Today is my slot on the tour for The Midnight Switch by Samuel J. Halpin, published by Usborne.

Born in Tasmania with Irish roots, Samuel J. Halpin writes daily. Having studied journalism at the University of New South Wales, Samuel went on to take cinematography at AFTRS, the national Australian film school in Sydney before moving to London and working in comedy TV production.

His children’s books are his answer to a childhood raised on a hodgepodge of fairy tales, crowded bookshelves and cups of hot chocolate.

Summary:

A spooky, quirky adventure of curses and magic, perfect for fans of Malamander and A Place Called Perfect.

When Lewis’s family moves to a faraway town called Barrow, he can’t quite put his finger on what feels so strange about his new home. Everyone is obsessed with superstition, and an old story about floods and witches and a curse, while a mysterious bird watches his every move.

Then his family friend Moira arrives to stay. Only, there’s something peculiar about Moira too. She doesn’t know where she’s from, or even when she’s from, and strange things happen around her. Lewis and Moira are determined to figure out what’s going on in Barrow, but as they unravel secret symbols, riddles and stories of a midnight curse, they find that there might be some truth in the old town tales.

Time is running out, before magic switches up everything they know…

The Midnight Switch by Samuel J, Halpin

My stop on the tour takes the form of an author interview.

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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for The Midnight Switch

Well I most certainly can! My name is Samuel J. Halpin. The Midnight Switch is my second book – The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods being my first. I’m an author with a feverish love for all things spine-prickling, and love nothing more than an adventure – be that one taking place in my head or high up a mountain. I love nature, folklore, ghouls, ghosts and the way all of these things collide and entangle with one another in the world around us.

What are the underlying themes of The Midnight Switch?

The Midnight Switch at a glance is about the power of friendship to heave us through sometimes terrifying sometimes downright painful circumstances. It’s about loss in some ways (no spoilers!) and how powerful it is to know someone and feel their influence upon you, despite the fact that you may not ever see them again. But its also about Lewis and his Dad. And how difficult it can be to navigate a relationship with a parent who may only want what’s best for you, but demonstrates it an overbearing way.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A little of both. A plotter when I know what’s good for me, but a pantser when a good idea strikes, and I shoot off in a particular direction like a renegade fire cracker. Then, when the firecracker idea has had some cold water put on it and it’s all fizzled out, I go back to plotting.

How do you ensure you keep children turning the pages?

By making sure that the twists and turns of the tale are fresh and truly unexpected. I also like to make sure that the themes I explore are relevant and can be understood from many different vantage points.

As an example, I think Lewis’s struggle to understand his Dad in this book is a theme that lots of us can relate to and observe, even if this isn’t our experience of our parent.

I also am a firm believer that children like to be scared. At least, as a kid, I most certainly did. Fear, particularly in books, is something you can play quite safely with and yet experience all the same sensations as if you were walking along a lonely road in the dead of night. Or stepping over somebody’s grave. Or thinking about what might be beneath as you tread deep water.

What is your favourite thing about writing for children?

It gives me the opportunity to go back and remember how different the world looks when you’re a kid. Sometimes that means it can be all the more frightening and overwhelming than when you’re an adult. But the sense of curiosity and wonder – not only for things that are fantastical, but also for people and the way they behave – is truly a thing of great beauty.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

Far too many to choose from. E. Nesbit would be up there. As I love the way she made ordinary things so very gripping and otherworldly. But I would like Stephen King to answer for some of my childhood nightmares. Dodie Smith for a punch of nostalgia. Neil Gaiman for…well…Neil Gaiman…it might have to evolve into a bit of a dinner party I’m afraid…is there enough time in this would-be day?

What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to be a children’s book writer?

Write often. And try being as much of a pantser as you can, because all the good ideas come flying out like bats from a belfry when you’re being a pantser.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your books and writing for children?

I do love to hide little things in my books. Easter Eggs, of sorts. So if you spot them – do let me know!

There are a couple in The Midnight Switch if you know a thing or two about chess!

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

I’m @SamuelJHalpin on X/Twitter and SamuelJHalpin on Instagram. And as for finding out about me and my books – I love when people reach out to ask lovely questions. Please feel free to do so!

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

Anywhere that sells the darn thing! But if you do have the privilege of being able buy it from a local bookshop of yours – I’m sure the booksellers there will be able to steer you in the direction of other wonderful titles too.

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To follow the rest of the tour please take a look at the schedule:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.