Interview Series:
Our Q+A about Writing (part 1 of 3)
Our Q+A about Reading (part 2 of 3)

We were introduced to a new book series this past year. The girls immediately loved the storyline and characters. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls takes us back in time to the Bible days with a brother-and-sister duo and their dog Hank. We also love that author Mike Thomas decided to write this series after trying to find age-appropriate books that would teach his 9-year-old son about the Bible.

We had the honor of crafting a series of interview questions for Mr. Mike. (It was actually quite fun coming up with questions to ask him.) It’s always interesting to learn what authors read, how they write, and what their own thoughts are about their books. We hope you will enjoy reading his response as much as we did.

Questions + Answers about The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls Book Series

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here. 

1) How do you come up with the storyline? Do you create an outline or do you just start writing?

I start by reading the Bible story that Peter, Mary, and Hank will be traveling back in time to. I read it over and over and over until I can really imagine the people and the place. Then I try to imagine what Peter, Mary, and Hank would do if they were there. I write a summary and a detailed outline of each chapter. Then I hand write the first draft of the book.

2) Did you come up with the details of the characters first or do you add more to who they are as you write?

It wasn’t hard to come up with the details for the main characters because Peter is based on my son, Peter – Mary is based on my niece, Mary – and Hank is based on my dog, Hank. So I just put them in the situation and wonder what they would do.

3) What was the entire book launching process like from idea to editing to publishing to promoting? Was it what you expected? How long does it take?

This is tough to answer in a short space. It would take a whole book. I will have to say it takes a team to get it all done and I believe we have a great team at Worthy Publishing! One of the hardest parts of writing a series is that you have to do all of these things at the same time. A couple weeks ago I was launching Book 3, finishing Book 4 and starting to work on Book 5 all at the same time. I couldn’t do it all by myself. That is why the writer has to be willing to work with people that can give advice and help. The best source I look to for book launching and promotion is from a friend of mine named Tim Grahl. He has been very helpful and you can find his material online.

4) What was the hardest chapter to write in The Great Escape?

The first chapter in a book is always the hardest for me to write. It sets the tone for the whole book. I want it to be interesting, exciting, and mysterious enough to make the reader want to keep going.

5) What was your favorite chapter to write in The Great Escape?

I enjoyed writing the last two chapters. Not just because I was almost finished. But because I love writing the action scenes. I picture it all happening in my head and listen to Indiana Jones soundtrack music while I’m writing them.

6) Are there any plans to make the books into a show/movie?

I would love for the books to become movies or a series someday. I would also be interested in finding out who they would cast as the main characters.

(Photo courtesy of M.J. Thomas)

Interview Series:
Our Q+A about Writing (part 1 of 3)
Our Q+A about Reading (part 2 of 3)

– Emily’s August 2017 Review
– Melody’s August 2017 Review
– Our April 2018 Review of The Great Escape

*The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls

Released: April 3, 2018
Publisher: WorthyKids/Ideals
Page Count: 128
Ages: 6 – 9 years

WorthyKids/Publishing: Website | FB | Twitter | IG
The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: FB | Twitter |#SecretoftheHiddenScrolls | IG

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through our link at no extra cost to you. We received one or more items for review. Read our disclosure policy here.