.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Trick or Treat with Daka Hermon + Treat Inside!
Greetings, readers, writers, and spooky game lovers! We’re back with Day 2 of #SeasonsOfKidLit’s Trick-or-Treat event, and today we’re serving up a spine-tingling MG that’s perfect for spooky season!
The incredibly talented and multi-published author Daka Hermon is joining us to share her book, Level Up.
Keenan is a track star, but he’s never been on a run like this. After fleeing his abusive father with his mother and moving to her hometown, Keenan discovers something sinister lurking beneath the surface. When every kid in town falls under the hypnosis of a mysterious phone app, Keenan is the only one left unaffected. Now, he’ll have to stop running and uncover who’s behind the game—before the monsters win. 👀
Want to know more about Daka and Level Up, PLUS want to find out what treat she’s handing out today? Read on, if you dare... 📱👻
Q: Hi Daka, thanks for joining SeasonsOfKidLit.com! We’re thrilled to feature you and hear all about you and your book, perfect for spooky season! What inspired your story, and can you share a little about your path to publication?
A: Level Up is the third book in a loosely connected series. It is inspired by my love of video games and how consuming they can become. I wondered about the dark side of becoming so obsessed with a particular game and what if there was a monster who used the game for nefarious purposes.
My path to publication was filled with lots of starts and stops. I worked on my first novel, Hide and Seeker, on and off, for over 10 years. The story and characters kept speaking to me so I decided I had to complete the story no matter what happened. Once the novel was completed I entered a Twitter contest which led to me finding an agent, then I attended a SCBWI (Society of Children Book Writer’s and Illustratrors) conference where I met an editor from Scholastic. After some revising he acquired the book and requested two more–Nightmare King and Level Up! Writing every book has its own challenges, but I have to say holding my novel, seeing it in bookstores and connecting with readers makes it all worth it.
Keenan is used to running. He loves it. He is good at it. He is a track star, after all. Now he and his mother are escaping his father, trying to start a new life in Tennessee.
But he has never been on the run like this before. This new town has monsters of its own. The students in his school seem to be under some sort of trance, and Keenan is the only one who isn’t affected. Which means he is the only one who can do anything about it.
It’s time for Keenan to stop running and face his fears.
Q: What is it like writing spookier books for kids? How do you make sure not to overwhelm them with too much and keep the horror just right?
Surprisingly, I didn’t set out to write a spooky book. I’m a big scaredy cat. I thought I was writing an action adventure, but the novels somehow became scary. I tend to tap into everything I’m scared of and make sure it’s appropriate for my audience. I don’t want my novels to be too scary for the readers so I try to introduce funny and light moments to break the tension.
That is fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
Q: What was your journey to becoming a kidlit author like? What tips would you like to share with others on the same journey?
A: My journey is really a lesson of perseverance and focus, especially during seasons of rejection, writer’s block and doubt. I would definitely say give yourself grace and write the stories you’d like to read and what brings you joy. Don’t compare yourself to others, as difficult as that may be. We all have our own process and journey. And listen to your characters when they speak to you. Most times they always know more than I do, especially about the true meaning of the book. :-)
We love that. It's so true and REAL!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a kidlit creator?
A: The most rewarding part of being a kidlit creator is meeting and talking with my readers. I love discussing my books and sharing my writing journey.
Q: Would your character, Keenan, rather hand out tricks or treats to Halloween visitors and why?
A: He would definitely want to hand out treats. He loves sweets and would want to share them with everyone and may steal a few for himself.
Q: What is your favorite Halloween candy that you’d love to see in your goodie bag, and what candy would you immediately swap (or toss)?
A: I LOVE dark chocolate Kit Kat. And I always want caramel apple candy in my goodie bag. I will immediately swap any sour candy or anything with coconut.
Q: Would you like to offer a Trick or a Treat to our readers?
A: A TREAT! I'd love to send a signed copy of one of my novels with swag. Winner’s choice on the novel!
A huge FANGS for such an amazing treat! And thanks again for joining us. We loved getting to know you and hearing all about your work.
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Daka's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by, and 2) share her post on social media. Video Game & Hallowen-themed GIFs are welcomed, too!
Please note: Daka's giveaway will be shipped within the U.S. only.
*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:
One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie and Author Heather Macht and/or
Books from Heather's Treat Bag (see below)!
Winners will be drawn and announced on 10/18. Head back to the blog then for the official announcement!
About Daka Hermon:
Daka Hermon is the author of the award-winning middle grade horror novel Hide and Seeker, Nightmare King and Level Up. Additionally, she is the author of two National Geographic Readers titled Marvel’s Spider-Man Bugs Out! and Marvel’s Storm: Disaster Alert! She is also a staff writer for the Marvel/Disney Junior animated series Spidey and His Amazing Friends. She loves chocolate and sweet tea and considers herself a Connect Four connoisseur.
For more about Daka, check out the below links:
IG: @dakahermon
X: @dakadh
Website: dakahermon.com
REMINDER: The 2026 SOKL Book Awards Contest is LIVE! For more, visit: 2026 Book Awards | SeasonsOfKidlit
Congratulatons. Can't wait to read.
Fans of suspense are going to love your books! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on all your books. Your perserverence and focus have certainly paid off. Thanks for sharing!
It's fascinating to me that you wrote "spooky" stories when you don't really like spooky things. The premise of these books look very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your journey to publication and the great advice!