Let’s find out more about R.D. Trimble, the author of “Middle School Madness.”

JL=Jessica Lucci

RT= R.D. Trimble

 

JL: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

RT: I am a 52-years young author, artist, and voice actor, who works as a Behavior Technician working with Autistic kids. My education is largely high school and some college. I have a wife of 21&1/2 years and two kids, Andrew (18) and Tyler (12 next month) and live now in the beautiful state of Oregon in the city of Hillsboro, where we moved in June of 2023.

 

JL: Where are you from? 

RT: San Diego, California – home of the world’s best zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and my favorite baseball team, the San Diego Padres.

 

JL: When and why did you begin writing?

RT: My mom and dad read to me practically from day one. I learned to love books, and admired the diverse stories that authors of all ages, genders, cultures, viewpoints (etc.) came from and wrote about.  I wanted to be a part of that world and began coming up with ideas when I was still in elementary school.

 

JL: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

RT: Wow, that is a tough question. I, as much as other authors battle with Imposter Syndrome. I’ll bet that even big-name authors feel that too. I feel that at heart, I have always been a writer, but in a more literal sense, it was probably my first book event at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (mystgalaxy.com) where I sold half of my books at a local author meet-and-greet. It made me feel like I had joined the club.

 

JL: What inspired you to write your first book?

RT: I was 14 and in the 9th grade and we were to write a story that had to be at least 500 words, hand-written or typed (this was in 1985, so printers were expensive, and frankly, were unreliable). I hand wrote 30 stories, one-two pages each, largely derivative of The Twilight Zone episodes with changes to the stories, names, and endings. I called it “Thirty Tales of Terror” and drew a weird smiley face that looked insane. Anyway, I never published it, and sadly have no idea where it went.

 

JL: Tell us about “Middle School Madness.”

RT: It is the story of Hugo Finley, a sixth grader who moves from Mesa, Arizona (I lived there for 5 years in the 1990s) to San Diego, just in time to start the new school year. It relates his strange first week, starting with his drive with his dad and mom to their new home, which is filled with a few hijinks, and continues through the end of the school week. In this week, he goes to the principal’s office numerous times, battles bullies, engages in an impromptu prank war, joins a superhero group, and attacks a zombie. Also, footnotes on each page are small factoids, many of them educational to add some extra value to the book, along with some video game and pop-culture stuff.

 

JL:  What was your experience in middle school as a student?

RT: Sadly, many of the events, such as the punch in the face and being blamed for it were based on my own experiences in Middle School. I had some great teachers, but some rotten ones too. The bullies in this book are caricatures of the real bullies I dealt with, and I wanted the book to be funny and with some educational facts (at the bottom), but also to delineate the serious trauma that can be caused by bullying and a few really bad teachers.

 

JL:  Has middle school changed from when you were a student to when your kids were in middle school?

RT: I hope so. My kids did not experience bullying, my oldest having few problems all the way through high school. My youngest begins next year, and it is my hope that his happy-go-lucky attitude brings him friends and no bullying at all.

  

JL: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

RT: There are a lot of contrived stories in this book. The super-hero battle is far-fetched, as is the zombie attack. The trash can trick (read the book kids- LOL) was something I did do to a bully named James. The embarrassing incident in class happened to another student who I felt sorry for, and I transferred it to the main character.

 

JL: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

RT: It has changed a lot. I used to write out a Sparks Notes-type summary of the story before I wrote it to give me a road map. However, I found my story changing so much, that it served only as a waste of time. I guess I fit into the Plantser role. I come up with a basic concept and then let myself write by the seat of my pants and worry about rewrites during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th draft.  

 

 

JL: Who designs your book covers?

RT: It varies. I usually design my own covers. However, most publishers will insist on doing their own covers. This has had mixed results. My first publisher did a decent cover for my first book, but the second was just about the worst thing I ever saw, and I feel led to very poor sales (yes, I also judge books by a cover). My last publisher, CHBB Publishing with whom I still hope to publish through, handled the cover in a VERY professional way, employing fellow author C. D. Gorri to do it, and the cover blew me away. To make a long story short (too late) however, when I self-publish, I do my own.

 

JL: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

RT: Don’t be a bully. In all my books, I make sure that bullies get their comeuppance. It is not, I admit, a realistic story, as I know some bullies seem to get away with it.  I like to say “people make their own karma,” so try and ensure your karma is good. I believe what comes around goes around, even if it takes years. So, live your best life, be compassionate, and kind.  Also, try writing a story now and then, it will make you feel awesome!

 

JL: Are there any middle grade authors that have grasped your interest?

RT: Glad you asked. Jude Watson wrote The Last of the Jedi 10-book series, and it was an inspiration. Also, Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe too! Also, Rick Riordan of Percy Jackson fame, and while I don’t like much of what she says and does in her personal life, I have to give a nod to J. K. Rowling. Also, I am inspired by friend and fellow author Tracy Blom!

 

JL:  Who is your favorite middle grade writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

RT: Jude Watson – she truly blazed a saga within the Star Wars Universe, and I have read it over and over again. It is kid-friendly, and I recommend it for middle school-age readers.

 

JL: Do you see writing as a career?

RT: That is the dream, to make a living writing full time.  Dreams don’t die unless you let them, so I keep pounding away at my keyboard.

 

 

JL: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in “Middle School Madness?”

RT: I did all the artwork, and I think it was fine, but I think I could do better now.  I loved writing it and still hope to write another story in that vein.

 

JL: Did you learn anything during the writing of “Middle School Madness?”

RT: I learned how important formatting is, but also, learned a lot of factoids that would make me a perfect lifeline for someone on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

 

 JL: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

RT: My son Tyler is the right age, I would pick him. There are a lot of talented child actors, and I would like the casting director to pick an unknown, as he, more than any other, would understand the stress of navigating a new territory in life, much like Hugo did in the book.

 

 JL: Any advice for young writers?

 RT: Yes! One line from the movie “Regarding Henry” that stuck with me is, “Don’t listen to anybody trying to tell you who you are.” Live your best life, don’t worry about typos, grammatical errors, or critics. The only truly bad story is the one you do not write.

JL: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

RT: This is a broadband statement. Authors really like reviews. If you have read a book, please give it a review. Yes, we all love 5-stars, but if you like a book, but feel a 4 star is legit, then give it a four-star, we will appreciate it.

 

JL: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love comedy. My kids make me laugh, my best friend Bob Vehon always makes me laugh, and John Oliver cracks me up on his show. Human and animal suffering makes me cry, as does anytime I see Les Miserables.

 

JL: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Alan Dean Foster – He wrote the novelization of Clash of the Titans and I have read it so many times. I have always wanted to meet him. His other books are amazing too!

 

JL: Do you have any hobbies? 

RT: I love playing softball, I am a really good air hockey player, and I play computer games, and I love to draw. I am planning to release some of my artwork on a calendar and t-shirts too. I also love being a dad and husband!

 

 JL: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

RT: I would probably try and get a side job walking people’s dogs. I love dogs, and I cannot think of a better side-gig!

 

R.D. Trimble can be found on Facebook.  “Middle School Madness” can be purchased as an e-book or paperback.

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Watch City Readers is brought to you through a grant from the Mass Cultural Council and the Waltham Cultural Council.

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