Grounded in Hope

Aneasa Perez Author Interview

Angelica follows a young girl who discovers she’s gifted by God to enter dreams, battle fear, and bring light to the lost with the help of heavenly allies and unshakable faith. What inspired you to combine dream journeys with Christian symbolism and spiritual armor?

I’ve always been fascinated by dreams—how they can feel so real, symbolic, and even spiritual. As a person of faith, I believe God can speak to us through dreams, especially when we’re young and open-hearted. I wanted to create a story that showed children their fears are not the end of the story, but an invitation to rise in courage. The spiritual armor from Ephesians 6 became the perfect foundation—each piece carries meaning and power, and I wanted kids to see that faith is both imaginative and real. Combining dream journeys with Christian truth allowed me to explore big themes like identity, fear, and calling in a way that feels magical but grounded in hope.

How did you approach writing about fear in a way that would feel both honest and comforting to children?

I’ve worked with many children over the years—some of whom are dealing with very real fears: nightmares, family struggles, feeling different or left out. I didn’t want to minimize those feelings. Instead, I wrote Angelica as a mirror for kids to see their own emotions—especially fear—and realize that even in the middle of fear, they are not alone. Angelica learns that bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s showing up anyway with faith. By giving fear a shape, a voice, and then surrounding Angelica with divine support, I hoped to show kids that fear can be faced and defeated—not through force, but through light, truth, and love.

Todd the squirrel and the Eagle Fort are so unique. How did you come up with these dream-world companions?

Todd the squirrel actually came to me in a moment of prayer—I pictured this fast-talking, witty little creature who balances Angelica’s seriousness with joy and humor. He represents the voice that reminds us to laugh and trust, even in dark places. The Eagle Fort was inspired by Isaiah 40:31—“They will rise on wings like eagles.” I imagined a soaring place of refuge where warriors gather and children are trained in truth. I wanted every companion and setting in Angelica’s world to reflect part of God’s nature—His protection, joy, wisdom, and strength—while still being imaginative and memorable for young readers.

When and where will this book be available?

Angelica: Enter into the Dream will be available in the month of August 2025, in both print and digital formats through Amazon and select bookstores.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook

Posted on June 29, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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