
But until then, you can order your own copy of Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee right here!
Stacey Lee Photo: © Steven Cotton Photography