THIMBLE DOWN is a classic fantasy adventure, in the tradition of The Hobbit, Watership Down, or Redwall. It takes place in the village of Thimble Down, a beautiful hamlet of burrows and houses.

Like the Shire, or the riverbank in Wind In the Willows, or Redwall Abbey, it’s a “place” that draws the reader in and makes them want to visit as often as possible.

What kind of fantasy adventure are we talking about here?
This is classic fantasy, mixed with ample amounts of swashbuckling adventure and mystery. It’s perfect escapism for a summer’s afternoon or a winter’s eve.

I wrote it for teens ‘n’ tweens, aged 10-18, and certainly, they love it. But I’m surprised how many adults love THIMBLE DOWN. Teachers and librarians have raved about the language and how the book can help their students’ vocabulary, while readers who grew up reading THE HOBBIT are thrilled by the familiar threads and how it gives them that tinge of nostalgia.

We love The Hobbit.
There are a similarities between Tolkien’s hobbits and THIMBLE DOWN‘s halflings, but also many, many differences. But if you loved the feeling of being in the Shire and Hobbiton, you’ll want to visit Thimble Down, pop into a tavern, and have a freshly brewed ale or a tankard of apple cider. But you’ll have to keep your eye out for danger, too–it’s all around!

That’s set it up nicely. Tell us more.
The action in THIMBLE DOWN revolves around the village bookmaster, who is the equivalent of a modern librarian. His name is Dorro Fox Winderiver, but he’s known throughout the village as Mr. Dorro and he’s quite a character. He’s rather eccentric and means well, but is occasionally a little blustery and full of himself. Fortunately, he has good friends who tease him and keep him down to earth, among them Sheriff Forgo and his young companions, Wyll Underfoot and Cheeryup Tunbridge.

Together, these four have quite a few dangerous escapades in THIMBLE DOWN and together, solve a mystery that looms over the entire village.

The Hobbit was the start of a massive series; should we expect more Dorro novels?
The second Thimble Down book is complete and will be published in the first half of 2014. Book Three is almost done, too, and there are quite a few more in the pipeline. Hopefully, you will be reading Thimble Down books for years.

Have you got all the stories mapped out in your head?
Honestly, when I sit with my laptop and write, all the characters are saying their lines in my head. I’m typing as fast as I can to capture what they say and their unique dialects. It’s like a big theatrical production and getting bigger and more fun as we get more into the characters and the world of Thimble Down.

We cannot wait. Have you written anything else?
I have also written quite a few books about the guitar, for you musically inclined folks. I particularly recommend one called “Legends of Rock Guitar.”

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a veteran journalist who has written extensively about everything from music to horticulture to art. I’m particularly well known in the guitar world and have written several books and hundreds of articles on the subject. I’m also a guitarist and have released several CDs of progressive rock, surf, and World music.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
www.peteprown.com.

How can we follow you on Twitter and/or Facebook?
On Facebook, you can contact me at: Pete Prown – Author

What’s next?
There are many more Thimble Down books to write, which is great fun for me. The “Chronicles of Dorro” will go on for quite awhile, with many twists and turns. I’m also introducing new characters along the way and we also explore other villages and parts of the Halfling Kingdom.