A reader suggested that I write a mystery about someone cheating at the arcade games. I liked the idea, but I wanted to somehow involve a ride as well, because each of my mysteries centers around a ride at Waldameer. The Mega Vortex is a flashy ride that I knew would look great on a book cover, so I worked on connecting the dots.
David Gorman – 21 August 2022
The Back Flap
When a social media star named Lux claims the Mega Vortex ride is actually an alien spaceship, people believe him and stop riding it. He also says the aliens gave him superpowers to use in the Waldameer arcade. Seth and Julia are doubtful, but Lux proves it by playing countless perfect games of Skee-ball.
Does Lux have Skee-ball superpowers, or is he cheating? Aliens can’t really be at Waldameer, can they? The detectives need to figure out what’s fact and what’s fake. Join Seth, Julia, Anh, and Omar as they search for evidence of aliens!
About the book
What is the book about?
The Arcade Absurdity is the fourth book in the Waldameer Mystery Files series for middle grade readers. The book is about siblings Seth and Julia, who practically live at Waldameer, their local amusement park, in the summer. With three mysteries under their belt, they take on their fourth. In this mystery, Seth and Julia investigate the claim that aliens are living in one of Waldameer’s rides and someone has alien superpowers that help him win at Skee-ball.
Fun fact: Waldameer is a real amusement park in Erie, Pennsylvania, where my series takes place. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the US, and my books incorporate real history, including a few old photos. My family owns and operates the park, and I worked there for 10 summers!
Readers in Erie tell me it’s a neat experience to see their hometown brought to life in the pages of a book. On the flip side, I’ve had readers, who have never been to Waldameer or Erie, enjoy the books too.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing The Arcade Absurdity in the fall of 2021.
How long did it take you to write it?
About 3 months to write and another 2 months to revise and edit. Since this is my fourth book in the series, a lot of the upfront work (like setting, characters, etc) is already done. I create a few new characters and a new mystery each book, of course, but the general aesthetic and flow of each book is the same.
Where did you get the idea from?
A reader suggested that I write a mystery about someone cheating at the arcade games. I liked the idea, but I wanted to somehow involve a ride as well, because each of my mysteries centers around a ride at Waldameer. The Mega Vortex is a flashy ride that I knew would look great on a book cover, so I worked on connecting the dots. I felt like the subject of crazy, unbelievable (and maybe untrue) things seen on social media would resonate with my young readers.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The mystery in The Arcade Absurdity was my most complex yet since it had two parts: the arcade and the Mega Vortex ride. I had to work on balancing each part and coming up with clues for the kid detectives to find as the truth unravels.
What came easily?
Scenes with Orlando, a quirky librarian who is my favorite character. I love writing him, and he shows up in every book. He’s this unassuming librarian who gets lost in daydreams, and the kid detectives have to rouse him back to reality, in which he casually mentions a memory from an unbelievable experience he’s had. I jokingly think of him as the most interesting man in the world.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are fictitious except for one: Janet the gardener. She’s since retired, but Janet worked as the gardener at Waldameer and she was also a Waldameer history connoisseur. The amusement park was established in 1896, so there’s plenty of interesting history there. Janet appears in each of my books and she’s almost like the kids’ fairy godmother when it comes to solving their mystery. She teaches them relevant Waldameer history, which in turn helps them solve their case.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I recently read A Still Life by Louise Penny, which is the first in her acclaimed Chief Inspector Gamache mystery series. She writes so eloquently and expertly about her characters’ emotions and inner lives. I was inspired to delve deeper into my characters’ emotions through the ups and downs of their investigations and how their friendships are tested.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader is 7-11 years old, likes adventure/mystery, and loves amusement parks. Bonus points if they’ve been to Waldameer or live in the Erie area!
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write first thing in the morning on the weekends or, if it’s summertime, on weekdays too. I’m a middle school counselor, so I have summers off, which is wonderful for writing. I tend to write a chapter per day. By the time I finish a chapter, my body usually wants to get up and move.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
The Arcade Absurdity was the first book I did a proper outline for, and I found it useful. I had a few notes on the major plot points of each chapter. As I wrote, the plot and character development evolved, but I stayed about 70% true to my original outline.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I start editing once the first draft is finished.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I hired a copyeditor to fix all my pesky grammar mistakes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I don’t. I’m the kind of person who needs silence to fully concentrate. I need to tune out the world. When I write, I put my phone away and cover up the clock.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I chose not to.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I decided to self-publish because I wanted things to be on my own timeline. I didn’t want to possibly wait years for a publisher, and I felt confident that with a built-in audience (Erie, Pennsylvania and fans of Waldameer), my book series would be successful.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally done. I worked with the illustrator to bring my vision to life.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan, but I am by no means an expert. It’s an evolving plan. Focusing on teachers and school events was a turning point. Schools hire me as a speaker to talk about being an author, my books, and my writing tips.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Do as much research as you can ahead of time, but don’t be intimidated. I’ve found that writing the book is only one part of the journey. Books don’t sell themselves, so you’ll have to work hard, but it’s certainly worth it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Erie, Pennsylvania.
Where do you live now?
Richmond, Virginia.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am very conscious of representation when I write, and my books include diverse characters from all over the world. Seth and Julia’s mom works as an ESL instructor, so they befriend kids from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fifth book in my series. When one project ends, another begins!
End of Interview:
For more from David Gorman visit his website, like his Facebook page and follow him on Instagram.
Get your copy of The Arcade Absurdity from Amazon US or Amazon UK, or you can purchase directly from the author by going to his website. (The website option is for paper books only, but also has the option of getting a copy autographed by the author.)
