James S. Murray is a writer, executive producer, and actor, best known as “Murr” on the hit television show Impractical Jokers on truTV and The Misery Index on TBS. When he isn’t getting up to hijinks with his best friends, Murray writes novels, such as the Awakened trilogy, Don’t Move, and The Stowaway. He is also the co-author of the Area 51 Interns sci-fi middle grade series with writer and comedian Carsen Smith. We asked Murray and Smith to interview each other about the latest book in their series, Zoned Out, their love of legendary creatures, and the collaborative process.
James S. Murray: Hey, Carsen. We introduce a few exciting new creatures in Zoned Out. What were some of the creatures you were excited about Viv and the other interns meeting?
Carsen Smith: I’ve been a huge fan of legendary creatures and cryptids since I was a kid. One year, for Christmas, I remember getting that old Weird N’ Wild: Monsters of the Mind set of trading cards. I’m not sure if anyone else remembers them. They were definitely an early 2000s phenomenon. But I’ve been hooked ever since. Actually, I’m curious if you remember this, James, but the idea that Area 51 would be home to the Loch Ness monster in its tiny form as this kind of like expandable sponge creature was originally a concept we were going to put into the first book, but that chapter got cut early on in the outlining process. So, it was great being able to bring that idea back around. Personally, I’m also a huge fan of jackalopes. I remember taking trips out West and my dad always had me keep an eye out for them as we drove through the desert. I was tricked a lot as a kid.
Murray: Yes! I really loved the idea of reimaging what the Loch Ness monster is. So I’m glad we were able to bring it back in some way. You know I love all things science fiction, so getting to write about cryptids like Loch Ness and the Jersey Devil was so much fun. What research did you do to get ready to write about these creatures? I know I watched my favorite horror/science fiction movies [and shows] like Aliens and Goosebumps.
Smith: I probably read hundreds of articles and local stories about every single one of these creatures in doing the research. Of course, we also talked about giving them a new spin in this universe, which made for a fun and unique writing process.
Murray: Yeah, we worked so heavily on setting the tone for the Area 51 world in book 1, that I felt since the readers are already familiar with the characters, we as writers got to explore their personalities more and have a lot more fun. I was able to tap into my childhood memories and recreate all these really scary, legendary creatures that I loved. I’m curious if your writing process also changed for this book?
Smith: The writing process for this book felt so natural coming off of the last book. The series has so many characters and being set in this huge, expansive backdrop of Area 51, all of that world building needed to happen in the first book. So this book felt like a breeze since we could jump right into the story without re-describing everything we’d already established in Book 1. This book was also written in early 2022 so the vaccine was finally out and it felt like there was a momentary reprieve from the pandemic. It was nice being able to go out into the world and write in parks or coffee shops instead of having my cats jump on my keyboard every few minutes.
Murray: I can relate. You know my puppy Penny loves all my attention! Sometimes it was really tough getting through chapters while having her beg to play Frisbee! Honestly, though, taking her outside to play or for walks really helped clear my mind and I was able to come up with some of my best ideas.
Smith: I’m with you on that. Honestly, my two most reliable writing partners are a Siamese and a tabby. But they don’t particularly help much when it comes to the actual writing part. My partner, Will, is also a comedy writer so we collaborate frequently on shows for the stage. They always say you shouldn’t date another comedian, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since Melyssa (your wife) is also hilarious, I imagine you feel the same. Obviously, I’ve known both you and Darren Wearmouth for years and I always enjoy your adult thrillers, though I imagine our writing process for the children’s series involves much less whiskey. Did you find it hard to transition from TV comedy and adult literature to children's literature?
Murray: For me, writing for kids felt natural, since Impractical Jokers has such a kid and teen fanbase and kids are hilarious; writing for them is awesome. What’s your favorite part about writing for kids?
Smith: While it's been a trend for years, reading seems to be taking a backseat to other forms of entertainment, particularly social media. Considering that I was such a big reader growing up, it’s so fulfilling and wonderful for me to get the chance to contribute to a project like Area 51, that I hope can bring kids back to books. But getting to meet the kids who are reading our books in-person at signings and other events has to be the best part by far. Seeing firsthand just how much joy a good story can bring—there’s nothing better than that. Not to mention that the middle-grade age range of our series was one of the most formative times in my own life, so getting to meet these kids who have the entire world in front of them is inspiring enough on its own. Without sounding too corny, the positivity and energy of kids at that age can really make you feel like anything’s possible.
Murray: For me, I can’t think of a more incredible internship than working at Area 51. Was your first internship more challenging or less challenging than what the interns at Area 51 have to face? Do you think you would survive as an intern there?
Smith: Well, technically my first internship was doing volunteer work for the St. Augustine Wildlife Reserve back in Florida, this great rescue organization for tigers, wolves, and other exotic animals. Although, if that internship had been anything like the Area 51 experience that Viv, Elijah, Charlotte, and Ray are having, I think I would’ve quit much earlier. Honestly! If the tigers all of a sudden started speaking some crazy alien language, I would’ve gotten out of there so fast! James, if you had to pick your favorite thing about the series, what would it be?
Murray: Gosh, one of my favorite things about this series is that Area 51 can be anything and everything we dream it to be because no one actually knows what goes on there (except for the interns of course!). Are there extraterrestrial creatures, state of the art gadgets and weapons, or the world's best kept secrets? That’s what I love so much. We can fill in the blanks with whatever our mind can create, as in this universe there are infinite possibilities and that proves to be true in Area 51 Interns: Zoned Out!
Area 51 Interns: Zoned Out by James S. Murray and Carsen Smith. Penguin Workshop, $16.99 Oct. ISBN 978-0-593-22614-8
