Suse Wilcox - Family Unity, Communication, and Resilience

Suse Wilcox earned her MBA from the University of Michigan and spent many years working in corporate finance before becoming an author. She was drawn to writing as a way to reach kids and both inspire and educate them. When she isn’t writing, she can be found at author events, engaging with readers. A lifelong Michigander, she enjoys spending time outdoors in Michigan, whether hiking, biking, or taking in the beauty of the Great Lakes. As our Author of the Day she tells us all about her book, The Secrets of Chilkoot Trial.Please give us a short introduction to what The Secrets of Chilkoot Trial is about.In The Secrets of Chilkoot Trail, a brother, a sister, and a foster kid are taken astray by a forest creature called a gruegle while hiking the historic Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. The trio helps the gruegles escape from the tyrannical Grand Gruegle and save the forest from devastation, all while finding their way back to their family.What first inspired you to set this story along Alaska’s historic Chilkoot Trail?About five years ago, I traveled to Alaska and hiked the Chilkoot Trail with my family. Parts of the trail felt like being in a fairytale forest, and I wanted to share that experience with children.How did the idea of the gruegles — mystical keepers of the forest — come to you?My goal was to introduce kids to the underground network (mycelium) that allows trees to support each other, much like families do. A "gruegle" family seemed like a good way to draw the kids into the magnificence of the forest.The book blends real science with fantasy. How did you find the right balance between education and imagination?I believe it is useful to teach kids important concepts through fantasy and fun, and every book they read allows them to learn something new. So, I wrote a unique, fantasy adventure book with an emphasis on creative thinking, some Alaskan history, and science.Pearl, Frances, and CJ’s relationship evolves in touching ways. What did you want to explore about family and belonging through these characters? Pearl and Frances have grandparents and parents who are involved in their lives. CJ, a foster kid, is worried about losing his family. He settles into life with Pearl and Frances and learns how important communication is (like the way trees communicate with each other) in building a strong family.How much research went into capturing the Alaskan wilderness and the history of the Chilkoot Trail?After I traveled to Alaska, I read and researched information about Alaska and some of its history. I was already aware of the mycelium network, but I further researched how various elements, such as a breakdown of the mycelium network or beetle infestations, might affect trees in Alaska.Why was it important for you to include discussion and comprehension questions for educators at the end of the book?When my kids were young, I liked it when they read books in school and answered questions about what they read. By including questions at the end, parents can ask their children about what they liked and what they learned, and teachers can test their understanding of the material.You moved from a career in corporate finance to writing children’s adventure stories — what inspired that shift? I have always enjoyed writing and had considered a career in journalism. I pursued finance because it was a pragmatic choice. But writing is my first love.Environmental themes run strongly throughout the story. What message do you hope young readers take away about caring for nature?Nature is amazing. There is so much joy in exploring and learning about our environment. I hope that kids understand that trees and animals work to survive just like families, and that we can all learn from each other.The story also touches on foster care and mental health through CJ’s experience. How did you approach writing those topics for middle-grade readers?Some kids are in great families, and some are in families that are struggling. I want kids to learn that it is okay to feel that their family is struggling, and better yet, that open and honest communication helps make families healthy.What has been your favorite reaction or piece of feedback from a young reader so far?The best feedback I received was from a young boy who bought the next book in the series. He said, “I liked figuring out how to help the gruegles. I liked that make-believe was mixed with science.”The Secrets of Chilkoot Trailis part of The Secrets Series. Can you give us a hint about what’s next in the series?The release of The Secrets of Iao Valley happened this year. In this book, Pearl and Frances are swept up in another adventure alongside trickster Menehune creatures to help a native Hawaiian girl preserve her heritage and her homeland. The Secrets of Rome will probably be released next year. Here, the siblings travel to Italy and meet up with their older cousin, Alphonso.If readers could learn one “secret” from this adventure that applies to their own lives, what would you hope it is?The secret is to always appreciate, respect, and take care of their families and the environment in which they live. Additionally, I hope they understand the importance of open and honest communication in resolving conflict and difficulties.What are you working on right now?I’m writing another book in the series set in Florida with ocean creatures.