New York, NY – Emmy Award-winning comedian and actress Kate McKinnon has added a new title to her list of accomplishments: novelist. McKinnon’s debut book, “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette For Young Ladies of Mad Science,” hit shelves recently, offering readers a middle-grade mystery filled with quirky characters, creatures, and contraptions. This venture into writing stems from McKinnon’s desire to connect with young audiences who may feel different or out of place, much like she did growing up.
McKinnon, known for her memorable characters and impressions on SNL, openly admits to being a “weird” kid, recalling how she wore unconventional outfits to school to boost her confidence and sense of self. Despite feeling like an outcast at times, McKinnon found solace in forming unique friendships, such as starting a club dedicated to exploring the correlation between flower color and nectar sweetness. Drawing inspiration from authors like Roald Dahl, McKinnon’s novel reflects her love for captivating villains and unconventional storytelling.
The novel, the first installment in a series, follows the adventures of the Porch sisters in the fictional town of Antiquarium in 1911. The sisters, with their eccentric passions and disregard for etiquette, find themselves at odds with the town’s norms and are met with ridicule from their peers. Enter Millicent Quibb, a quirky mad scientist who enlists the sisters to help save the town from hidden dangers. McKinnon’s vivid descriptions of characters like Quibb and the Porch sisters bring the story to life, showcasing her creativity and humor.
McKinnon’s journey from sketch comedy to middle-grade literature spanned over a decade, with the idea for “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette” taking root before her tenure on SNL. Through her writing, McKinnon aims to empower readers, especially those who feel like misfits, by highlighting the strength and uniqueness in their own weirdness. This message of embracing individuality as a superpower resonates throughout the novel, offering a fresh perspective on self-acceptance and finding one’s place in the world.