Introducing the Whimsical World of S.B. Goncarova

S.B. Goncarova is the imaginative author behind the "Adventures with Abba" series. In her latest middle-grade novel, "The Secret Code of the Heartbeat Drum," Goncarova captivates readers with daring rescue missions, quirky characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. Join us as she shares insights into her writing process, her passion for inspiring young readers, and the exciting projects on the horizon.

Could you share a little about yourself and your current middle grade novel?

Sure! I’m an author, animator, screenwriter, performer, and composer. I’ve written seven books, including three children's chapter books, part of a series called “ Adventures with Abba.”

My latest middle-grade novel is called “The Secret Code of the Heartbeat Drum.”

The core of the story is a rescue-adventure between two very precocious and courageous sisters who have to figure out how to get along and problem solve if they are going to save their lost Aunt Abba and her grumpy cat Caruso.

In the supporting cast, we have their mother, whose superpower is to be able to hear through walls, and a Sophia Petrillo-esque grandma who sports a shimmery djellaba, sneakers, and a Brooklyn accent.

What inspired you to start writing middle grade fiction?

These books were inspired by my nieces and nephew, and as they get older I am trying to be just ahead of their reading level to keep them continually challenged.

How do you approach crafting characters that resonate with middle grade readers?

The characters are young, but they are precocious, outspoken, courageous, creative, innovative, and quite complex. Each child has their own personality, their own strengths, their own foibles. But the characters grow over the course of the books, and even within the books.

Lina, for example, is a tough cookie, but you can see that she really and truly loves her sister and looks after her quite a bit.  And So-So is seemingly very confident, but underneath, you can see that she’s actually not that confident, and much of what she says and does is a way to try to hide or compensate for that lack of confidence.

And although they go on whimsical adventures, the kids are constantly dealing with everyday issues, everyday pressures, and family dynamics every middle-grade reader can relate to.

Do you have a favorite middle grade book?

Matilda, by Roald Dahl. I remember reading that book for the first time and couldn’t stop.

Can you describe your typical writing day?

After I get up, have some tea, do a bit of weight training, I put on Harry Potter Hogwarts/ Hogsmeade ambient sounds, and that usually puts me in the right frame of mind to focus on writing. It’s kind of like magic. When I get into a writing groove, it’s hard to stop, but I usually have to when my brain is fried. I usually read in the evenings. Reading fortifies me for the next day.

What do you hope young readers will take away from your books?

I hope my books will inspire kids to read more and be curious about the world. Maybe even write or illustrate some books of their own…hint…hint…

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring middle grade authors?

Listen to kids and write about what they are interested in.

How do you incorporate humor and adventure into your middle grade stories?

I incorporate humor in a number of ways. The quirkiness of characters themselves,  the dialogue, the scrapes that Abba and Caruso get themselves in provides a bit of schadenfreude. And good ole’ potty humor. It always works.

What upcoming project can readers look forward to from you?

I want to bring these books to schools and libraries in the form of readings and classroom workshops.

And I would love for the books to be read on children’s radio, on a morning slot when kids are having their breakfast before school. A chapter a day. A serial for your cereal.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?

The read-alouds! For each of my books, I’ve created a read-aloud video, which kids can watch/listen to, or even read along, chapter by chapter. They are pretty funny. Much eyebrow waggling, and a lot of squishy squashy sound effects. 

Also, I’ve hidden a secret code in the book. There are 13 pieces to the code, and they create a message. All correct answers will be gifted a 3-book box set and a Caruso plushie.

No one has solved it….yet…