Right now is my cease on the 21% Monster weblog tour and I’m excited to be sharing a visitor publish by the writer himself, PJ Canning about what makes a superhero. I used to be fortunate sufficient to learn an proof copy of this unbelievable motion packed guide, and let me inform you, it was such an adrenaline inducing, thrilling learn! My evaluation shall be up very shortly.

As at all times a giant thanks to Usborne for inviting me to participate on this weblog tour and do go and take a look at the opposite stops.

What Makes A Good Superhero?

What makes a superhero? 

The odd factor about superheroes is that there aren’t very many who resonate with most readers. You’d have thought there could be quite a bit contemplating how straightforward it’s to invent an individual with superpowers. Just about each child does it in some unspecified time in the future with a end result no much less plausible than Spider-Man. Maybe therein lies the issue – the superpower itself holds no actual curiosity. It’s the character who should be participating. 

My debut novel, 21% Monster is usually considered as a superhero sci fi journey. I didn’t initially intend it as such, however as I wrote (with my agent’s excited phrases, ‘it’s like Hulk meets Stranger Issues’ ringing in my ears) I slowly realised that’s what it’s. It’s ironic as a result of I’ve tried and failed to write down a superhero earlier than. So, why did it work this time and what would I do to repeat the trick? I consider the reply is the next: 

1. Begin with the origin, not the powers. The query I’d ask is what has been happening to result in somebody gaining powers? This, actually is a world constructing query. In 21% Monster, the primary thought I had (whereas a packet of purple Monster Munch) was ‘what if consuming one thing made you monstrous?’. Earlier than I wrote the story, I’d labored out how a secret organisation might have laced meals. This led to 2 potential outcomes. Both Darren Devlin (my important character) was primarily a lab rat, or he was an unintentional aspect impact that has since been found. I selected the latter which shaped the background to the plot. 

2. The second step, I feel, is the really vital factor to get proper: When Darren himself, I didn’t initially think about his talents. As an alternative, I thought of how his persona and manner of seeing the world may be influenced by being half ‘monster below the mattress’. So, he hides – not simply bodily however emotionally. He says little and watches and listens. Just like the monster you by no means see, when you don’t search for him, he received’t trouble you. This implies he will get remoted and doesn’t interact in class. 

Additionally, being monstrous, he has a horrible mood, however this rage solely triggers when he’s threatened – identical to the monster in your wardrobe who you realize will solely chew when you take a peek. 

This step additionally led to 2 vital selections for a way participating Darren is as a lead character. The primary is that I realised he wanted a loving household. In any other case his monstrous qualities could be too excessive. Attributable to his capability to hear, I felt inside an in depth household he’d develop sturdy empathy and optimistic values. This led to an easy motivation for Darren whereas on the run from the organisation that created him: “I simply need to go residence.” 

The opposite resolution was that I made a decision the monstrous genetics would influence how his mind is structured. This implies he can’t learn. It additionally makes him extraordinarily intuitive and so intelligent in his personal manner. However because of tutorial failure, he believes he’s silly which hits his confidence exhausting and means he’s judged socially. 

3. Solely in step three would I think about superpowers. This was the straightforward bit with Darren. He’s extremely sturdy and has extraordinary listening to. Since he’s half ‘monster below mattress’, he’s distinctive at hiding and might see at the hours of darkness. I used the talents of varied animals to make these talents plausible and constant. 

However whereas Darren’s powers are thrilling and funky, it’s not why you root for him whereas he’s on the run. The individual you’re cheering for is a quiet, delicate boy who lacks confidence and is just going to take down an evil organisation as a result of he needs to go residence. 

So, that’s how I did it. I want you one of the best of luck constructing your individual superhero. The world might do with just a few new ones, don’t you suppose?

21% Monster by PJ Canning

Revealed By: Usborne

Launched: seventh July 2022

Bookshop.org / Goodreads / Waterstones

Synopsis

Enjoyable, fast-paced, high-octane motion journey, 21% Monster is an ideal page-turning new collection for followers of Alex Rider, Percy Jackson and the MCU era.

When Darren Devlin is arrested for destroying his faculty along with his naked fingers, it’s not simply the police who’re after him. Enter Marek Masters, 14 years outdated, 19% alien, and essentially the most clever, most needed “virtually human” alive. Marek is right here to inform Darren the reality – he’s 21% monster, and collectively they need to take down the key organisation that created them. Darren and Marek are needed, highly effective and harmful. And now it’s payback time.

In regards to the Creator

P.J. Canning has a PhD in Chemistry and works in Cambridge. He’s married with three youngsters, all of whom are brutal critics of his work. P.J. heard somebody say “write about what you realize”, however he prefers to write down about aliens and monsters as a substitute. 21% Monster is his first novel.