Blog Archives
Exploring the Unbeaten Path
Sour Apples follows a young boy from a small town who navigates childhood and explores all that this time in his life has to offer. What was the inspiration for your story?
A simple structured tree fort growing up fuels my memories of a simpler time, that era and way of life when children bonded friendships and dealt with heartaches over exploring and wonderment. Those times are mere memories for those who grew up back then. Children barely glimpse that type of life anymore. It is a lost civilization. Those memories evoke a very powerful emotion, nostalgia.
Jimmy is a character many readers will relate to. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
This is a wonderfully appropriate question. Jimmy and his friends each take with them a characteristic from me and they develop on their own from those attributes. Jimmy is eager, determined, and vulnerable. Dave is cool and confident, a leader. Kevin is enthusiastic but not the brightest, and Chad aloof and chilled. They really are just one person developed on their own from the main elements they hailed from. I also grew up with a tree fort, watched my brother and his friend dissect a snake, and was terrified of the twin girls in my neighborhood. The baseball scenes were all fictitious and based only on my imagination but I grew up in a wonderful baseball environment where I learned to love the sport. Those scenes were merely based on my love of the game.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendships, new and old, and how they develop. Trust, Jimmy had a wonderful sense of who and what to trust. He was most proud that he knew to trust his instincts. Exploring the unbeaten path, which was every child’s desire. Hating to read, the story opens up on this theme and carries itself along quite well. Jimmy often thought, “You can’t make this up in a book” even though he was made up himself. I truly hate to read, and poked fun of it all but my goal is to change the mindset of many who feel the same way. And let’s not forget girls. At that age, it was a precarious situation. It only took one instant to flip a boy’s mind.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series is absolutely in the works. I was writing book two, Just A Bitter Taste, as I prepared for the launch of Sour Apples. It has been completed. It will go through a series of edits and then be submitted to my publisher. Book three in this series leaps forward several years and needs a heavy rewrite. It was the first to be written. Having developed my skills since then it will be rewritten. If an idea for a story comes to light, I have no problem making this a four-book series. The characters will appreciate that, knowing they won’t be dying off anytime soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Adding to the mix of that imagination and his antics to win back his fort, the prettiest girl his age, a baseball diamond, a groundhog, a snapping turtle, and the town vagrant and Jimmy soon finds his summer adventure is more than he bargained for.
Sour Apples is a humorous young adult adventure of a very clever young boy who thinks he can outwit the best of them. His antics are riveting and could one day make Jimmy a legend. Paul Jantzen has masterfully written his debut novel, a tale of mischief and antics that will grab the reader from the very first page.
Continue what you just started, and join Jimmy Hamilton in navigating his summer of adventure.
Sour Apples
Sour Apples is a charming and nostalgic tale that immerses readers in the adventurous and often precarious life of young Jimmy Hamilton. Set in the small town of Walnut Creek, the story follows Jimmy’s escapades, from near-falls out of his beloved tree fort to navigating new friendships and the trials of Little League baseball. With a keen eye for detail and a heartwarming portrayal of childhood, Jantzen crafts a world where imagination reigns, and the simple joys and fears of youth are vividly brought to life.
One of the most striking aspects of Jantzen’s writing is his ability to capture the innocence and boundless creativity of childhood. From Jimmy’s vivid daydreams of pitching in the major leagues to his spirited efforts to defend his fort from imagined enemies, the narrative is infused with a sense of wonder and excitement. The author’s detailed descriptions of Jimmy’s tree fort—a sanctuary built around an old walnut tree—serve as a poignant symbol of the protagonist’s desire for independence and adventure. This setting becomes a central character in its own right, anchoring many of the story’s pivotal moments. The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Jimmy, whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. Jantzen’s portrayal of Jimmy’s relationship with his mother adds a layer of complexity to the story. The tension between Jimmy’s yearning for freedom and his mother’s protective instincts is palpable, reflecting the universal parent-child dynamic. The scenes where Jimmy’s imagination takes flight—such as when he envisions himself pitching in a circus—are both humorous and touching, showcasing Jantzen’s skill in blending fantasy with reality. The friendship between Kevin and Jimmy is a central theme, reflecting the importance of companionship and loyalty during childhood. Kevin’s presence also helps to illustrate Jimmy’s growth as he learns to navigate conflicts and develop empathy. Through their interactions, readers witness how the boys support each other, whether it’s Kevin covering for Jimmy at school or Jimmy helping Kevin feel welcome in a new town.
Sour Apples is a delightful read that captures the essence of childhood with warmth and authenticity. Paul Jantzen’s narrative invites readers to reminisce about their own youthful adventures and the timeless thrill of simple pleasures. This book is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories and anyone looking to relive the magical moments of their youth. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic fiction or seeking a heartwarming tale to share with younger readers, this book is a sweet and satisfying choice.
Pages 249 | ASIN: B0DCC4N8LT
LITERARY TITAN 