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This” Twisted Tales” Author Q&A Really Goes the Distance

“Go The Distance” is the newest book in Disney Publishing WorldWide’s bestselling Twisted Tales series. This new story focuses in on Meg and if there is a way for her and Hercules to be together even though she is human.

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Audiences have never forgotten Megara (better known as Meg)—the hilarious maverick in Disney’s Hercules who, after some captivating trials and tribulations, discovers true love with her “wonder boy” and restored god Herc. By the end of that 1997 animated hit, all seemed right with the world… that is, until Hercules’ father, Zeus, makes a surprising confession to Meg: She can’t actually be with Hercules because she’s mortal. Obviously, this is devastating news—but what if Herc’s mother, Hera, has a solution? Is Meg worthy of her own spot on Mt. Olympus?

Go the Distance—on sale Tuesday, April 6—looks deeper than ever before into the story of Hercules’ fan-favorite heroine.

Author Calonita recently took time with D23 to answer some questions. Take a look and then make sure to get your copy on April 6th.

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D23: The concept of this Twisted Tale is: What if Meg had to become a Greek god? Can you tell us more about what readers can expect?
Jen Calonita:
Drama! The Greek gods are full of mystery and they love their quests. Meg is going to go on a doozy of a quest for them that will require her to face an ex-love and one or two people she hoped to never cross paths with again. I had so much fun with this Twisted Tale. I dove into Greek mythology and wove a tale for Meg that I hope readers will really enjoy.

D23: We get to meet Meg’s ex-boyfriend in this reimagined tale… the ex that Meg saved by selling her soul to Hades. Can you tell us a little bit about him?
Calonita: Aaah… the ex! Well, I can’t say too much about him, but I can tell you he broke Meg’s heart in a million pieces. Even though she’s happily with “Wonder Boy,” having to face her ex again and have a hard conversation is not going to be pleasant. But if anyone can handle it, it’s Meg.

Q: What is your favorite thing about getting to reimagine these beloved stories in the Twisted Tales series?
Calonita: I love pulling back the curtain on characters and moments the movies touched on and having the chance to really explore their stories further. With Meg, it was fun to pick up at the end of the movie and see what comes next.

D23: What kind of challenges will Meg face in this story? Will we get to see a lot of the villainous (and hilarious) Hades?
Calonita: I can’t imagine a story set in this world and us not getting the chance to see Hades! He truly is such a fun villain to bring to life on the page. He’s got his own demons (so to speak) to deal with this time and it’s always fun to see him tango with Meg. She truly has his number.

D23: Who was your favorite character to write in this novel?
Calonita:
They’re all so much fun, but I’d have to say Phil! I just kept running lines in my head in Danny DeVito’s voice and that always helped me figure out if I was on the right track.

Source: D23

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.