Fear, Family, and Finding Heroism in “Thicker Than Water: Saga of Pumpkin Masher”
In Thicker Than Water: Saga of Pumpkin Masher, author Robert Shields reimagines heroism through the eyes of a young boy forced to confront fear, loss, and destiny. The story begins with a monster’s scream — but instead of a call to terror, it becomes a call to action. Shields’ tale blends elements of horror, mythology, and family legacy into a deeply personal coming-of-age journey where darkness doesn’t just threaten — it reveals.
In this exclusive BookBaby Reads interview, Shields opens up about the childhood memories and mythic influences that shaped his story, from the playground fights that inspired Tommy’s courage to the ancient heroes — Thor, Cuchulain, and Jesus — who helped forge the moral core of Pumpkin Masher. He also shares how his years teaching abroad gave him new insight into fear, bravery, and the choices that define us.
Below, Shields reflects on the monsters we face — both real and imagined — and how they can destroy us or awaken the hero within.
This story begins with the idea that a “monster’s scream” can awaken a hero. What does heroism mean to you in the context of this book?
In the context of this book, heroism means taking action and forcing a family’s destiny or karma to change its direction towards liberty.
Tommy is thrust into responsibility at a young age. What drew you to a coming-of-age hero, and how did you shape his emotional journey?
As we grow up in this world, we are often told what to do by our parents and to accept their wisdom as gold. However, when children are alone it is up to them to make the choices standing before them in times of uneasiness. Parents are not with their children when attending school and that is where mayhem may exist. I once had a fight in 5th grade with a boy, and I think the fight was pretty intense. I remember sitting in my classroom after that, looking at the entrance of the classroom, and seeing that boy’s older brother staring me down and intimating me to fight him next. I was paralyzed. Nothing became of that showdown but in such cases, children need to make adult decisions. Tommy was forced to deal with the loss of his pet and then being antagonized by creatures standing before him regarding his loved ones. Tommy was forced to decide at that moment and in the end a decision was made and accountability resolved.
Family obligation and legacy are central themes. Did your own life experiences influence how you approached this aspect of the story?
We honor our parents, grandparents and other kin. Showing respect for them creates who we are and how we treat others. Tommy had 3 adult figures to look up towards, and he cared deeply about them all. In some respects, Tommy is showing the world my thoughts as a child.
Your book blends friendship, horror, and courage. How do you balance darker elements with moments of hope or connection?
Darkness creates a path towards who we are as individuals. It allows us to show the world which side we choose. It is clear and obvious. Darkness allows us to be seen!
What inspired the concept behind the “Pumpkin Masher,” and how did the idea evolve as you wrote?
Pumpkin Masher is a creation- of my being- my soul- as a child. My heroes were and still are Thor; Cuchulain and Jesus. These 3 “individuals” could actually be the same person -only seen from different angles or from different places on Earth. They all fight for the poor and for righteousness. Cuchulain wielded a sword and my last name is Shields making the connection whole; Thor and Jesus both possessed a hammer as their talisman. Being a carpenter, Jesus used his hammer for building relations and Thor’s hammer was for wielding justice. Tommy used his hammer for both: bringing justice to the demon and for uniting his family and friends.
Which character surprised you the most, or changed the most, during the writing process?
This would be Tommy because even though he struggled throughout the book, the final conversation he had with Grandma was acknowledgement of the fact that he knew what he had to do and who it helped. Tommy’s telling Grandma “You’re welcome”, the final words of the story, surprised me as well because it was something that I did not plan! I was happy and cheered when I thought of that fact.
You’ve lived and taught all over the world, from Asia to the American Southwest. Did those experiences shape your perspective on fear, bravery, or storytelling?
Possibly. I remember having terrible culture shock when I moved to California when I was 16. I was scared but I got up every day and kept my mouth shut. I remember getting on the plane to China for a years’ stay and asking myself if I knew what I was about to do. I remember telling myself while preparing for take-off, “well, it’s too late now!” I learned that fear is a good thing to have but confidence and will will shake that fear away.
Beyond entertainment, what do you hope young readers—or adult readers—take away from Tommy’s journey?
I hope they understand the obligations we all must face while growing up. It’s just important to the things we don’t want to do as the things we want to do.
The story suggests that monsters can both destroy and awaken. Do you see the ‘monster’ as literal, symbolic, or a mix of both?
The monster is the unknown and the fear we create inside of us. Once that monster has a name the unknown is erased and the reality of who our foes are are revealed.
Is this world one you plan to revisit? Can fans expect more stories in the Saga of Pumpkin Masher universe?
Yes, I have 4 stories lined up in my head by following each of the boys that visited Tommy in his fevered-pitched dream. The back cover of “Thicker Than Water” reveals a portion of the next book. It introduces the angel hunting that demon causing all the trouble. I hope the world will allow me to visit the Pumpkin Masher universe once again. I will need their motivation. This book was emotionally draining and it took so much effort to write. I wrote this book using a vision/description method. I saw what had to be written. It was as if angels were showing me what to write! This book to around 20 years to come into fruition.
The next 4 are already written…visions in my head!
Thicker Than Water: Saga of Pumpkin Masher is more than a dark fantasy—it’s a meditation on courage, family, and the unseen forces that shape who we become. Through Tommy’s journey, Robert Shields reminds readers that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to face it anyway.
You can explore the world of Pumpkin Masher and discover what it means to awaken the hero within by picking up your copy today.