AI: Opening follows a young man and his friends as they navigate their final semesters at Credence University, a fictional and somewhat surreal Christian college located on the mysterious island of Ai. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This novel is based on the author’s non-fiction, unpublished work, which weaves five children’s stories together. Unfortunately, they weren’t The Little Engine That Could and The Cat in the Hat. They are histories of real children in towns we know, who experienced things unbelievable, with implications that can be paralyzing. Only a few could read it.

But their stories deserve hearing and need to be told. How? Truth in fiction. Everyone knows what a Good Samaritan is and what to do when a stranger needs help, even if they’ve never read the original story. That parable was fabrication, told by a master storyteller, but created from whole cloth.* Truth is where it is found, fiction or not.

Going to an imaginary island requires, well, using one’s imagination. It gives you, the reader, the distance necessary to choose to look at things that might have gone unnoticed in your city or village. And if the need to close the crack in Mt. Ai is pressing, shut the book for a short time. The island and its story are there, waiting patiently for your return.

You flawlessly blend Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, and Mystery in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this. How did you go about blending them without disrupting the story?

The author read dozens of people’s life stories, and then miraculous strangers started walking into life and saying, “Oh, that’s so similar to my childhood. Let me begin–,” the author listening, all ears, with heart wide open. And other friends shared life experiences with him, some that were pretty intense, and others that were incredibly funny, and the only thing he did was to honestly, with the greatest integrity, fictionalize what they told. As for the psychological drama and mystery, that is what the author deals with on an hourly basis. Might as well be honest about those discoveries as well, right? And now you can read the author like a book. Ha!

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

Children. Especially hurting children, and encouraging all those farther down the path of life to do something in their power to bring safety and love to them. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t be surprised if these children are sometimes disguised, maybe walking around in a seventy-year-old body. But all need the exact same safety and love. You innately love. Develop that gift. Use it.

The Book.

A mystery that begs to be solved.

Wordplay. Gotta have fun!

Easter Eggs for the reader. They’re there. There, there. And everywhere.

Call to action. The author acknowledges that he cannot change the world. But he sure as shootin’ can change his world. He has chosen to think, to write, to share with the world, and this novel will create opportunity to teach and speak. This is his chosen path. However, his main focus in life right now is to encourage and help his amazing wife who teaches elementary school. There are about eight hundred students in her school. You know what that means. If not, read it! And then, change your world.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

First things first. Thank you, fans! Each and every one of you are amazing in your own right, and together, a force for good to be reckoned with.

Yesterday, chapter seventeen of the sequel was brought into this world, so yes, another novel is being birthed. The research is done. All of the characters return, and I Will I am is introduced. Dean takes a much more prominent role. And what he discovers–, this author is still shaking his head in amazement at what he uncovered, and can’t wait to finish reading the book himself. The editing rounds will take a while, but expect it in stores the 5th of November, 2025. Remember, remember? The 5th of November?

*Got it? Whole cloth? Fabric-ation?

Author Links: Website

Join Walt Walls as he navigates the hidden battles and secrets of the Island of Ai. Decode encrypted messages, uncover hidden truths, and experience an exhilarating adventure unlike any other.