Kate McKinnon, the former 'Saturday Night Live' star, has ventured into the world of middle-grade literature with her debut book, 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.' In a recent interview, McKinnon shared her inspiration behind the book, drawing parallels between sketch comedy and the unabashed silliness found in middle-grade storytelling.
The book follows the adventures of the Porch sisters - Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee - who feel out of place in their snooty town. After being expelled from school, they find a mentor in the eccentric scientist Millicent Quibb, setting the stage for a series of quirky escapades.
McKinnon revealed that she wrote most of the book from her bed during a year-long period. Despite transitioning from the fast-paced world of 'SNL' to full-time writing, she found the creative process akin to performing, relishing the opportunity to delve into the world of oddball characters.
Reflecting on the theme of identity in the book, McKinnon emphasized her affinity for celebrating uniqueness, a sentiment echoed in the story through the character of Millicent who encourages the Porch sisters to embrace their individuality.
When asked about her childhood influences, McKinnon credited her parents for nurturing her peculiar interests and teachers for supporting her along the way. She highlighted the importance of having mentors who recognize and cultivate one's unique talents.
McKinnon's humor shines through in the book, with quirky names and comedic elements sprinkled throughout the narrative. She shared that she often found herself laughing while crafting the story, reveling in the art of creating funny and memorable characters.
McKinnon also discussed the challenges of narrating the audiobook, describing it as a labor-intensive process that required developing distinct voices for each character. Despite the effort involved, she expressed excitement about connecting with readers during her upcoming book tour.
Looking ahead, McKinnon expressed her eagerness to embark on a cross-country trek to meet fans and share her message of embracing individuality. She emphasized the transformative power of accepting one's quirks and uniqueness, a theme that resonates deeply with her own journey.
