An Interview with Alan Champlin

USAF veteran weather forecaster, founder of Weather One, and now published author, Alan loves everything about the wonderful world of weather, and shares that passion in his new children’s book.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

My book’s title, Harry the High Versus Larry the Low, came really easily to me. In the world of weather, there is a constant flow of high-pressure systems and low-pressure systems. Most people arguably prefer the weather associated with high-pressure systems, like blue skies and sunshine. The weather associated with low-pressure systems can be unpleasant, like dreary rainy days, or even scary, like thunderstorms or tornadoes. So having superhero characters representing each side of the equation seemed like a great idea to me.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It’s a surreal feeling to hold your own book in your hands for the first time. To see the result of your dream in the form of your own book cover is absolutely wonderful; I hope that every aspiring author gets to have that experience!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I really think that I am not a typical writer. I had a story that needed to he told. So, I did the best that I could in getting that story out. I’m not sure that I could have done it without Atmosphere Press!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Besides the weather world, I have worked at a nonprofit that serves adults with mental and developmental disabilities. It was a wonderful experience, and I loved all of the people I got to meet there.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding thing to me about having my book published is knowing that my granddaughter will be able to read it on her own very soon.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

That’s a great question! I have made a short video on Instagram for Harry the High and used “Walking on Sunshine” for him, and Larry the Low got “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

That we are all unique, and that’s how life is supposed to be. The perfect reader of my book is one who is curious about the weather or science, and appreciates individuality.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I am working on developing the characters into videos. Soon, children will be able to learn the basics of meteorology from Harry the High and Larry the Low.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Working with Atmosphere Press was great. The entire staff did a fantastic job in getting this book published. Dakota gets an A+ on the editing side; she really had a huge impact on my book. I would say to any aspiring authors, don’t wait—go ahead and trust Atmosphere Press to be your partner in your publishing journey!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.