Questions by Daniella Felix

Answers by MC Kasper

1. Although There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason is primarily a children’s book, its core message can and will resonate with the hearts of adults (I know it did with mine!) so who would you say this story is for?

Though it is primarily for the children, I did also write There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason for the adults reading it to the children as well. I feel like most people have insecurities about themselves or even insecurities about sharing some of their interests because someone else might say something negatively. I was taught that if it isn’t something that someone can fix or change in the next 5 seconds, maybe don’t give unsolicited advice or comments about it. 

2. Many authors get inspired from real-life interests and experiences. Would you say you’re one of those writers? And if yes, what inspired you to write There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason?

I would definitely say I was inspired by real-life interests and experiences for There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason. As I was growing up I’d frequently get guff over liking cartoons and anime. They saw it as too childish and I’d get the usual, “act your age” or  “that's for kids.” I never quite understood why it mattered so much to them, especially because it didn’t harm them. But also, animated shows may look like it's for kids but there are some VERY not kid friendly animations out there. Futurama, American Dad…..Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. None of these should be for the small children to watch as they aren’t age appropriate, but they look like they would be. So the experience of dealing with people negatively about interests of myself or people around me was a big influence on the initial inspiration for There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason. If it harms none, just let people have their happy space; not all thoughts need to be voiced, especially when it's to bring others down. 

3. I know Q&A’s --particularly with authors--, tend to be too serious at times. Here’s a lighthearted question for you (and that I’m sure readers are curious about): the story revolves around animal characters, so what’s your favorite animal?

My favorite animals seem to change with my mood, but the most consistent are wolves and horses. 

4. Can you give us some insight on what your writing process is like?  

Chaotic. My writing process is chaotic. I want to be organized to keep my thoughts straight but then I have 50 different versions or even just copies of the same thing written in multiple places. The thing is, some of them also have notes or other thoughts on them, but those don't get shared anywhere else. So it kinda ends up feeling like I’m back looking for Waldo in a sea of Waldo look-alikes. Not to mention the notes may not have anything to do with the story it is attached to. It was simply written so I wouldn’t forget the idea or concept, but then I forgot which paper it’s on and it doesn’t make it where it needs to go until a couple months or years later. This is especially true for books I’m working on that are not picture books. 

5. As the story progresses, we see how outside forces influence the bear’s view of himself. He begins the story liking his cute and stubby tail, yet other animals admire their own physical traits based solely on functionality. Would you say this is something that can be observed in real life, both in people and animals? (Though animals do not have an established sense of self-love, they do value self-preservation)

This is something that can be observed in real life. People do it all the time, consciously or not. It doesn’t even need to be said directly to another to have a negative effect on others that hear it. What’s beautiful in one place won't be considered beautiful elsewhere. It’s all opinion and in the eye of the beholder, yet it’s usually still taken as fact. People can start to see flaws in features they once adored about themselves because of a one off comment from another or even just hearing it in person. Ever heard a celebrity mention one off handed comment about their weight? Plenty of people that watch or listen are immediately gonna start thinking things like, “if they say they're too fat then what does that say about me?”

Animals can do it too, though I’m pretty sure it’s mostly about self-preservation with them.

6. What would you say is one of the most important lessons in There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason?

Don’t let others define what you like about yourself or what you think is important.

7. Knowledge and receiving lessons are a few of the reasons why people turn to books. As readers, each book transforms us and, by the end, we become a changed person. And I wonder, as the writer of wrote this story, did it change you or teach you something in any way?

It taught me some more about animal tails. To expand upon what I had originally come up with, I needed more information on which animals use their tail in which way. There is a lot of overlap, but I wanted to feature something they did differently from the other animals featured in the book. It did change me a bit. Finishing it and sending it out into the world did give me some confidence, and admittedly an increase in anxiety because that's the type of beast I am. 

8. Earlier I asked about your favorite animal in real life, now I must ask: who’s your favorite character in this story?

It’s going to be the bear. He just tries everything and doesn’t just assume it’s impossible. So now he can at least say, welp I tried it, failed, but at least I still had fun.

9. Bear’s journey of self-acceptance and self-love was very endearing to read so me and readers alike are curious: will we see more of Bear and his friends in the future?

I’m not entirely sure if I will be doing anything more with Bear and his friends. I do have other ideas I’m working on. One being a town of flames who are afraid of the dark and another about a little girl who happens to have a prosthetic, day dreams making each of her adventures and activities more fantastical than the last as she continues her life doing all the things that the other kids are doing. If only I could actually get myself to finish illustrating them.

10. There are so many wonderful ideas beautifully explored in your writing. This is a complex thing to achieve! One of those ideas is accepting, loving, and respecting and loving oneself. Why is it important for kids to learn this lesson?

I think it’s important to learn this lesson, because it can give a sense of peace of mind. It can also help gain confidence which is super important. Take it from someone who actually has pretty poor self confidence, it sucks. Though this does give the idea of figuring out when confidence becomes arrogance. Both adults and children need at least some semblance of confidence to make it day to day, you’ve gotta be confident you won't burn the house down cooking breakfast, though the thought might not occur to you. People need that confidence to say, “I can do this.”

11. Lastly, how do you feel? This is a very big moment for you, since There Doesn’t Have to be a Reason is your debut! I hope you’re proud of yourself cause this is a huge accomplishment!

Excited and anxious. I’m excited because I love telling stories and getting to share them and have people actually enjoy it is a dream come true. On the other hand, the imposter syndrome and usual anxiety thoughts will not be ignored to let me enjoy myself so I weeble back and forth on my balance beam that is my emotions.