We chat with author Eric Geron about his debut YA novel A Tale of Two Princes, writing, inspiration, and so much more!
Hi, Eric! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I am an author who writes for various age demographics and am beyond excited for the world to read my young adult debut novel, A Tale of Two Princes. My novel is about royalty, family, identity, and friendship. While Princes is my debut into the young adult space, I’ve also written for other audiences, such as middle grade (ages 10+), including the #1 New York Times bestselling The Hocus Pocus Spell Book; preschool (ages 4—8), including Poultrygeist; and baby (ages 0—4), including Bye Bye, Binary. I value writing stories that are inclusive, diverse, and reflect the real world—and that includes queer representation. I’ve also freelance-written some books, including the New York Times bestselling Descendants novelization under the name Rico Green. I earned my creative writing degree from the University of Miami and spent many years at Disney as an editor of New York Times bestselling books. I recently moved to New York City from Los Angeles. Besides writing, I love spending time with my 3lb dog, singing Mariah Carey, and watching horror movies.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I think I was in second grade. I wrote a story about a bank robber who tells the bank tellers that his name is “Nobody” so that when the police show up and ask who robbed them, the tellers reply that “Nobody” robbed them, much to the officer’s confusion. Around that time, I remember reading a lot of Amelia Bedelia, Bailey School Kids, Goosebumps, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, and the Ramona Quimby series. Ever since, writing has been a part of my life. From elementary school to high school, writing was a great way for me to express my thoughts and feelings. In college, I was on track to become a dentist and had even taken all the prerequisites (yes, even organic chemistry I and II, labs and all! Those who know know). But there was a current of creative energy bubbling inside me just under the surface that I could no longer ignore, prompting me to choose creative writing as my major. I looked forward to every course, every assignment. Writing was freeing, and I was so glad to give it the attention it was due.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I ever remember reading was a Bob Book (I think it maybe taught me how to read?). The one book that made me want to become an author was Night of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine. One book I can’t stop thinking about is The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey—that whole series is so fun!
Your new novel, A Tale of Two Princes, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Queer. Joyful. Funny. Campy. Heartfelt.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a modern-day fairy tale set in an alternate universe in which Canada has a new kind of monarchy. We explore romantic endeavours and journeys of self-love. There are mentions of baked goods (coming from an author with a huge sweet tooth!) and Mariah Carey songs (see above). One theme speaks to the importance of coming out in one’s own time. We have fake-dating moments, showstopping fashion moments, and heartfelt moments among friends and family members. While the novel is light-hearted, it does also touch upon some heavier themes like loss and grief, and illuminates nuanced forms of homophobia. I hope readers come away from reading my novel feeling empowered to tune out intolerance, lead with joy, and let their inner light shine.
Where did the inspiration for A Tale of Two Princes come from?
I’ve always loved classic fairy tales—especially stories with princes. Growing up, I was obsessed with popular animated and live-action films in which the main characters always found love. As I got older, I was fascinated by the idea of a modern-day fairy tale in which the prince was queer, and I started writing that tale…a tale of two princes. I was writing the book that I wish I had access to as a teen, during the days when I doted over films like The Princess Diaries. A lot of my inspiration comes from that movie, as well as from The Parent Trap. I must have rewatched both films a zillion times.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Besides writing for our “twinces” Edward and Billy, who have alternating chapters and point-of-views, I really enjoyed writing Billy’s younger sister, Mack, and Billy’s best friend, Pax. They are bouncy, bubbly, enthusiastic characters who really bring a lot of bright spots to the story at large. Plus, Pax shares my love for Mariah Carey, and Mack shares my love for ASMR (hello, whispers!). Bonus character I loved writing: my dog Evie, who I made the royal pup for the House of Dinnissen.
Do you have any advice for those who may have set some writing resolutions for the new year?
Be kind to yourself if you aren’t writing every single moment. Write when you can, and write without stopping to judge the words. It’s best to edit a messy manuscript than to have nothing to edit at all.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on another contemporary rom-com young adult novel…more details on that later in the year. On the more immediate horizon, I have books out this year that I’m really excited about (see below)! There are more secret things I’m cooking up, but I’m not yet at liberty to say what just yet…
Lastly, are there any 2023 releases of yours our readers should look out for?
In the spring, I’m coming out with The Little Mermaid: Guide to Merfolk, which ties into the new live-action Little Mermaid film. The book (ages 8—12) is from Prince Eric’s royal library (I’m noticing a prince theme!) and dives into the legends and lore surrounding the merfolk and their world. In the fall, I’m coming out with the first book in my debut graphic novel series, Fry Guys (ages 6—10), which tells the story of three French fries who save their town from an invasion of UFO-nion Rings.
You can find Eric on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Goodreads. A Tale of Two Princes is available for purchase.
