An Inside Look with Shelly Brown and Chad Morris
*Season #SIX (Summer 2019)
How did you come to know Juniper?
Chad: Juniper was 100% Shelly’s idea.
Shelly: I wanted Juniper to be as real as I could so I did a lot of research and came across a girl who spent a lot of time in the woods (almost solely, like Juniper) and I really admired her confidence. But it made total sense that she would be like that considering that accomplish a lot and would be proud of her accomplishments. Plus she wouldn’t have too many critics in the woods. She was truly needed in her family for what she could do and was trusted with hard jobs. I loved learning about her.
What do you think is her most admirable quality?
Chad: I LOVE how spunky and self-confident she is. She knows she’s amazing. Even though she’s brand new to society she’s doesn’t care what others think about her. I think worrying about what others think is something we learn to do, and she’s never learned it. I love that trait. She isn’t trying to fit in. Of course, she has lessons to learn. Not everything about caring what others think is bad, but I love the idea of being confident in who you are.
Shelly: I’m impressed with Juniper's curiosity. It’s important in the woods like they are to be curious and willing to learn and adjust as nature throws you curveballs. But she brings that curiosity with her into our world and doesn’t take for granted the amazing feats of architecture, technology, and agriculture that we have in society.
Is there anything you wish she would have changed or done differently in her story?
Chad: Not necessarily. Learning is a journey. Sometimes we make mistakes, but that adds to our lives. We improve. We become better. And sometimes we get a pet goose with a sweater.
Shelly: Juniper’s confidence keeps her from being humble and observant sometimes. She leaps in and is sure she’s right. But sometimes it’s best to be quiet and take some time. Because nobody is always right.
What do you think Juniper can offer to other children that are experiencing similar situations to what she went through?
Chad: I think she’s a great example of resilience, just refusing to quit. I really do think that’s one of the best qualities we can have. Plus, I love how fascinated she is with the world around her, both nature and society.
Shelly: I doubt too many kids will read this and think, “that’s me! I’m the girl who has never met anyone my own age before and then is thrown into public middle school!” But if you can relate to her you’ll see in her story that it all seems to work out in the end. Just hold on, it can be a bumpy ride.
How did you research Juniper and the circumstances she found herself in?
Chad: Shelly knew a lot more than I did when it comes to the woods. And in general, she’s more of a researcher when we write together. She grew up near the woods of northern California. In fact, she was a junior ranger and led nature walks and named trees…etc. We’ve taken our family camping up there and we love it. But we both did spend some decent time looking up animals and plants online, making sure they fit with the story. The story of Zombie was based on an ancestor of my sister-in-law who really did pluck geese she thought were dead, but then discovered they were still alive. And yes, she made them sweaters.
Shelly: I bought books, talked to people, used Google, studied maps, and spent time in nature in order to try and get this story right. My fierce love for the outdoors could only take me so far.
Do you and Juniper share any similarities?
Chad: Maybe. I think I have pieces of her confidence, but just small pieces. I do have her questioning. When things don’t make sense to her, it doesn’t matter who is explaining it to her, she just doesn’t fully believe it. I’ve got a little bit of that too.
Shelly: Lol, we are spunky! And not always right. But we bravely move forward.
What was the hardest scene to write about her?
Chad: The scenes when everyone meets up in the woods. There is a lot going on, and trying to accomplish it all was really tricky.
Shelly: Juniper has some family drama and family drama is always hard on my heart. She needs them all so much so when things aren’t working like she’d hope she’s worried about what’s going to happen to her own foundation.
Who do you think was her biggest supporter and why?
Chad: Juni’s parents really love her and believe in her. So does her sister, Sky. Yet, they are all flawed and don’t always support her in the ways she needs. Juni isn’t perfect either. But she also finds new supporters, some of them unexpected. I think that’s true to life.
Shelly: Juniper thinks she can do it all on her own but really she does need her family. And they need her.
Why do you think some young people can show such resilience, strength, and courage during difficult life situations; sometimes even more than the adults in their lives?
Chad: Because young people rock! Seriously, they are amazing. I believe they inherently have a little more hope, a little more belief that things can get better. And maybe they haven’t learned as much to give up as we unfortunately do sometimes as we get older.
Shelly: Resilience, strength and courage come from hope. And kids are brimming with hope. It’s one of the best parts about kids.
What do you think Juniper is doing at the present time?
Chad: Loving the woods and eating lots of peanut butter.
Shelly: Probably brushing up on geography while fishing.
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