Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery follows a ten-year-old boy with a school project on family who tries to uncover the mystery of his father’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My son’s best friend growing up was a bright, personable, articulate boy living with his single mom. He was aware of his story of origin but had never met the man involved with his conception. I was told that when he once gave a talk about his birth history, another child in the audience made a negative comment. He pivoted quickly, saying, “If this way of being born didn’t exist, I wouldn’t exist.” We were so proud of him!

Ben learns a valuable lesson in his search for information about his father, including the diversity of families and how they are all valuable. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?

Like Ben’s mom, I am a psychiatrist. During my career, I’ve worked with many people in all kinds of family and personal situations that have highlighted the concept of diversity. An important lesson is that not all aspects of diversity are obvious. Also, that it may take someone a long time to feel comfortable sharing their story. And if you find you are not clearly understanding the details, but they are willing to share, you need to find a gentle and respectful way to ask questions.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Much less important than a family’s structure, is the feeling that runs through it. And by that feeling, I am talking about love. The love a child receives in their family of origin, their foster, or adoptive family, is essential to a healthy and happy life. From an early age, children should be guided to recognize that not all families are alike, recognizing this as a matter-of-fact aspect of diversity. And not least, children are entitled to know the story of their own birth history.

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

I am deep in the revisions of a next adventure for Ben & Blue! Will keep you posted!

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