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The Secret of Spirit Lake follows a 14-year-old who has her life uprooted and finds herself experiencing haunting events in her family’s new Victorian lake home. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone else, and I actually thought it would be great to move somewhere new where no one knew me. So I decided to write a book exploring the journey of a teenage girl who does just that. The house where I grew up was over 200 years old, and several family members claimed it was haunted, although I never saw or heard anything, and I am actually pretty skeptical when it comes to ghosts. But I find the possibility intriguing enough that it found its way into my story. Also, I moved to a lake in Virginia when I retired, and I wanted to write a story set at a lake.
What is it that draws you to write books for teens and young adult readers?
For the past eight years, I have been volunteering for an organization called Childhelp, which serves children who have been abused and/or neglected. Over that period, I have run several book clubs with some of the older girls, aged 11-14. Having read many young adult books with them, I gained some insight into what types of plots and characters appeal to them. I also have three grown daughters, and I remember the types of books they liked to read as teenagers. I have always wanted to write, and teenagers, especially girls, seemed like a natural target audience for me.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I was interested in how both Amy and Penny face the different challenges that life throws at them, and how they mature as a result. How teenagers deal with hardship. The importance of friends and relationships, even with a ghost.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I am not planning to write a sequel to The Secret of Spirit Lake, because I am not sure where I could go with it. But I am working on a book tentatively titled Glo-kids, which is about teenagers who discover that they are half-alien. They can transform into energy, and they need to fight an evil energy being. It is currently in the editing process, and I am now thinking about a sequel. Writing young adult novels is fun!
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Set against the backdrop of a picturesque North Carolina lake, The Secret of Spirit Lake weaves the tales of Amy and Penny, two young girls separated by time yet connected by fate. In 2023, Amy moves into the old Victorian house with her family, feeling lost and resentful of her new life. The transition is daunting, especially with her parents uprooting her from her childhood home and friends. As she grapples with her feelings of isolation, Amy discovers the tower bedroom, where whispers of the past linger.
Eighty-five years earlier, Penny faces her own challenges as a young nanny after losing her parents in a devastating fire. Orphaned and placed with distant relatives, she suspects their intentions are less than noble. Struggling to protect the children in her care, Penny’s resilience shines through as she navigates her new reality.
The connection between Amy and Penny deepens when they encounter Sally, the ghostly nanny who haunts the tower. Sally’s tragic story unfolds, revealing dark secrets and a shared history of loss. As Amy and her friends delve into the mystery surrounding Sally’s past, they uncover the truth about Penny’s fate and the injustices she faced.
Through courage and friendship, both girls embark on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding strength in their shared experiences. The Secret of Spirit Lake is a haunting tale of resilience, love, and the bonds that transcend time.
The Secret of Spirit Lake
In The Secret of Spirit Lake, a young adult mystery with a gentle paranormal twist, we follow fourteen-year-old Amy, yanked away from her old life and dropped into a big yellow Victorian on a quiet Virginia lake. She ends up in the tower bedroom, where strange things start happening that point to a girl named Sally who used to live there. The story moves back and forth between Amy’s present-day summer of swim practices, new friends, and family tension, and the late 1930s life of a farm girl named Penny whose path slowly, uneasily, begins to overlap with the lake and the house Amy now calls home. The mystery sits in the space between those timelines, asking what really happened at Spirit Lake and what it means for the people still living there.
I really liked how the book uses that alternating structure. At first I was more invested in Amy, mostly because her voice feels so familiar: grumpy about her parents, irritated by younger siblings, convinced no one understands her, then slowly softening as she gets pulled into swim team life and real friendship. But Penny’s chapters crept up on me. Her world is harder and narrower, full of chores and exhaustion, and then that terrible fire that takes her parents hits with real emotional weight. The mystery works because those two stories start to rhyme. Amy is lonely and displaced; Penny is lonely and trapped. Sally is caught between them as a literal ghost, but also as this symbol of what happens when adults fail kids. The writing itself is clean and straightforward, the kind of YA prose that trusts younger readers to keep up while still feeling approachable. Short chapters keep things moving, and the ghost scenes are eerie without ever turning into nightmare fuel. There is a soft, almost cozy feel to a lot of the pages, even when the subject matter is dark.
What stood out to me most was the way the author chose to center safety and care instead of just creepiness. The ghost is sad more than scary, and the book keeps circling back to the question of who looks out for children when their parents can’t or won’t. You see it in Penny’s encounters with the state worker at the hospital, who is doing her best inside a rigid system, and in how Lucy and Henry neglect and emotionally abuse Hal and Millie behind the façade of a beautiful lake house. You see it again in Amy’s realization that her “annoying” little siblings are actually kind of adorable when she lets herself pay attention, and that her parents, while imperfect, are trying very hard to give their family a better life. As a YA mystery, the book leans more emotional than plot-twist-heavy, and sometimes the coincidences that help the girls solve the decades-old case feel a little convenient, but the emotional payoffs mostly earned my trust. I cared more about Millie hugging her long-lost brother on a sunny balcony than about every logistical detail lining up perfectly.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent a summer at the lake myself, watching Amy grow into her own skin, cheering through swim meets, and then sitting up way too late trying to fit together scraps of diaries and old letters with her and her friends. The paranormal element stays light, but the feelings underneath are not. The Secret of Spirit Lake is the kind of YA mystery I’d hand to a thoughtful middle schooler or young teen who likes ghost stories that are more about healing than horror, or to adults who enjoy warm, character-driven young adult fiction with a bit of intrigue. It would fit well in school and library book clubs, especially with readers who are ready to talk about grief, neglect, and found family in a safe way.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0FLM38VSC
A Sense of Hope
The Scavenger follows three teens fighting their demons who make a wish at a mysterious well and find their lives are flipped upside down by the supernatural when something ancient, dark, and deadly starts to stalk them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As with a vast majority of stories, it started with a ‘What if” scenario i.e. what if three teenage kids, all close friends but all with their own personal issues, make a wish at a cursed well but their wishes come true in a twisted way? This came to me in mid-2019 and stayed in my mind for a few months. I then started to become familiar with the characters, getting to know their likes, dislikes, what makes them tick, etc. Once all the characters were fleshed out, I began plotting each chapter when I was very familiar with the main protagonists.
But I also think the inspiration came from Stephen King’s IT and the movie, Stand By Me, which apparently was based on one of King’s short stories too. I wanted to capture the same element of friendship or strong bond like the characters had in those stories. I must have pulled it off because fans really resonated with Jessica, Adrian, and Jared.
Jared, Jessica and Adrian are typical high schoolers on the surface, but are each facing struggles that weigh them down. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I know this is a cliché but I really enjoyed writing all the characters, especially Jared’s spooky scenes. They were fun because I always tried to up the scare factor each time something supernatural occurred in the book. Jessica, however, was a character I found hard to write because her scenes with her mother, Bertha, are raw and edgy. There’s always a tension there. It’s like a powder keg ready to explode.
There is another reason why her character touched me. When I was a kid, I knew some friends who were in exactly the same predicament she’s in. They had abusive parents, too, so writing those scenes in a way, brought it all back to me. Now that I’m older and can understand more of what they went through, my heart goes out to them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that were really important for me are: accepting yourself when people around you can’t and having the strength to stand up against someone/something far stronger than yourself. It’s gratifying to know that people find a sense of hope in The Scavenger‘s, conclusion.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
When I first started writing, The Scavenger, it was only meant to be a one-off. However, the reaction by readers was so strong that I decided to write a sequel. That was in 2021; fast-forward to present day and it has now turned into a four-book series.
In the next book, Unlucky Charm (Second Edition), we’re introduced to two new characters, Reggie and Zane, who are also long-time buddies. When one of them buys an antique pocket watch for his mother, little does he know that it will set off a chain of events that will ultimately change both their lives. Jared and Aunt Maybelle are called in to help. In this book, Jared develops his abilities even more and comes into his own. Jessica also develops a strong bond with her mom. An event at the end of the book sets up a HUGE rollercoaster ride in book three – Dark Secrets, where Jessica will come face-to-face with a shocking secret from Bertha’s past that will make her question everything she knew about her mom!
The final book of the series, Lurking Beasts, will hopefully be released in November of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
Jared, Jessica, and Adrian seem like your typical high schoolers, but each harbors a secret that gnaws at their souls.
Jared is struggling for acceptance from his disapproving mother as a gay teen while enduring the relentless torment of a bully. Adrian is crushed under the weight of his father’s impossible expectations as he conceals a forbidden crush. Jessica, trapped in a nightmare with her abusive, alcoholic mother, dreams of escape but finds no solace.
Then, one frigid night, the trio stumbles upon an ancient wishing well, its ominous aura drawing them in. With eyes closed and hearts burdened, they each make a wish half-heartedly but secretly hope for something—anything—different. In a snap, their wishes seem to mysteriously materialize.
But they have no idea they’ve just awakened something far more sinister than their minds can grasp, and things are about to go horribly wrong!
The Scavenger (Second Edition) is the chilling beginning of the Hopps Town Quadrilogy, where every wish comes at a deadly price.
Everything a Civilization Needs
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is an intriguing fantasy work that introduces readers to the system of magic that your series is based on. What was the inspiration for this world and its magic?
I’ve always wanted to write a story set in a world where the magic system can be explained scientifically. This won’t become clear until book three, but it’s a foundational principle of the story.
The nine schools are designed to encompass everything a civilization needs to thrive.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? What was the methodology like to create and write your world and the magic system used in Illuminaria?
I start with the illustrations. Once the story’s outline becomes clear through the paintings, I begin the writing process. I’m not a big fan of long, boring descriptions, so the images take care of that. From there, I let the story flow naturally.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing or illustrating?
Probably the flight of the Telekinator-1. I’m a huge fan of steampunk, and that painting was the perfect excuse to sneak a bit of it in.
Can you tell us a little about the story’s progression in book three and when the novel will be available?
The third book will completely flip the table. It is actually a sci-fi story that will explain the zodiac legion and the magic of Illuminaria. Already available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DX38CGNZ
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Filled with stunning illustrations, this book invites you to step into the magical world of Illuminaria and join the Zodiac Legion. Your training begins now!
The gods have chosen only the most promising individuals to master the power of magic, and the guardians of Illuminaria have deemed you worthy to stand among them.
Like every great mage before you, your journey begins as a novice. To prepare you, the Zodiac Legion has built nine schools to hone your skills and awaken your arcane potential. Within this index of ancient knowledge, you’ll uncover Illuminaria’s timeline, the nine arcane disciplines, and the secrets buried by the gods.
Dive into mysteries such as:Telekinesis—command objects with the sheer force of your will.
Nature—control the essence of life that sustains Illuminaria’s balance.
Death—peer beyond the veil separating the living from the dead.
But magic has not always existed. Long ago, in a time before magic, the Precursors—a forgotten civilization—constructed awe-inspiring cities and artifacts. Through ingenuity and discovery, they unlocked the first magic, turning frailty into unimaginable power. Then, they vanished, leaving behind only their secrets.
Now, it’s your turn to unearth those secrets, master your craft, and claim your power bracelet—the ultimate symbol of your mastery.
Your magical education begins here. Are you ready to answer the call?
The Quest for Identity
Al Ana’s Curse follows a young man and his friends who set out to unravel the mystery behind the eerie occurrences linked to the river and the ancient demon, where they come face to face with evil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Al Ana’s Curse draws inspiration from the timeless allure of folklore and the universal human fascination with the unknown. The narrative was born from a desire to explore how myths and legends shape our understanding of the world, both past and present. By setting the story against the backdrop of a mysterious river haunted by an ancient demon, it taps into age-old tales where nature is intertwined with supernatural forces, challenging protagonists to confront forces beyond their comprehension. This setting allows for a rich tapestry where suspense and intrigue can flourish as readers are drawn into a world teetering on the edge of reality and myth. Moreover, by focusing on a young man and his friends, Al Ana’s Curse emphasizes themes of friendship, courage, and discovery as they navigate this perilous journey together. Through their eyes, audiences can experience the thrill of adventure while pondering deeper questions about fear, tradition, and human resilience in facing darkness. In essence, this setup not only provides an engaging plot but also invites readers to reflect on how ancient stories continue to resonate within contemporary contexts.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Aedan quickly became my favorite character to write for, as I drew inspiration from my oldest son, Shawn, mirroring his hairstyle all the way down to his attitude. Through this character, I aimed to motivate readers by offering actionable steps and thoughtful reflections on any struggles they may face in their lives. He is designed to encourage readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, inspiring them to embrace their strengths, confront their fears, and make meaningful changes toward a more fulfilling life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In crafting this book, several themes emerged as vital touchstones that demanded exploration due to their profound relevance and impact. One of the central themes is the resilience of the human spirit, a concept that resonates universally and inspires readers to overcome their own challenges. By creating narratives that highlight perseverance amidst adversity, this book aims to instill a sense of hope and determination in its audience. Another critical theme is the quest for identity and self-discovery—a journey every individual undertakes at some point in their life. By looking into the character’s personal growth and transformation, readers are encouraged to reflect on their paths and embrace change with confidence. Additionally, the theme of interconnectedness underscores how our lives are intricately linked with those around us, emphasizing empathy and understanding in our interactions. Through these themes, this book not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into life’s complexities, urging readers to ponder their own experiences deeply.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Al Ana’s Curse is the inaugural book in my exciting new series, The Legends of Folklore. This supernatural thriller promises to immerse readers in rich folklore, with the second book continuing this enchanting journey. It introduces an intriguing new legend, offering fresh perspectives that entertain and empower readers with practical strategies for overcoming life’s challenges.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the small Northern Michigan town of Cheboygan, a group of courageous friends set out on a thrilling quest to unravel the mystery surrounding a string of bizarre occurrences that leaves its residents in a state of fear and paranoia. Haunted by nightmares and pushed to their limits, they must confront their innermost fears as they come face-to-face with evil, whose malevolent presence threatens to engulf Cheboygan in shadows. Confronted with their deepest fears and the looming darkness, the friends must lean on their unbreakable bond to save themselves and protect their beloved town from impending doom.
My Inspiration
In Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera, a detective reincarnated as a Siamese cat must solve a series of murders leading up to a young woman’s quinceanera. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A couple of things…first I was asked to do a young adult mystery. When I thought about that, I thought about my cat, Ash, a Siamese who has a bit of an attitude. Second, I thought about what I liked to read when I was a kid…The Hardy Boy and Nancy Drew Mysteries. I wondered what would happen if Nancy Drew met Sabrina the Witch (Another thing I loved as a kid) and I also have an interest in History. They all seemed to come together and Gumshoe was born.
I find that authors sometimes ask themselves questions and let their characters answer them. Do you think this is true for your characters?
Not really. Ash is my inspiration for Gumshoe’s antics. The mysteries are something I just figure out in my head. Ash speaks enough for everyone.
Do you have a favorite scene from this installment of the Gumshoe Mysteries?
I admit the beginning where Gumshoe is threatened with being neutered and his response makes me laugh every time.
Can fans expect to see a third book featuring Mia and Gumshoe? What are you currently working on?
Yes. I have a couple of different series that I write as well as write for a couple of anthologies, so the next Gumshoe won’t be out until 2025. I’ve had a couple of ideas and I know where Mia and Gumshoe will be headed next, just haven’t figured out yet who I am going to kill….just yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
Mia Thomas’ close friend Tiffany Santos is celebrating her fifteenth birthday with a traditional Spanish/Mexican quinceanera, but murder also plans on attending. As Gumshoe tries to solve the first murder, the bodies keep piling up. Mia and Gumshoe are dragged into a dark world of treachery and corruption. Can the two sleuths find the culprit or will Tiffany’s special day be ruined?
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceanera
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera spins an intriguing yarn around an unexpected protagonist, a reincarnated detective turned Siamese cat, Gumshoe, who assists his teenage witch companion, Mia. The story begins with a mysterious murder at a quinceañera, and Gumshoe, in his feline form, leverages his past life’s detective instincts to untangle the case. Set in a small town rife with secrets and imbued with the mystical, author Laura Hawks weaves a narrative that is as much a coming-of-age tale for Mia as it is a murder mystery.
Hawks’ writing style in Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera is not only engaging but also accessible, making it a perfect choice for a light and enjoyable read. The first-person perspective of Gumshoe adds a unique and humorous touch to the mystery.
The character of Gumshoe is a delightful surprise. Hawks skillfully brings to life a character type that I have never seen in mystery novels: a detective trapped in a cat’s body. This whimsical concept adds a layer of fun and unpredictability to the story.
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera is an entertaining and lighthearted young adult mystery novel that stands out for its creative premise and the charm of its feline detective. I feel this book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist and younger audiences looking for a blend of magic and mystery.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0CHQ3ZZTG
Camaraderie Amidst Adversity
The Gold Mystery Adventure follows a young and determined protagonist who steals a golden artifact to save her planet, embarking on a perilous journey to rescue her mother and liberate her homeland. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have long harbored an affinity for the works of esteemed authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, finding profound enjoyment in their literary creations, alongside a fondness for children’s adventure and mystery narratives. One day, while observing my son engrossed in play with a remote-controlled device, inspiration struck, igniting the genesis of a creative endeavor. Thus, I conceived a narrative featuring an antagonistic force juxtaposed against a courageous young protagonist, interwoven within the backdrop of a climate crisis. Layer by layer, I meticulously crafted and augmented this concept, imbuing it with depth and complexity.
Zhen is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
In response to the narrative challenge posed by an indomitable antagonist, I undertook the task of crafting a young female protagonist embodying the essence of a warrior. My intent was to eschew the conventional archetype of a superhero, opting instead for a character who relied upon her youthful vigor, sharp intellect, unwavering resolve, valor, and relentless determination to vanquish her adversary.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In establishing the foundational pillars of the book, it became imperative to explore and validate a myriad of themes that resonate deeply with readers. Central to this narrative tapestry are the intricate dynamics of familial bonds, underscored by the enduring values of love, support, and understanding within familial relationships. Moreover, the significance of friendship emerges as a guiding principle, illuminating the transformative power of companionship and camaraderie amidst adversity.
Loyalty, a cornerstone of character, serves as a guiding light for the protagonists, highlighting the unwavering commitment to stand by one another through trials and tribulations. This unwavering allegiance intertwines seamlessly with the theme of teamwork, emphasizing the collective strength that arises from unity and collaboration.
The journey of the protagonist is imbued with the essence of bravery and courage, as she confronts daunting challenges with unwavering resolve and a steadfast spirit. In moments of adversity, her compassion for others becomes a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward empathy and understanding.
As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist undergoes a profound coming-of-age journey, navigating the complexities of self-discovery, growth, and maturation. This transformative process is epitomized by the virtue of perseverance, as she tenaciously pursues her goals despite the odds stacked against her.
Central to the narrative tapestry is the enduring hope for the future, symbolizing the belief in the inherent capacity for positive change and redemption. Anchored by the principle of taking a stand, the protagonist embodies the ethos of moral courage, daring to challenge injustice and championing the cause of righteousness.
Collectively, these thematic threads interweave to form a rich and resonant tapestry, inviting readers to embark on a journey of introspection, empowerment, and ultimately, redemption.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I want to write is a noir story like Fargo and the Ripley series on Netflix. It’ll take a few years to plan the plot carefully.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
An action-packed climate fiction quest that blends elements of tech, magic, mystery, friendship and family. For 10 years of age and up.
In a world on the brink of destruction under a madwoman’s tyranny, a brave young girl emerges as hope’s last beacon.
Defying her oppressors, Zhen steals a valuable gold object, launching her into a perilous and whirlwind adventure to a mysterious planet.
She believes the gold artifact possesses special powers. Unlocking its mysteries holds the key to her homeland’s salvation. With her enemy in pursuit and a race against time, Zhen must be smarter and braver than ever before to stay alive, rescue her captive mother, and return home armed with the solution that could alter the fate of her planet forever.
