Alba Arango

This week our featured author is Alba Arango. You might have heard of her if you’re familiar with the Decoder Mysteries series. She has a lot of middle grade books out there, and she’s working on some more, but we’ll let her tell you that. So, let’s get on to the interview.

What made you decide to become an author?
I’ve always loved to write. When I was a kid, I would write the craziest stories whenever we had writing prompts in class (my 5th grade teacher told me I had quite the imagination lol). In my late 20s, I decided to start writing a book. It took me 10 years! Once I finished it, I attended a writer’s conference in my hometown of Las Vegas, just to get a feel for the industry. Attending that conference is what made me decide I truly wanted to become an author.

What made you want to write middle grade?
It has always been, and still is, my favorite genre to read. I grew up reading Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and (my favorite) The Three Investigators.

If Hagrid and Mrs. O’Leary (the Hell hound from Percy Jackson and the Olympians) were in a hot dog eating contest, who would win?
Mrs. Oleary, hands down. I feel like she would gobble them down, then shadow transport across the world and eat all the hot dogs there as well.

Are you working on any new books right now? If so, what is it called, and what’s it about?
I am currently working on two books: the 7th book in the Decoders Mysteries series, called The Dragon’s Horn, and the 5th (and final) book of the JJ Bennett: Junior Spy series, called Last Stand in London.

What other books have you written?
I have 10 books published altogether, 6 in the Decoders Mysteries series and 4 in the JJ Bennett: Junior Spy series. I also have a free short story called Sherlock of Timberton available to everyone who signs up for my once-a-month newsletter.

If you could be any kind of donut, what would you be?
Maple Bacon. I’d be that donut that people are hesitant to try because it sounds weird, but then, once they try it, they like it. 🙂

What book are you reading right now?
Currently reading The Dark Prophesy, Book 2 of the Trials of Apollo series. I love, love, LOVE Rick Riordan. He is my favorite author.

Where can we find out more about you and your books?
You can find out all about me on my website, AlbaArango.com. I also have free activities, like word searches and mazes, to download and print for free! You can also join my once-a-month newsletter to catch up on the latest news, see my latest book review, learn a crazy law in history, and get to know me a little better. (newsletter link on my website)