1. What initially drew you to comics?
I've always enjoyed storytelling and creating characters and worlds. Comics became a great way for me to tell my stories the way I wanted to tell them so it just made sense to me to explore it.
2. What inspires you to create for young readers?
If I'm being honest I never set out to work primarily in all-ages books but it just so happened that's where my stories land. I always write stories for me, but with kids in mind and by that I just mean I try not to cross certain lines whether it be violence, language, or anything too scary or mature. I grew up loving Star Wars, The Goonies, The Muppets, The Neverending Story, etc. and those all walked right up to that line and I loved it as a kid. That said, I try really hard to write stories my ten year old self would love to read.
3. What do comics allow you to do as a storyteller?
Comics allow me to let my imagination run wild! I can spend time just drawing characters and then put them into whatever kind of story I want to tell. It's like when you're a kid and you're playing with your toys and you're imagination is coming up with all sorts of ideas. Now as an adult, I get to take those ideas and share them with everyone. Sometimes it's scary, but most of the time it's super exciting.
4. I first became aware of your work with Camp Nowhere, but you have other series worth mentioning for readers and teachers. Any, in particular, you’d like to share about?
Chickenhare will always be dear to me as it was my very first comic I had published and now has become a movie! Time Shifters however, will probably always remain my favorite because it was therapy for me when my dad passed away. I was struggling with the hook of the story but I couldn't make it work until I realized the story was about grief and loss, and what you wouldn't do for just one more moment with a loved one who is gone. I'm also adapting the Animorphs series for Scholastic and that's been a lot of fun because I've never adapted anything before and it's been a very satisfying experience so far.
5. Where can we find out more about your work?
I'm on Twitter (chrisgrine) and Instagram (grinetastic) if you want to see my daily shenanigans. My books can be found or ordered at any book store or comic shop, also Amazon.
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