Q&A with Kristin Darell

What inspired you to write a series about twins? 

I believe the idea of being a twin is fascinating to many people, especially the young people I meet. They want to know all about my ‘twin tingle’ and try to work out who is who in photos in my presentations (and almost always get it right!). I even love talking to other twins to discover their experiences – so I guess that fascination extends to people who are twins too.

I’m passionate about encouraging young people to draw on their own experiences as a starting point for a story, so in this case, I followed my own advice. With support from my wonderful publishing team at Penguin Random House, I came up with the It’s a Twin Thing series – stories that allow me to share the bonds, quirks and ‘twin tingles’ that makes being a twin so special, but also sharing what it is like to have your identity so wrapped up in another person (spoiler alert: it’s not always easy!).

How much of Abi and Brook's story comes from your own life as a twin? 

Who Abi and Brook are and the way they experience the world is very much drawn from my life. That includes many of the things they love – such as dancing, going exploring in the bush, having a small dog, Abi’s love of public speaking, and Brook’s love of rock music – although I was much older before I had the chance to be part of a rock band (that’s a whole other story). Even living near a lake – although I certainly didn’t have house that backed onto the water.

The wonderful thing about being an author is that we can write about things we also wished had been part of our lives. For me, that included having a big brother, which is where Campbell comes from.

But ultimately, these books reflect the push and pull of the relationship my sister and I shared – particularly around the journey to discover who we were independent of each other.

Did you and your twin ever have experiences like Abi and Brook in The Break Up?

My sister and I were split up in Year Three at school. I remember being devastated, which is the emotion I harnessed when coming up with the story of The Break Up. So, while Abi and Brook are a little older, the feelings around being physically separated from my sister all day, every day, are very real and how we individually dealt with it. It was a hugely challenging experience for both of us and led to plenty of conflict, just as it does for Abi and Brook. But ultimately, I know it was the right thing and looking back I’m grateful for the choices my parents and teachers made. 

Why was it important to explore identity as a theme in these books? 

Everyone experiences change and almost always, that change revolves around identity. We find ourselves questioning who we are, who other people think we are, how we fit in, and we become confused when what we thought we know about ourselves is suddenly different.

As twins are so often lumped together, it’s easy to lose your individual identity. That’s why the framework of twins is such a good one to explore the impact of changes within yourself, and how it can ripple out to the people around you.

Young people are under so much pressure to ‘know’ who they are. I hope these stories remind them that who they are is going to change day after day and that’s okay. They just need to try and do the best they can. It will always be enough.

What do you hope readers learn about twins through Abi and Brook? 

There are lots of clichés in stories about twins and people have ideas of what being a twin is like. I hope that these stories provide an authentic insight into all facets of growing up as an identical twin. I also hope readers get a better insight into what it’s like for the friends and family of twins – because there is no doubt, twins can be quirky bunch, and I know it isn’t always easy.

Did you and your sister ever try to swap places like the twins do in The Big Switch?

I would like to say no, but . . . yes (just don’t show this to my Year Five teacher!).

We decided to try and swap places just for a few hours of class time in Year Five, but our teachers knew immediately. Luckily for us, they laughed and sent us both back to our proper class.

As someone who always follows the rules, I remember being absolutely devastated that I’d been silly enough to try. I think my own guilt was punishment enough (along with the extra chores).

Which twin are you most like – Abi or Brook? 

I would say the more obvious things, such as being good at public speaking and debating, my aversion to stretching or breaking rules, what happens to her at dancing and my devastation around being split from my sister in Year Three would make me lean towards being more like Abi. There is plenty of me in Brook too though.

What was your favourite scene to write across the two books? 

I adore endings and so, if I have to choose only one, I would say it is the final scene and diary entries at the end of The Big Switch. There are references to previous conversations that make me giggle every time I read them. They reflect how Brook and Abi are embracing the things that make them unique, but also how strong their twin bond is as a result.

And as a bonus here – I think I love every scene that has their big brother Campbell in it. He always makes me laugh!

Did writing these books bring back any childhood memories? 

These books brought to the surface more memories than I can count. I realised how lucky my sister and I were to have the childhood we did full of friendship and outdoor adventures. What I didn’t expect, was how many emotions writing these stories brought to the surface – in particular, the harder feelings when our twin tingle broke.

What's the biggest misconception people have about twins? 

I think the biggest misconception is that twins are the same on the inside even though we look similar on the outside. This leads to being clumped together and often, means people don’t get to know us as individuals. When everyone around you sees you as one person – it can be very hard to work out who you are apart.

I also think there is a misconception that we can read each other’s minds or have some sort of mystical connection. Instead, I like to describe being a twin as having empathy supersized to the point that you can’t ignore or not ‘feel’ what the other person is feeling.

How has your experience as a journalist shaped your writing for children? 

Being a journalist made me appreciate how important sharing knowledge is, as well as encouraging people to share their stories. The most powerful experiences I had as a journalist were meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

I lean into facts and real experiences in my stories, in the hope that children will feel seen and safe, and perhaps even find the courage to share stories of their own.

What do you hope readers who aren't twins take away from the series? 

I hope all my readers get an insight into what that the twin experience is like but also realise that twins are still individuals with their own personality, thoughts and dreams.

It was important to me when writing this series to also put a spotlight on the amazing group of friends that surround Abi and Brook. There’s Chari, Frankie, Zahra, Sienna Ben, Noah, Phoenix – and so many more. I hope everyone finds someone in the gang they can relate to and enjoy learning more about.

What has your twin sister thought of the books? 

My sister Rachel told me she cried (in a good way) when reading the books. She loves them and as an educator, is also passionate about sharing stories.

It was fascinating to hear her interpretation of the events that more closely resembled our real lives and how much they differed from mine. It made me realise how much our memories still shape our perspective of the past.

Will readers see more adventures from Abi and Brook? 

I certainly hope so! Abi, Brook and all their friends have plenty of mayhem and mischief to get up to in Cherry Lake. . . so watch this space.

If readers could remember just one thing about It's a Twin Thing, what would you want it to be?

I would love my readers to remember that while embracing change takes courage – it is also exceptionally cool! You never know where you’re going to end up if you follow your heart, be brave and most of all – do what you love!