Jo Schulte wanted to capture the mystery and humor of "Knives Out" but with a magical twist to it, and hence wrote "The Whisperwood Legacy."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
My love of stories–and thus, the inspiration–spans across genres. For "The Whisperwood Legacy," I wanted to write a book for teens that captured both the mystery and humor of "Knives Out," but had a fun magical twist to it. I’m also a big reader of thrillers, so that suspenseful edge naturally found its way in, especially as the fantastical elements bled in and started hijacking the story.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
Reading Rainbow means engaging with stories that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience. No matter who you are or how you identify, it's about reading with openness, empathy, and intention. It’s not just about seeing yourself on the page — it’s about making space for others, too. Reading Rainbow means proudly seeking out stories across identities, and celebrating them not only for their differences, but for how they reveal our shared humanity.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Have you seen the world? It is colorful and dynamic and messy and beautiful. Authentic storytelling demands wide representation because the world is a tapestry, composed of variety. To write stories that matter — to write stories that feel real — we have to reflect that. Representation isn’t just a box to check; it’s what gives a story its heart. When readers see themselves on the page, it affirms their existence. When they see others, it expands their understanding. Both are essential. Diverse stories make us more empathetic, more curious, and more connected. They remind us that we’re not alone — and that someone else’s truth is worth listening to.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
I had just come off writing a lush, lyrical YA historical fantasy that editors loved — but couldn’t get past their higher-ups. So when I started "The Whisperwood Legacy," I was feeling a certain kind of way. I gave myself full permission to be grossly indulgent. I leaned hard into tropes I love, dynamic characters I would dive head-long into misadventure without hesitation, and a magic system that mirrored the creative process — a beast I’m constantly wrangling. Also: chaos. I threw vibes together that had no business sharing a dinner table (Schitt’s Creek and Pan’s Labyrinth? Oh yeah!) and handed them one big ol’ sundae. One spoon. And honestly? It felt good. (And I don’t think it turned out too shabby either.)
But here’s the thing: the deeper you get into writing a book, the more it starts asking questions back. As I worked on it, I realized I had a genre mash-up on my hands, and that was always going to be tricky — not necessarily from a writing standpoint, but because publishing tends to cringe at things that refuse to fit into neat little boxes. Still, I channeled my inner Elle Woods and picked the dangerous one, because I'm not afraid of a challenge.
Actually — scratch that. That makes me sound too heroic. It was probably more of a cocktail of stubbornness and a tendency to romanticize chaos.
What can fans expect from your book?
If there’s one thing I can’t escape, it’s atmosphere — so get ready to lose yourself in Whisperwood Park. I’ve piled on lush, layered descriptions and given the narrative a strong, unapologetic voice. You’ll get mystery, magic, and a few twists that sneak up on you — and I wrote it the kind of story I’d love to get lost in myself.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I'm the type of writer who enjoys keeping a variety of projects on the go. On the adult side, I have a gothic book club mystery in the works, and on the YA side, I’m working on a project that adds a speculative twist to a classic whodunit we all know and love.
