Kate McKinnon, the former “Saturday Night Live” star, has taken a unique approach by writing her first book for middle-grade kids. In a recent Zoom interview, she explained her decision, stating that she sees a connection between sketch comedy and middle school, both having an unabashed silliness that she enjoys.
Her book, titled “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,” follows the adventures of the Porch sisters who feel out of place in their snooty town. When they are kicked out of school, they find a mentor in the eccentric scientist, Millicent Quibb, leading to a series of hilarious escapades.
McKinnon shared that she wrote most of the book from her bed during a year-long break, and she plans for it to be the first in a series. The themes of identity and embracing uniqueness are prevalent in the story, echoing McKinnon’s own journey of celebrating her quirks and connecting with fellow weirdos.
Transitioning from the fast-paced world of “SNL” to full-time writing, McKinnon found the creative process to be a form of performing, akin to improvisation. She drew inspiration from her own upbringing, where her parents and teachers nurtured her peculiar interests and talents, much like the characters in her book.
Narrating the audiobook was a labor-intensive yet enjoyable experience for McKinnon, as she crafted unique voices for each character. Looking ahead, she is thrilled to embark on a cross-country book tour to meet her readers and share her message of embracing individuality.
McKinnon’s debut book is a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing the weird and wonderful, and finding mentors who encourage us to be our authentic selves.
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