In this podcast Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris, co-authors of Promised Land, talk about the children's fairy tale book and the upcoming Maiden Voyage.
Summary
This podcast interview from February 24, 2018, features a discussion with Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris, co-authors of the children's fairy tale book "Promised Land," recorded at Waitangi Park in Te Aro, Wellington. The interview was conducted by Gareth Watkins and lasted approximately four minutes. During the exchange, Reynolds and Harris reflect on the journey and impact of "Promised Land," which is distinguished by its LGBTQ+ inclusive narrative, showcasing a romance between a prince and a farm boy.
The authors reveal that "Promised Land" was published on Valentine's Day, February 26, 2017, and has since received significant attention, including an endorsement from renowned actor Ian McKellen. Notably, the book has resonated with both children and adults, eliciting anecdotes of parents who have been requested to read the book to their children every night for weeks on end. The favorable reception affirmed the authors' intentions to create a story that they themselves yearned for during their youth — one that would offer both representation and hope to future generations.
Building on the success of "Promised Land," the authors discuss their upcoming work, "Maiden Voyage," described as a female-led pirate adventure slated for release in June of the interviewed year. The project involves collaboration with co-author Jaimee Poipoi and co-illustrators Christine Luiten and Bo Moore, who previously worked on "Promised Land." The themes of empowerment and rejecting stereotypes, such as the familiar 'damsel in distress' trope, emerge as central to the authors' vision. They aim to offer diverse representation not only in terms of LGBTQ+ narratives but also in including characters who are single parents and people of color.
The authors further share some of the most notable reactions to "Promised Land," including unforeseen yet meaningful feedback highlighting the presence of single mothers in the story, which was particularly impactful to single parent readers who were unaccustomed to seeing themselves represented in children’s literature. Overall, the authors denote that their goal to craft a more inclusive and intersectional narrative has generated tangible positive outcomes.
At the event 'Out in the Park' in Wellington, Reynolds and Harris recount the warm reception from the public, including instances of individuals wearing merchandise inspired by their book and children expressing their enjoyment through actions and small affirmations. The authors delight in the community aspect of the event, appreciating the sunny weather and the vibrant atmosphere of pride and self-acceptance.
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Tags
2010s, adam reynolds, aotearoa new zealand, big gay out (auckland), bo moore, buzzfeed.com, chaz harris, children, christine luiten, drawing, fairy tale, film, gay, ian mckellen, illustrator, jaimee poipoi, kickstarter.com, maiden voyage (book), out in the park (wellington), parents, pirate, prince, promised land (book), publishing, single mothers, takatāpui, teen vogue (magazine), upworthy.com, waitangi park, wellington, women, writing