Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero follows a young girl struggling with Tourette syndrome who discovers the strength of kindness and self-confidence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My granddaughter was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when she was eight years old. At that time, her tics began interfering with school, both academically and socially. It was hard enough for her to read and focus with eye tics, but her peers became critical, too. They judged her as “different,” although that’s not the word some used to describe her. Naturally the bullying only made her tics worse. Everything got hard, and she stopped doing all the things she loved–except engaging in pretend play. She acted out her make-believe stories with me for hours! Stories that shined with heroines, magical powers, and exciting adventures. That’s when we had an idea. What if we wrote a children’s story together about one of her make-believe heroines? She could even be a girl with Tourette syndrome! We wanted to create a story that all kids could relate to. Our goal was to educate, entertain, and inspire. Two years later ELIZA JANE FINDS HER HERO was published.

Eliza struggles with Tourette syndrome, finding her self-confidence. What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story?

Eliza Jane is accustomed to hiding her true self from others for fear of ridicule, shame, and embarrassment. She avoids being in the spotlight or around too many people and groups where her symptoms grow worse. She’s learned to “disappear” and hide from others. Eliza Jane simply finds it easier to be “invisible.” At least she has her companion dog and horse who understand her medical condition–they accept her symptoms and behaviors unconditionally. But when she is faced with a choice to help a friend, Eliza Jane is inspired by a deep sense of empathy and new awareness about what is right and wrong. She transforms into someone she only imagined she could be. Eliza Jane discovers her courage and risks everything for a new friend. She embraces the freedom and joy that can only come from being her true self.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Valuing all our differences is an important theme along with the idea that it is our unique abilities, not disabilities that make every person special. Kindness, acceptance, and understanding are all necessary in developing friendships. A sense of peace and joy in becoming our true selves is another theme that concludes our story.

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

Another Eliza Jane story is in the brainstorming stages now! We had so many ideas and adventures for her that we hope to use those in future books. Stay tuned!

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