Disney Author Visits Library To Share Newest Tale

New York Times bestselling author Farrah Rochon delighted a gathering of Disney and mythology enthusiasts at the Severna Park Library on February 4, sharing her latest title, “Bemused,” the untold origin story of the five muses from Disney’s “Hercules” movie.

Rochon expects readers of all ages to love the book, which adds new elements to a Disney classic and features fresh twists on mythology. The event was sponsored by Park Books.

Growing up in New Orleans, Rochon said she began making up stories as soon as she could talk. “I was a very good liar!” she admitted when recalling the creative stories she used on her family. “I always wanted to make a situation more interesting, and I just never stopped!”

“Bemused” is the latest novel in an 18-year career that has taken her from the romance genre to young adult. Released January 7 by Disney Press, “Bemused” is a combination of Rochon’s favorite things — Disney and mythology.

“Disney is my personality,” said the author, a self-proclaimed lover of all things Disney and theater. “Never did I imagine writing for Disney Press, which is different than other publishers. Disney Press comes to authors; authors don’t go to Disney. It’s an absolute honor and joy to be able to write for ‘Mickey Mouse!’”

Library visitors were captivated by Rochon’s behind-the-scenes details of writing for Disney, how “Bemused” was developed, and how the muses came to life. In “Hercules,” the story is narrated by the muses. For “Bemused,” the muses take center stage in a mythical adventure.

The five muses are sisters — Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore and Thalia — who learn a shocking secret about themselves after their mother, Mnemosyne, is kidnapped. Working together to find her, they learn more about their family, and most importantly, themselves. Their adventure takes many twists and turns, including running into the powerful god of the underworld, Hades.

Rochon said one difference between writing romance and young adult novels for Disney is character development. She creates the characters in a romance novel; no one knows them better than she does. “Bemused” is set before Hercules is even born. The book is about sisters, all with strong personalities, who learn who they are and about the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

“Everyone knows the Disney characters, so I am not making them up,” Rochon said. “That can be intimidating because people already love these characters; they have expectations on how these characters should behave and how their stories should play out.”

Rochon insisted that she isn’t limited in what she adds to a character’s storyline, though Disney must approve the story. “I will always push creativity as far as I can before someone tells me no,” she said.

“Bemused” is available at Park Books in Severna Park, at all major booksellers, and online.