THE COOS CRUSADERS – MS Chambers

If you grew up in the 1980′s, you already know how exciting and “totally awesome” it was. Staying out until the streetlights came on, playing video games at the local convenience store, hanging out at the mall- so many things that made it an exciting time for a kid on the verge of becoming a young adult. Life felt somewhat more carefree.

Many books, movies, and television shows capture the nostalgia of the 1980s; we feel that same magic… even for a short while. Author MS Chambers (Samantha) has written a new book, The Coos Crusaders, that transports us right back to the heart of the mid-80s…1985.

In the tradition of such films and books as The Goonies, The Body (Stand By Me), and Stephen King’s book/film IT, The Coos Crusaders takes you on an exciting, wild, and unusual adventure that will take you back to your own youth and memories you may have of your own great times shared with friends. So come on, open the book, turn the pages, let your imagination go, and join them!

The story is of a group of kids in the throes of budding adulthood who live in Coos Bay, Oregon. They’re the closest of friends. The kind of friends you’d perhaps consider brothers or sisters. Friends who believe they’ll always be together. “The Coos”, as they call themselves, can’t imagine a time without one another. They spend countless hours watching movies, hanging out in their treehouse, doing all the fun, exciting things adolescents do. And c’mon, it’s Coos Bay…that beautiful Pacific Northwest seaport full of old tales, legends, folklore, and the unknown. So get ready! Join the Coos Crusaders as they journey down the adventure path.

This story is full of nostalgic moments, modern-day pirates, and local history. This read is enjoyable for a variety of age groups, especially preteens, as well as adults; and everyone in between. It’s for anyone who wants to return to a more innocent, fun time and remind themselves that sometimes we’re all kids at heart.

I recommend you pick up your copy of The Coos Crusaders… an adventure story to enjoy!

I had the pleasure of interviewing author MS Chambers. Here is that exclusive interview!

Anthony W. Northrup – Thank you for joining us today, Samantha. Let’s begin by telling our readers a little about yourself.

MS Chambers – Thank you, Anthony. I’m excited to be here! My name is Samantha Chambers, known as MS Chambers in the literary world. I am a multi-genre author from Kansas City, Missouri. My self-published works include the dark fantasy trilogy The Sisters of the Moon: Pearls of the Sea, Blood of the Moon, and Ashes of Oak; the psychological thriller Seclusion; Macabre: A Horror Anthology; sci-fi horror romance MandeVilla; and YA adventure The Coos Crusaders.

I collaborate with my two extraordinary daughters to bring my books to life. My youngest, Mirrissa Alexander, serves as my full-service editor, while my oldest, Beverly DeBurger, paints my cover art. I don’t know how I would do it all without them! I draw inspiration from all of life’s mysteries and magic, regularly exploring history and lore to enrich my storytelling.

I am passionate about family, reading, cooking, travel, horror, and nature. My spouse, Alex, and I love spending time together. We enjoy watching movies and shows, and our beloved Chiefs, reading, gardening, going on outings, and spending time with our huge family. We have six daughters and eight grandchildren, and couldn’t be prouder of them all.

AN – When did your interest in writing begin?

MSC – My mother was also a writer, though she was never published. Her incredible stories and obsession with books were what inspired my deep love of reading and my drive to write. When I was little, we read together all the time. I read long before I started school, and excelled in English Literature in every grade. I wrote many short stories, poems, and other pieces, and I won some awards during my school years.

I was always the “nerdy girl”, head down, a book in my hands, and lost in the world I was reading about. I couldn’t get enough. I loved many authors and genres, even books that were more difficult to read, like Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Mary Shelley, Shakespeare, and more. I craved books. I needed them like I needed air.

I always knew I would become a writer. And so I made it my life’s goal to become a published author someday. I knew it would have to wait until my children were grown; parenting is a full-time job. Years later, when things settled down, that time came. I sat down, I began writing, and I never stopped. My debut book release was in December 2022.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, The Coos Crusaders. Without spoilers, share with us what readers can expect.

MSC – The Coos Crusaders is a Young Adult/Adult adventure book. It’s a nostalgic coming-of-age adventure novel about friendship, courage, and the bittersweet passage of time. It’s filled with treasure-seeking, swashbuckling pirates, fearless youth, the woes of growing up, adventurous exploration, daring endeavors, and thrilling action. It’s set p in 1985 and encompasses my love of the 80s. Expect a trip back in time filled with history, legends, nostalgia, fun, and adventure, but you can also expect some hot topics, some heartfelt, sad moments, and even some scary ones. And at the end, there’s a special author’s note!

I turned 50 this year, and this book is a gift to myself. I worked hard; it includes so much! It’s a story very much about me growing up in so many ways. I dedicated it to all my friends, past and present, and especially to my grandsons, Cooper and Samual. My way of saying thank you for all the grand adventures!

AN- The films The Goonies, Stand By Me, and the Losers’ Club from Stephen King’s novel/original film IT seem to have inspired your characters. Are the characters in your book based on real people you’ve known, or inspiration from those books/films I mentioned?

MSC – The titles deeply inspired this book, as did the Indiana Jones movies. I love adventure, The Goonies, and I am a huge King fan. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and love the area. I always planned to write a book based there.

Yes, the characters are inspired by the group of kids I grew up with. They were some of the greatest kids I ever knew. Friends, I’ll never forget. The characters are also inspired by special people in my life now, including you, my friend, and many of the characters from the titles you mentioned. Tidbits of this person and that make up each character.

AN – Is the lead character, “Gill,” based on you as a young teen? Is there some of your personality in all the young adult characters?

MSC – Yes, Gillian or “Gill” is based on me in almost every way. I was a very adventurous child and teenager, one who loved to explore and learn, read and write, play baseball, go to the movies, listen to music, go camping, and so much more. I was (actually) the only girl in my band of brothers in the 80s, which suited me just fine as I was a big tomboy and always looking for my grand adventure!

AN – This book is an adventure story, but it is overflowing with nostalgia. Was it a challenge to go back to 1985, the year the story takes place, and to do the research for that time? Please, explain your research process to us.

MSC – Though I did a ton of research to make sure all details, dates, and facts were in order, I remembered a great deal. It was easy to go back in time! I was born in 1976, so I was ages four through thirteen in the 80s. I got to experience the decade as a child and as a teen, and it was all incredible! Some of the very best years of my life! It was a time when kids could be kids, play outside, and use their imaginations. It was life before the internet and mobile phones. Technology was happening then, but it didn’t explode till later. Everything was a cultural phenomenon. Fashion, film, and music were awesome! Everything was in neon, including our lives! It was all an exciting adventure, and camaraderie and friendship meant everything! Growing up in the 80s was really special. I feel like anyone from that decade would agree that we’re a special breed!

AN – There’s a plethora of history and geography throughout the book. Did you find it exciting to learn or read pirate stories and myths from long ago? Do you think you could have been a good pirate yourself? laugh

MSC – It was so exciting! I love pirates, and obsessively love myths, lore, and legends. Accurate historical and geographical facts are something I take pride in including in my books as well. I knew a lot about the area since I grew up in the PNW. But I did extensive research on Coos Bay, the surrounding area, and other places in the book. I learned so much! Hmmm… I think given the right tools, I could have been a pretty good pirate! Argh!

*Fun fact: Real historical pirates did not actually say “arrgh” or “arrr”. That iconic sound is a Hollywood invention popularized by British actor Robert Newton in the 1950 film Treasure Island.

AN – You touch on some sensitive subjects in this story as some of your characters go through physical and mental abuse, discrimination, and other hot topics. Do you think young adults today will see how far we’ve come with these types of subject matter in your story?

MSC – Ah, yes. I hope so, though abuse and discrimination sadly still happen all over. I can only hope that reading about these characters’ feelings helps young people (and older) know that they aren’t alone. That there are also people out there who understand what they may be going through… and want to help. I care, and so do many others! I also hope that it shows them how to respect, treat, and love others. We are all unique and special in different ways, and that’s okay! In fact, it’s amazing! Stand up for what you believe in, and be proud of who you are!

Embrace your youth! The world is changing and growing, and excelling every day. The faster and faster it goes. Before you know it, you’re all grown up, and life is passing you by. Don’t forget to stop, listen, look, learn, love, and embrace the smallest of things! Be a kid while you can. Get off that cell phone and get outside! Play, adventure, explore! There’s so much to discover, and I promise you’ll be amazed by what you find. Remember, the greatest treasures are not always made of gold!

AN – The story is aimed at young adults. What would you like those of us that are older to take away from reading The Coos Crusaders?

MSC – Older people, especially those who grew up in this decade, will love Coos! Though it’s written so young adults can read it, it has adult themes and is targeted for adults who love adventure. I hope they too will immensely enjoy the trip back in time to the “most excellent” 80s! There’s so much nostalgia to revel in, and even if you weren’t from that era, you will still find joy in the adventure, and certainly learn a ton about the decade. I hope you will read it with your kids and take the grand adventure together!

AN – Lastly, is this a one-time adventure for The Coos Crusaders or will we see a “next generation” book? What’s next for MS Chambers?

MSC – This is it for The Coos Crusaders, but don’t you worry, I have more adventure books up my sleeve. Just wait and see!

AN – Where can readers find The Coos Crusaders and your other books?

MSC – All of my books are available on Amazon under MS Chambers. Connect with me on my website at mschambersauthor.com, via Linktree at linktr.ee/mschambersauthor, or across social media @MSChambersAuthor.

AN – Thank you for spending time with us, Samantha. We look forward to your future projects and appearances.

MSC – Thank you so much for having me today, Anthony! It has been an immense joy! I look forward to future appearances with you. And of course, your amazing endeavors as well! Thank you so much for reading The Coos Crusaders and for doing this review and interview!

I hope you have enjoyed this review and interview with author MS Chambers. It was a true pleasure to have been able to bring her to the forefront.