How to Survive Ancient Spells & Crazy Kings by Laura Pauling

When Bianca and Melvin brave the jungle to rescue their grandfather, they stumble upon the ancient Maya city of Etza, where the people haven’t aged in 2,000 years. They must learn to work together as they face loincloth-wearing skeletons from the underworld, a backstabbing princess, and an ancient prophecy that says in three days the city will be destroyed.

No problem. They’ll find Zeb and zip right out of there. The fact that a crazy king wants to serve Bianca up to the gods as an appetizer is just a minor technicality. But this ancient evil dude has finally met his match.

Writing the eccentric character.

Thanks Sue, for letting me take over your blog today!

I love writing and reading eccentric secondary characters. Not only do they throw in a bit of comedic relief, but I can sneak in my wacky sense of humor. Here’s an introduction to Bianca’s Aunt June.

An excerpt from Survival Tip 4:

When the jungle looks like it could wrap you up like a taco and eat you for dinner—it could be a bad sign.

A series of loud grunts echoed from the jungle. Mom wrapped her arms around Melvin and me. The grunts turned into long, deep roars.

“Neil, we are not staying in your sister’s homemade shelter,” Mom insisted.

“Great grasshoppers, Verla. Toughen up.”

Aunt June faced the jungle. She took a deep breath, puffed out her chest, and answered back with a roar. Her body shook and sweat streamed down the sides of her face. She stopped, her cheeks pink from the exertion, and then puffed out her words.

“Howler monkeys. It’s what you can’t hear that you should be afraid of. You know? Those silent predators.”

Melvin whispered in my ear, “No, it’s my mom you should be afraid of.”

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