“The Tiger and the Crane” received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author JJ Osbun.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
“The Tiger and the Crane” will be published on October 15, 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
“This tale is remembered in the tongue of the forest from the land of the Qing.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
“The Tiger and the Crane” is a poignant tale set in 19th-century China. In it, a wise crane challenges his animal village’s fears by adopting an orphaned tiger cub. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and how nurture can profoundly shape nature.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Inspired by “The Jungle Book,” I envisioned creating an animal-based story during walks through a local park where animals would interact with each other. I found it entertaining, and it inspired me to create distinct personalities for each character.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
‘The Tiger and the Crane’ is a fun story with multiple layers of meaning. It offers readers a valuable perspective on the fundamentals of building a healthy society. A parent could read it to a 6-year-old, and it would be a cute novel. At 9, they could read it independently and discover it is very different from what they remember. At 14, the book would reveal even more profound insights, making it a truly engaging read for all age groups.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who—real or fictional—would you say the character reminds you of?
Mung, the crane, is a reluctant leader, demonstrating that often those hesitant to wield power are the best suited for it.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Dave Foley as Mung, Tom Holland as Xingfu, Steve Buscemi as Ku, Jackie Chan as Qingyang, Tara Strong as Puyi, Nicholas Turturro as Tai, John C. Reilly as Yao, Queen Latifah as Chi Gai.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I developed a passion for writing at 18 years old.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, this is my first book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a high school history teacher in Staten Island, New York.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
My writing sessions range from 10 minutes to 120 minutes a day. I feel more productive even if I write just a little each day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is being involved in various aspects of the book’s production, from art direction to editing. The hardest part is managing all these elements effectively.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Promote each other’s work; it’s essential for indie success!
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Monarex has really stepped up and supported the creation of this novel, which was originally a screenplay. We remain open to collaborating with the right partner.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My motivation is to connect with people and provide commentary on the human experience.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
J.R.R. Tolkien.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
“Jurassic Park” for its innovative concept and thrilling narrative.