“Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart” follows a misunderstood dog and an incarcerated man who cross paths and discover a chance at redemption and the transformative power of connection. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?”

The awareness of several circumstances caused the writing of this book. As I learned of our rescue dog’s history with “Pups on Parole,” it just so happened that one of my dearest friends had also been a doctor in the same prison system for 30 years. When asked what she believed was the percent of prisoners she worked with (thousands) that could not be “reached” or helped, she said 5%. It made me realize the immense number of prisoners who, like Gabbi, felt trapped in a label. At the same time, I became aware of stories of foster children, abused children, one of whom (9 years old) tried to hang herself with her jump rope…who also wondered…why am I back in this situation? Am I “bad?” The collective stories of how words and labels can destroy a life were the setup for the story.

The theme of looking beyond societal labels is strong in the book. Can you share a personal experience that influenced your perspective in this matter?

As a teenager I volunteered to work with Cuban refugee children coming into the United States without their parents. I heard their heartbreaking stories and felt their sadness. At my high school I overheard comments of several students calling them derogatory names. I felt that if people could only “know” an individual and the stories behind each person, they would not be so quick to ridicule, shame, or label them.

Joan Zander Millard’s illustrations are fantastic. How did the collaboration process work between the two of you?

Joan lives in Wisconsin and I in Nevada…but our collaboration was close and personal. From day one, we were a team. We discussed many times how her pictures told the story just as much if not more than my words.They were what the kids would look at and remember. She has an amazing way of feeling the words and creating the picture she felt while reading. We wanted to make sure the “eyes” sent an important message, …given the title of the book. Numerous times she would, on her own, redraw the picture as she felt adjustments would tell the story with more impact. She is an amazing, sensitive artist and I am eternally grateful to have worked with her and hope to continue doing so in the future.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

There are two ideas I am working on. One is a continuation of Gabbi’s story as she finds herself in a “forever” home… how we feel doesnt change overnight – it changes when we finally believe in ourselves. It takes continuous love and reinforcement. The second story is relevant to being in Nevada, where we have hundreds of wild mustangs not having a chance to live their full potential. Learning of the amazing healing power of horse therapy for adults and children alike, my intention is to write about the value of every living being…through the eyes of animals and nature with parallel themes as in Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart. I hope to have them ready by the end of 2024.

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