Braxton’s Fall Festival – What’s Happening Today?
Welcome to Braxton’s Fall Festival. Today we’re celebrating the launch of Haunted House Ghost with a thirty-one (31) day virtual festival, where we share the scoop on all the exciting book promotions coming up this month. Who’s ready for…
Our fantastic month-long Fall Festival wouldn’t be complete unless we heard from some of the amazing people who’ve been part of my writing life for the last two years. One of those people is our GUEST POSTER today, and she’s sharing a witty and clever three-way discussion between Kellan Ayrwick (character), me (the author), and her (Noriko). All I can say is get ready to be confused, or maybe it’s just me trying to answer for two people at the same time. Luckily, our interviewer kept control of the situation. Without any further ado, I turn this post over to our guest.
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Hi, Jay and Kellan, it’s Noriko from the Diary of Book Fiend site. Thanks so much for being here, I am so excited to have you both today. First of all, Jay, huge congrats on your latest book, “Haunted House Ghost” that came out on October 1st. How are you feeling right now? What are the responses like?
Jay: Noriko, you’re very welcome. But I should be thanking you, shouldn’t I? You offered to guest host on my blog for the day, to support the launch.
Kellan: Ha! Don’t believe him, readers. Jay cajoled Noriko into doing this interview, probably against her will. As for me, I am relaxing. If the book is already launched, that means all the action in it has happened. Since the last day in the book occurs on Halloween, it means I’m totally gorging on candy from Emma’s trick-or-treat bag. She’s only seven, so I can’t let her have too much, right?
Jay: I thought when I was done writing that Kellan would go back in the box where he sits when he’s not on display. Apparently, he keeps talking like a wind-up toy rabbit. How do readers tolerate him? Despite Kellan thinking Halloween is over, he lives in another time period. It’s only October 6th, so the action in the book technically hasn’t even started yet. Nonetheless, I’m thrilled with the responses to the book so far. We officially launched on October 1st and have been getting rave reviews. When you can read a book around a holiday with a setting of that holiday, it’s like life and art are imitating one another. I’m just hoping I don’t discover a dead body this year!
I most certainly not! Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed on that one, although I think it’s highly unlikely… for Kellan, at least! Now, guys, I’ve got some more burning questions that I’d like to grill you both with (evil grin), let’s get on with it, shall we?
Kellan: Go for it. Don’t even ask Jay. Remember, he’s not even sure what day it is.
Shush! Kellan, my goodness, you are proving to be kinda handful already… lol All right, let’s go.
Q1: What’s autumn like in the U.S.?
You know, I’m from Japan and have never lived or spent fall time in the U.S. hence there has never been any exposure to American culture and I know nothing about the ways with which American people spend fall time. To start off, could you two briefly share a little bit about what fall time means to you? Do you have any fond memories closely attached to fall season? Which one of you wants to go first?
Jay: Kellan and I just played Rock, Paper, Scissors. Apparently, he shall get the honors, as he always seems to… we’re happy to share all about the American autumn season. Hopefully, you’ll tell us about what it’s like in Japan too.
Kellan: He’s a jealous one, huh, Noriko? Let’s see… Fall is a great season. I do enjoy everything it brings, but there are a few reminders which often make me a little concerned. I’m a warm-weather guy, and there is a chill beginning to settle in the air. This does not make me a happy camper. Also, Emma just returned to school, and with every year that passes by, I see my baby girl growing up. She’s seven this year, and while it’ll be fun to choose a costume together, I know it means we only have a few more of those together before she’s off and running with her friends.
Jay: I grew up in the suburbs. We had a large piece of property on a corner and oddly enough, a dead-end street with little traffic. There must’ve been twenty huge trees that dropped leaves for months. When I think about fall during my childhood, I remember raking leaves a lot. I was an only child, so it was just me… those were part of my chores, which was a good thing. It made me the strong and hard-working guy I am today. (Sorry, I’m back; I had to hit Kellan for snorting at my comment.) I also remember my mom baking a lot of pies, making jam, and doing puzzles. We would sit on the floor in the living room and assemble puzzles together on the weekends. I recently picked up a puzzle and began working on it with my other half, W. Ours is on the dining room table, so the dog can’t get to it. Baxter, also the name of the shiba in the books, likes to steal things. Like socks. I lose one nearly every day.
I see! Your fall season memories sound very cozy and relaxing. I love that. And it’s quite funny that Baxter loves stealing your socks. Okay, let’s move on to the next question.
Q2: How do American people normally spend fall season? what are some of the things that you’d normally do every time fall season rolls around?
Here in Japan, there’s a thing called “momiji Gari” which is translated as “maple-picking” where people go to some touristy spots that are known for its beautiful autumn foliage and enjoy viewing leaves turning colors. Here’s a little video clip that I found on YouTube that shows what Japanese autumn foliage looks like.
People also often go to orchards for apple and pear picking. My mom goes to apple picking almost every year. I reckon you do somewhat similar things over there in the U.S. but I assume there are bunches of things that are quite different from what we normally do here in Japan. I am really keen to know what kind of things an average American would do during fall time?
Jay: We’re being good guys and taking turns responding to your questions. Your maple-picking experiences sound wonderful. Perhaps someday, I’ll get to Japan. W’s company is Japanese, so it’s likely we’ll go on a trip at some point. I love to go apple picking, but I’m not much a pear lover. Autumn means three things to me: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the perfect weather. Getting outdoors to watch the foliage change colors is important to me, and I love sweater weather. As soon as it hits sixty degrees here, I’m in jeans or corduroys, a long sleeve Henley, and a cardigan.
Kellan: Jay, I believe you missed the point. Noriko asked about the average American, which you are certainly not. You like to think you are, but trust me, NYC is not the average experience of an American. Someone who lives in Middle America is who she wants to interview – like me! Just teasing, bud… you know I like to give you a hard time. The average American associates the fall with things like the start of the football, basketball, and hockey seasons. It usually means Homecoming at your high school or college, where alumni come back to visit for a weekend. It’s about picnics and fairs and festivals. All the things with good desserts, food, and drinks.
Wow. Obviously a lot going on in fall season, then! We do have a lot of festivals going on here in Japan as well, but I’ll bet it’s totally a different experience. I would love to spend fall season over there in the U.S. someday!
Q3: I know you two are living in different parts of the U.S. You, Jay, are living in NYC and Kellan, you are living in rural Pennsylvania. For visitors visiting your corners of the world, could you share some of the places that we should definitely visit and cannot miss?
Kellan: Pennsylvania has tons of mountains, which means lots of trees – perfect for leaf peeping, which is similar to Japan’s maple-picking. In Braxton, you want to visit Crilly Lake and the Wharton Mountains. If you’ve never heard of them, think about the Allegheny Reservoir and the Poconos.
Jay: New York City is a very different autumn experience. We spend time taking trips upstate New York or visiting the New England area. If we stay local, it’s definitely in Central Park. I took a trip to Maine from October 13th thru 18th this year. Perhaps I should share some photos…
Kellan: Dude, I’m jealous. Maybe I can convince April to stop looking for the murderer and go away with me next weekend. Maine looks fantastic. Never been! I spent most of the last decade in Los Angeles, and as you know, I am not a fan of flying in those tin contraptions called airplanes.
Q4: What are your favorite things to do or events during fall time?
Jay / Kellan: We both agree on this one; it usually involves food and beverages. Sitting by a roaring fire at night. Checking out local haunted houses. Getting lost in a forest or park, just wandering around absorbing nature in our minds and bodies. We also both firmly agree that costume parties can be deadly! We have a different reason for saying that, and no, I will not share it (that was Jay).
Why not? I’m curious! But I know what Jay is like once he puts his foot down… anyways, maybe some other time. Next question!
Q5: typical foods not to mention desserts that you’d normally have in fall time and what is YOUR FAVORITE?
Jay / Kellan: We have similar answers on this one, so we’ll combine them together. Homemade pies are a must. At least once each autumn season, there must be a pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. Cider, Hot chocolate, and spiced drinks are a necessary experience. Hearty soups and maple products make everything better. Toasting s’mores with family and friends, picking and eating fruits in orchards, stopping by wineries as they begin to close down for the winter. Kellan’s more into craft beers than Jay, but sometimes they can hit the spot. I’ll include some links in this post to give you a sense of flavors, colors, and smells.
S’mores!! I have heard and seen a lot of it online and YouTube. I don’t particularly like marshmallows but s’mores look so yummy and I would love to toast them over a fire! Sounds so cozy.
Now, this additional question is specifically for you, Kellan; Do you often cook? How would you rate your own cooking skills? Oh, just in case you’re wondering, I am a miserable cook. Say no more! lol
Kellan: I doubt you’re miserable at cooking. You just haven’t yet found your forte. I can cook, but I hardly have time. I grew up in a house where my mother burned water just by pouring it from the tap. We had a housekeeper who came by five days per week to keep the Royal Chic-Shack clean. That’s my parent’s expanded log cabin home. With five kids all close in age and two parents who worked full-time on a college campus (both night and day), there was no time for cooking. Nana D would occasionally show us how to cook when we’d stay over at Danby Landing. So… I’m a decent cook, but I am a single parent, which has made it difficult to always keep up. I cook at least two nights per week. Emma’s never complained, but now that Ulan is with us, he’s been a bigger influence to allocate more family time.
Let’s move on to Halloween; Again, living in Japan, the way in which we celebrate Halloween is totally different from yours. We simply put on some costumes like witches and ghost, or superheroes, and then stroll around cities like Shibuya, Tokyo. We don’t do trick or treat, I don’t think many of us Japanese put up decorations.
Q6: Now, could either of you – or you both – share with us the history of Halloween and what Halloween actually means?
Jay: I’ll take the history of Halloween, since Kellan is likely to embellish the story. I’m sure you want just the facts. It has roots in religious ceremonies where people remembered the dead. It’s widely rumored to be influenced by Celtic harvest festivals. In the early 19th century, when my Irish and Scottish ancestors arrived, it became more of a celebrated holiday with all the things we know today. Some folks associated it with the Salem Witch Trials, but what we know today is very different than what occurred in the past. Television and movies have greatly changed the culture of this holiday. Kellan ought to know something about that, eh?
Kellan: First of all, don’t try to blame me. I’m younger than you, therefore you probably had more of an influence on this situation. Secondly, Halloween is about kids and being frightened. Witches! Warlocks! Ghosts! Jack-O’-Lanterns! All those things we love to be scared over… then it’s about getting free candy, right? Plus, decorating your house with all the ghoulish things like spiderwebs, cauldrons, skeletons…
Jay: I have no words right now. I’m just going to ignore you, Kellan.
Q7: How do you normally celebrate Halloween?
Jay: I live in an apartment building in Manhattan, so instead of kids going house-to-house in their costumes, my complex holds a two-hour trick-or-treating event door-to-door inside the building. We sign up each year, put the dog in a costume, and answer the door together. Both Ryder and Baxter hate(d) costumes. Ryder disliked little children, but Baxter loves them. Last year, he was still a small puppy. I can’t wait to see what he does this year!
Kellan: In Los Angeles, I’d take Emma trick-or-treating on the Saturday closest to Halloween, then on the night of the holiday, my in-laws would watch Emma. I’d go to a Halloween party dressed in a sensible costume, usually associated with whatever tv show or film I’d been directing. This is my first year back home in Pennsylvania, so we’re planning to move into our new house. We’ll take a break to go trick-or-treating for two hours, but ultimately, it’s time to settle into our own new place. By the way, have you any suggestion for its new name?
Q8: What do you like the best about Halloween and why?
Kellan: Scaring people.
Jay: Wait, that was my answer too. Maybe I’ll have to scare you this year.
Kellan: Remember, if you scare me enough that I die, you’ll have no more books. I highly doubt anyone would want to read the Braxton Campus Mysteries without Kellan around to entertain them. I am very appealing to people.
Jay: Who said you wouldn’t be around? I can still write for a dead character, so in the immortal words of Nana D, quiet or I’ll slap your bottom silly.
Okay, guys. I’ve just eyerolled so hard and seen my brain. You two are incorrigible… right. Next question.
Q9: Do you usually put on costumes on Halloween? If you do, what were some of the costumes that you liked better than others?
Kellan: I do. I had one as a child that I hated, and I’m sure you’ll hear all about it in Haunted House Ghost. I would really like to dress up as Sherlock Holmes again, like I did in Flower Power Trip when I attended the masquerade ball.
Jay: Read my words: I DON’T DO COSTUMES. (Said with love)
Kellan: He’s such a fickle one!
At this point, Jay lunged at Kellan. They tumbled on the floor until catching each other in a headlock. I had to separate them… (This is Noriki, BTW…)
Okay, this is the wrap. Thank you both so much for your time and putting up with me grilling you guys with questions, it’s been so much fun and so nice that I got to know much better about Halloween! Before we go, are there any messages for your fans and readers?
Jay: You’ve been an amazing host. I apologize for Kellan’s poor behavior. You’d think as his creator, I’d have more control. But I suppose you know what happened to Frankenstein’s Monster, right?
Kellan: Listen… you might have created me, but I’m in control now. You’re just the tool I speak through, pal. And don’t you forget it!
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This interview was also posted on Noriko’s blog. Please be sure to stop by and visit her too. Noriko is an avid reader who shares book reviews all over social media. She provides amazing book talks on her blog, reveals her daily book diary, and fights the urge to download NetGalley books and join all the blog tours. How does she find the time? Thank you to her for this awesome guest post. I’m honored she volunteered to take the lead for a day, and I hope you enjoyed visiting us both at Braxton’s Fall Festival.
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The section below here will repeat at the end of every successive post, so we don’t have to explain the Fall Festival in the beginning each day. We’ll dive right into the content but also allow newcomers to catch up. Previous posts include…
October 1st – Overview & Kickoff
October 2nd – Great Escapes Book Blog Tour
October 3rd – GIVEAWAY for FREE Kindle Copy of Haunted House Ghost
October 4th – Name Kellan’s House Poll
October 5th – Excerpt from Academic Curveball
What is the Braxton Fall Festival?
For the entire month of October 2019, we are celebrating three events: (1) Autumn, (2) Halloween, (3) Haunted House Ghost, the fifth book released in the Braxton Campus Mysteries by author James J. Cudney. Each day, we will share a post to promote the new book with readers and fans. Throughout the 31 days, we will have guest posts, excerpts, giveaways, contests, videos, blog tours, and other surprises. You can currently purchase the book from Amazon as a Kindle or a physical copy. In the near future, it will be available in large print and as an audiobook. To learn more, sign up for the author’s quarterly newsletter or follow him on this site and any of his social media profiles from the About the Author page.
Today I had not problems commenting here. A lovely three way interview, Jay. I enjoy how Americans jump right in to Halloween. It is so much fun. I don’t think I knew what Halloween was until I was finished at school.
You sound like Edna, Jay: “No capes!”
Hehe… glad to amuse this time!
Fun interview and thanks for the delicious-looking recipes!
You guys are so fun!!
We enjoyed it!
Great fun in this interview! I want your floating Halloween icons! LOL! So stinking cute! <3