Bianca with Chris Wieland on The Body on the Beach: A Kat Dylan Mystery

This episode is presented in partnership with The Smart Aleck
Press. Bianca is joined by the talented mystery writer Chris
Wieland, the creative force behind the Kat Dylan Mysteries;
including The Body on the Beach.


Chris is known for crafting narratives that revolve around a
strong girl protagonist, Kat Dylan. In this discussion, he delves
into the intricacies of his storytelling process and how he
constructs high-stakes scenarios in the fictional setting of
Crabtree. Kat's emotional struggles, entwined with people she
knows and cares about, add a profound layer to the storyline of
The Body on the Beach. The murder of someone Kat's age prompts
deep reflection on her identity and place in the world. Chris
strives to create authentic, flawed characters for young readers,
fostering relatability, with a theme in his work emerging — the
vital use of one's mind and heart to triumph over evil, steering
away from resorting to violence.


Chris Wieland is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. He is
also the father of two fierce children, including a tough, smart
tween who helped him find the voice of his protagonist, Kat
Dylan. He lives in Southern California with his family.





Transcription:


You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠ .





Order a Copy:


The Body on the Beach: A Kat Dylan
Mystery on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠.





Resources:


For more information, visit
https://www.thesmartaleckpress.com/


The Lost Chapter 25





Discussion Topics:


Chris Wieland talks about:


The ongoing commitment to developing a resilient female
protagonist, charting her evolution over time, and exploring the
profound impact she has on other characters within the series.

His satisfaction in crafting narratives with high-stakes
scenarios.

The intricacies of the enchanting setting of Crabtree.

How emotional stakes heighten for Kat in Body on the Beach as
she grapples with individuals she knows and cares about,
introducing a poignant emotional struggle to her character
development.

An exploration of how a murder, specifically of someone Kat's
age, reshapes the investigation's scope and prompts Kat to
reflect on her place in the world.

Weaving setting and backstory into the narrative without it
feeling forced and the importance of organic storytelling to
avoid imposing elements into the story artificially.

The significance of creating authentic, flawed characters for
young readers, fostering relatability.

Using intellect and compassion to triumph over evil, steering
clear of resorting to violence.