User:SapiensT/sandbox

Writing
In 2020, Van Ness released a picture book titled "Peanut goes for the Gold". It tells the story of a gender nonbinary guinea pig named Peanut and their adventures as a rhythmic gymnastics prodigy. Peanut is inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood pet. In an interview for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Van Ness discussed how Peanut didn’t have any other rhythmic gymnasts to look up to so they created a space for themselves as a rhythmic gymnast. He also announced Peanut goes for the Gold would be partnering with No Kid Hungry’s fund #savewithstories where he did a virtual reading of Peanut goes for the Gold to support the children affected by the coronavirus pandemic to ensure they have access to meals that would have been provided to them at school. In a LiveSigning interview, Van Ness explained why he wanted to write Peanut goes for the Gold, saying “ I really wanted to do something that would celebrate all those kids that are individual and themselves” and he also discussed the importance of uniqueness and pursuing your passions. In an interview on NPR It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, Van Ness recounts that earlier on in the writing process he was conflicted about whether Peanut-who stumbled at National Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships should learn that it’s participation that counts or should Peanut win. Van ness realized Peanut deserved to be the winner, explaining “And then I was like, no, Peanut's a winner. Like, I got enough participation trophies growing up…”.