Meet Queen Grudges Personal Biographer Publishing Pro Robb Pearlman
On the back of our review of The Book of Grudge, we have been lucky enough to talk to the man behind this exceptional book, Robb Pearlman.
To those who do not know Robb, he is a pop culturalist, publishing pro, and New York Times bestselling author of over 50 books for kids and grownups, some of his notable books include, Live Like a Vulcan, Love Like a Wookiee, Laugh Like a Hobbit, Remember to Sparkle!, and of course his vast range of Star Trek books, like, Fun with Kirk and Spock, Star Trek: Body by Starfleet: A Fitness Guide and of course The Book Of Grudge…
However, it doesn’t end there, Robb is an enormous Star Trek fan who hails from NYC where he grew up watching reruns with his family on Sunday afternoons.
“I have a really fond memory of a Sunday afternoon, playing with my toys in the living room while my parents and grandparents all watched Star Trek.
I think we all enjoyed it for different reasons–which is one of the things that makes Star Trek so special–everyone can get something out of it!”
Knowing Robb is a big Trek fan we had to ask him what his favourite episode is…
“Honestly, there are too many to count. It really depends on what my mood is and what’s going to scratch my Star Trek itch at any particular moment. That being said, I never get tired of watching DS9’s Trials and Tribulations and Far Beyond the Stars, TNG’s The Best of Both Worlds, and VOY’s Year of Hell.
They’re all so incredibly structured, have incredible character moments and, to some degree, represent the best of what each series does”
Robb has written some very unique books and The Book of Grudge is no exception, but we had to ask what made him choose a book based on her Royal Highness Queen Grudge…
“Grudge herself, of course! If anyone on Star Trek: Discovery deserved a book all about herself, it’s Grudge! Few series regulars, let alone recurring characters, have made as big a cultural impact as Grudge has–and in so short a time!”
So, do you have any personal experiences with cats?
“I do and, unfortunately, they’re not all good. I discovered pretty early on that I’m deathly allergic to cats! And I mean, like, totally respiratory failure.
So, though I can appreciate cats from afar, I’m unable to get as up close and personal as I’d like to!”
The Book Of Grudge
Oh, that is not so good, guess that means no direct contact with grudge Then… Nevertheless, if you have read the Book of Grudge or any of Robbs past books you will know he has a very distinctive writing style, and that is what makes his books so effortless to read, they are very light-hearted and even comical in parts.
So, naturally, when discussing his style, we had to ask where his inspiration came from and what made him choose, this style of writing…
“I don’t think I chose it! I think the best writing, or indeed the best art, comes from a place of authenticity and honesty. I don’t consider myself a particularly over-serious person, I’d like to think the reason my books connect with readers is because they all come from a place of deep love and respect–for the material and the reader–but also because each presents my honest take and perspective on whatever the book is about.
That being said, no writer wants to rest on their laurels, so I’m constantly looking for projects that challenge myself. I’ve written picture books, a cookbook, guides to life, coloring and activity books, gift books, and one of my more recent titles, “Live Like a Vulcan, Love Like a Wookiee, Laugh Like a Hobbit” allowed me to delve into pop culture through a long-form original fable.
But regardless of the format or topic, I think you can always hear my particular voice throughout the work.”
Just like his other books which are all filled to the brim with great animations and visuals, The Book of Grudge is no exception and thanks to Walter Newton it is jammed packed, and they fit the tone of the book completely, but how did the chance come about to work with Walter?
“The good folks at Hero Collector suggested Walter for the project, and I jumped at the chance to work with him. I provide pretty detailed art notes when I write books with illustrations. I was delighted to see that Walter used my suggestions as a starting point to create art that exceeded my wildest expectations. Each piece is frameable!”
Whats Next
With Robb being so busy, and his catalogue forever growing, can you tell us about any other books you have in the pipeline, there is a book you are doing with Jordan Hoffman can you tell us more about this title or anything else forthcoming?
“I wish I could talk about them all but suffice it to say I’ve got no fewer than six scheduled for publication in 2022! It’s a very exciting time.
I’ve got a brand-new original picture book called “The Sublime Ms Stacks,” all about a quiet librarian who entertains and educates his students via his drag persona coming in Spring, and a picture based on The Smurfs, titled “How Much Farther Papa Smurf,” due next winter.
I’ve also got some Star Trek books coming, including The Star Trek Book of Friendship, co-written by my Trek Friend Jordan Hoffman. It features a foreword by Ethan Phillips and Robert Picardo, art by JK Woodward, and a special guest appearance by Erin Macdonald. It’s all about our favorite Trek friends, including Kirk and Spock, Crusher and Troi, Bashir and O’Brien, and Kim and Paris, and more, and the friends we, as fans, make!”
These all sound great and no doubt they are going to be just as enjoyable as The Book of Grudge.
Lastly, Robb if you weren’t deathly allergic to cats and knowing how Grudge doesn’t take to people easily, would you pet sit Grudge?
“I don’t think Grudge would deign to be petsat, but I’d take any opportunity to be in her company!”
We would like to thank Robb Pearlman for taking the time to answer our questions!, you can grab his newest Trek book The Book Of Grudge HERE and make sure you keep a lookout for the forthcoming The Star Trek Book of Friendship due out in 2022…
