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Her Works Have Indeed Helped
Surviving Cancer, Healing People tells the charming, endearing, and inspiring stories, shared by parishioners at Old Mission San Juan Bautista of Sula the cat. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There was a pragmatic reason and a spiritual reason.
The pragmatic reason was to raise money for Old Mission San Juan Bautista that was faced with potential closure if it could not meet the State of California’s earthquake standards. Retrofitting without damage to the historicity of the church was estimated at $14 million. Sula had already been featured in national magazines, the feature story in the Christmas issue of Guideposts Magazine in 2015 and then reprinted as the feature story in the first edition of All Creatures Magazine. It seemed that additional stories might be of interest and value to people beyond the local parish, which was already devoted to her and has loved all her books (6 books followed the publication of this one), and that the sales of a book with her stories might contribute to Save the Mission fund. Her works have indeed helped.
The spiritual reason was associated with her multiple bouts of cancer. Visitors would often ask why Sula had no ears. (They were removed because of cancer.) Parishioners with cancer and other health problems found comfort and hope in Sula’s resilience in the face of cancer. The book focused on the questions that kept popping up. Why Sula? (The same question that folks with cancer ask: Why me?) Where is God at these times? Is there hope? How should I react to people who are suffering from cancer and other diseases? The book attempted to answer these questions within the framework of Catholic faith, especially Franciscan orientation toward nature and animals. Old Mission San Juan Bautista is a Franciscan mission and has several statures of St. Francis, one of which Sula would visit every morning. For those who do not know, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals.
What is one story about Sula that inspires you personally?
Sula would select different people to sit beside (or on) at Masses. She always seemed to select a person in need of her love. My favorite story is the one in which she chose to sit in the lap of a visitor to the Mission one Christmas eve. She never left his lap, and he did not go down to communion, preferring instead to hold her throughout the entire Mass. He said afterward that he finally felt forgiven for the times in his childhood that he had abused animals and about which he had felt wretched for many years as an adult.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Love, forgiveness, acceptance, hope — and that people can indeed learn from the example of animals. Perhaps most important: understanding that God does not do bad things to good people but provides support (sometimes, furry support) to help those who trust Him to cope with the bad things, make the best of them, and use the experience to help others.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from this book?
The last two lines of the book sum up the book and, hopefully, the take-away: “There is no better calling for a cat than this: to give my love to the people because the people, in return, give their love to me. I think that is what God wants every cat—and every person—to do.”
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How Destructive Love Can Be
Haunt follows a young woman accused of murder who encounters a serial killer, and their lives become intertwined. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think the inspiration began simply; from always being enamored by the 19th century — but as much as I love westerns, all the movies and novels of that era, I wished to include further elements into this series that don’t just limit it to a historic western.
Certainly diving into the psychology of man, something which I was intrigued and inspired by to forge a character that was different than the usual “perfect white knight in shining armor”; rather one that has been dealt mental trauma at a much deeper level instead, one beyond comprehension. I simply felt intrigued to show, as odd as this may sound and seem, that even such people are deserving of understanding first and foremost — and affection, or even love — that may change someone, which is a very controversial statement and certainly doesn’t apply to just anyone. Regarding this particular serial killer and his background, I would say it is more understandable, or encourages the reader to understand. It was an interesting concept, challenging for me as a writer, and challenging for readers in a different way.
Last but most importantly, my horse, Finn, inspired the very first characters that I created; Charlotte, and her horse. The day I started writing this novel was the very day Finn came to my life as a little colt, and both he and the novel sort of grew up together. His personality blossomed the way it did in the book, so Finn is not just a horse in the story; he is his own character.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
To be completely honest, I simply began writing without a plot or preset concepts of any kind. A few words every day that slowly turned into paragraphs, and into pages, and before I knew it, into a lengthy novel. There was never a planned plot at any stage; even a few chapters before the very ending, I hadn’t yet decided what would happen. Nor when I would sit down to write, did I ever know which direction the characters or story would go. Reason being, I simply lived in this world alongside the characters, and truly tried to emerge myself in this fictional environment. It kept it extremely interesting, and challenging of course, but also exciting to see my own words take a hold of thoughts I hadn’t truly formed until they were already written down.
There was never really a writer’s block, to this day — even eleven books later in the series — and I owe that to this, perhaps unorthodox, method of writing. In this peculiar way, I finished writing the first draft of Haunt within a period of three months. I simply loved the whole experience, and I couldn’t stop writing what happens next, which is why there is a whole series of it now. It was never planned. I thought H[A]UNT would be the end of it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That is a very interesting question, for this series covers a lot of different themes that you will find later on. But in this particular book, I do cover the aspect of religion viewed from an extremist’s point of view that was particularly interesting and common in that era. It can also be very controversial for readers, but I tried to stay as neutral as possible, for I don’t wish to influence characters or plot biased on my own beliefs.
Certainly, the theme of friendship and betrayal comes up; how easily trust can be infringed. Love; how oftentimes you don’t choose the person you fall in love with, for any sense leaves your mind the moment it happens. But with love can come enviousness, and even revulsion, and we see that in the story…how destructive love can be.
The concept of mental trauma is very prominent throughout the whole series; showcasing how it is able to morph a person, but also how a person is capable to change even having been dealt the wrong hand in life. I think it is an important subject to dissect, for many of us are able to relate to it and perhaps get encouraged for change. But overall, this psychological aspect is a leading element throughout the whole series and it touches on many different traits that challenge a character.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Book two is filled with new characters that will be extremely important later on; ones who certainly will confuse the reader, or perhaps even stir their curiosity. The story will be a lot darker than Haunt, a lot more challenging, and honestly, frustrating (in a good way). Haunt has a few hints in the story that will tie in with book two, but I guarantee it will be an entirely different form of journey readers will be taken through. As with all my books, it will start slow in the beginning for the sake of character development and world building, but there is going to be tension that will keep on building upon itself. Book two is titled CUR[S]E, and will be available on the 14th of February for Valentine’s Day, in caustic taste.
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A young woman who learns to become strong in the face of impossible circumstances, and a man who finds light in the midst of overwhelming darkness. Prepare yourself for the first book in a haunting new series…Loveletting.
Fleeing from her home after escaping the murder of her mother, inexperienced and petrified by reality with her horse as her only companion – Charlotte is met by the most notorious serial killer of the nation. His dark past and her dark future collide, in a world filled with dangers far greater than him.
Set in the rugged Victorian west at the end of the 19th century with a myriad of complex characters, all intertwined in a brutal environment that examines the conflicting nature and morality of humanity. Charlotte may be innocent at heart, but the world she lives in is not. Filled with dangers from gangs to cults and a mysterious horror element that persists throughout – the overarching gothic love story fills this thrilling, dark adventure up until the haunting end…leaving the reader with an existential dread so deep that it must be read to be understood, yet craving for more.
This novel is definitely for an adult audience, as the content is very heavy and challenging. It will appeal to those interested in a gothic romance with undertones of psychological horror. Most importantly, this book is a form of literary fiction; as character development is the most crucial factor in telling this story and it does not follow the typical tropes of a genre book. Subtle hints to the dark machinations behind the scenes, and interweaving characters who gradually change and grow over time, all work together to create a living world – filled with the unexpected – in which to lose yourself within.
If you want something to read on autopilot, and wish for the plot to follow a certain expected pattern, this is not the book for you. This experience will challenge you; a gripping story that will invade you, heart and mind, long after reading.
Color Theory Is Huge
Raina’s Rainbow Lemonade follows a young girl who visits her grandmother and sets up a unique lemonade stand every weekend. What was the inspiration for your story?
My grandma and I have a real-life relationship that was my main inspiration when writing Raina’s Rainbow Lemonade. I was raised primarily by her and other extended relatives. She taught me about my culture, and the importance of loyalty, love, and family. I wanted to dedicate something special to her.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your story?
Nothing literal, no. I never ran a lemonade stand, but I did spend a lot of time with my grandma doing other things together.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Color theory is huge. I also wanted to stress the importance of community engagement and entrepreneurship.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a full series about Raina. The next book will be “Raina’s Magic Meltdown” and it will be available this fall!
In Raina’s Rainbow Lemonade, readers will learn the basics of color theory as well as the value of serving the community as they join Raina and Grandma for a fun-filled day of making rainbow lemonade.
Caught Stealing From A Wizard
The Owl-Headed Wand follows an orphan boy who is taken under the wing of a wand maker and ends up on the run from revolutionaries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago I envisioned a simple opening of a story where an orphan is caught stealing from a wizard, but the wizard sees greatness in the orphan and helps him. That was the original inspiration. I wrote a book called The Winter Wizard Chronicles where I first created the world of Yohan. In passing, the story mentions the Fire Elf Rebellion. The two books are almost entirely exclusive in their stories, only sharing the world. But, that mention gave me an idea of where this story would go.
James has endured a lot in life and finally starts to feel at home and safe only for things to fall apart again. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
James was one of the most difficult characters I have written, because his struggles are so unique to a life that I haven’t experienced. I had to put myself in the shoes of a kid who has had so much wrong done to him by those who should love him, and then expose him to people who do love him and let him learn to accept that love and grow from it. Once he had the love, I took it away and let the character fight to preserve it in the face of insurmountable obstacles. For James, I wanted to also showcase the need for others. I wanted a story about a young hero who saves the day, but does so with the help and kindness of those around him. James isn’t alone, even when he feels very alone, I never let him truly be alone. Sometimes that means he has to seek the help of others, sometimes it is accepting their help when they see he needs it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, trust, and hope. James sought the love of a parent and found it in Othano. He had to learn to trust that the love was genuine and that at no time would Othano toss him aside. Hope was a driving force behind James’s actions as he is forced to fight to retain the life he had come to love.
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?
I had originally intended this to be a standalone. However, the response has been great and I too felt a need to revisit old friends, so I wrote a sequel recently. It is in the first stages of completion, still needs a lot of editing and work, so I can’t give a firm date. I hope to have it ready to publish as early as Christmas 2023 or some time in 2024.
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Under Othano’s tutelage, James begins to learn all he can about the history of wands and Yohan. However, his newfound peace and security is threatened by a growing revolution and Othano’s disappearance. Now branded a traitor, James must find Othano, escape the revolutionaries, clear their names, and discover the secrets of The Owl-Headed Wand.
The Characters I Create
Off Kilter follows a well-known artist who is experiencing a strange number of minor accidents as he discovers the reason why things are happening to him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Off Kilter picks-up right where the first story, Brushed Off, ended with the main character (James) recovering from gun shot wounds and a horrendous fist fight so I felt he would be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder which has altered and dulled his responses to others and his everyday life experiences. This premise provided me with many opportunities to explore within the plot.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I lived most of my life in the contemporary art community of Los Angeles and the many individuals I’ve delt with are definitely reflected in the characters I create. Readers of Brushed Off have repeatedly told me they especially enjoyed reading about such realistic individuals.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Making the transitions both believable and intriguing is always challenging, but it is also one of the things I enjoy creating the most, especially the nuances that can be manipulated and fiddled with.
Will there be a third mystery in this series, if so, what can you tell readers about it?
Yes, I decided from the very beginning that this would be at least a trilogy and one of the best things about centering a story within the contemporary art community is that I can always rely on it being in a constant state of flux. Which provides me with an endless variety of characters and sub-plots to select from. That said, I’m jousting around with how to bring computer technology and an artist sense-ability together using only words on paper, rather than actual visual images.
That One Cracks Me Up!!!
Eat, Eat, Eat! Cheese, Cheese, Cheese! is the cautionary tale of three hungry mice who encounter a hungry cat in a cheese store. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Eat, Eat, Eat! Cheese, Cheese, Cheese! story is interesting because I started the drawings in high school, and now 52 years later, I finally finished the pencil drawings and book design for publication. On average, some of my picture books take a year or two to complete. But then again, it all depends on the illustration style I use. Two other picture books of mine, It’s Music Time, and You Can’t Tickle Me, the illustrations took five years to do.
I actually started the drawings for my cheese story as an art class project in high school. When I graduated high school, I had created only three illustrations. And at that time, I wasn’t thinking of any story to go with the drawings. During the course of the past 52 years, every now and then, I would pull out the illustrations and would work on a new drawing. It took me two to three months to do one drawing for this story.
Seven years ago, I finally figured out the storyline. And seven years later (actually 52 years later), the story and illustrations were finished and ready to be made into Eat, Eat, Eat! Cheese, Cheese, Cheese!
I loved the illustrations for this picture book, they are creative and entertaining. What was your favorite scene to illustrate in this story?
That is such a difficult question to answer. It is impossible for me to pick a favorite illustration for any of my picture books. But the one that took the longest in this story is the very first drawing in the book with the three cheese-hungry mice sailing a cheese boat. The one that makes me really laugh is the one with the cat wearing her big glasses. That one cracks me up!!!
I will say this, as much as I love drawing my stories, I love designing the book just as much!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The central theme is the consequences we must face when we overindulge. Most times, too much of a good thing is just that, too much of a good thing. But it always amazes me after I write a story all the different learning aspects that will come to light.
Will you be writing more picture books with a message like this one?
That’s another excellent question. I never know what my next picture book will be like or what message it will develop from the writing. All I know is an idea will always find a way to inspire me to do another picture book.
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But when the cat, Gourmet, gives up a perfectly good dish of cat food for the chase of fresh mice, she finds that she too must deal with specific consequences.
In Some Faraway Magical Land
The String follows an ordinary young boy who discovers an ordinary ball of string and uses it to go on adventures with his imagination. What was the inspiration for your story?
That’s a great question. I was reading my picture book, It’s Music Time, to a 1st-grade class at one of our local elementary schools where I live in Brown County, Indiana. I say reading, but it’s really a near-wordless picture book with 15 words at the beginning and 15 at the end. Anyway, as I flipped through the pages, one little boy in the class had a small hand-sized rubber ball he was playing with. The teacher quickly took it away from him, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was in some faraway magical land playing with his rubber ball and didn’t like it at all that he was brought back to reality by the teacher.
The very next weekend, I was thinking about that little boy’s expression, and I knew all he wanted to do was play in his imaginary world with his rubber ball. So I looked through the drawers in my kitchen cupboard, and the first thing I saw was an orange ball of nylon string. And it hit me all at once. At that very moment, I knew exactly what the little boy in my story would do with that string.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the process like to create the art while writing the story at the same time?
Sometimes I will do a drawing and become inspired to write a story because of that drawing. My young adult novel, The Good Witch of the South, was like that. When I first gazed upon the fairy that I used for the front cover of my novel, I knew she was the daughter of the Good Witch of the South and knew precisely what she would become in that story.
My String book was different. When I first saw the ball of string, I sat down and wrote the story while catching glimpses of illustrations in my head as I was writing.
Once I finished the manuscript, I started the illustrations. Once the drawings were completed, I did a small dummy of the book. From there, I changed some of the text and added a couple of new drawings. For example, in the original manuscript, the little boy didn’t use the string, or his sister, to pull a loose tooth. He didn’t have a loose tooth. But when I made my dummy, I needed to add more illustrations and decided to add a loose tooth to the text. And that made the illustration of the little boy brushing his teeth funnier. All in all, it took over a year to write, draw and put the book together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the best ways to discover what we will become when we are children is by using our imagination. Children love to pretend to be this or that. Mostly, I want children to know they can be extraordinary in every way. All they have to do is try. When children see the little boy in my book doing all the amazing things he can think of doing with his ball of string, it is my hope it will inspire children to take flight with their imagination.
Who knows what extraordinary things they might achieve?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Oh yes, my next book . . . I am incredibly excited about my next book, which will come out in 2024. The title is, That Will Never Do. It’s taken me over a year to do the illustrations for this book, just like The String.
I have to say, though, That Will Never Do might actually be one of my favorites.
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And if your imagination used a string, what could you do with that string?
There is only one way to find out and that is to read this book, The String, and follow the adventures of one very imaginative little boy.
We Can Go Even Further
Dream Knights: The Network follows a young boy and girl in a world where adults have lost the ability to dream and the pair seek answers to the problem in their dreams. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Burnout in the United States, such as the Great Resignation, inspired me to suggest a world where adults no longer dream. In the novel, excessive stress and worry make dreaming impossible for adults. Yet, thanks to heroic children, there is hope to bring dreams back.
In reality, there is hope to reduce burnout too. Teleworking and flexible schedules are already gaining popularity. We can go even further.
When compared to the United States, Finland’s students show greater academic success while spending less time in the classroom. They even have summer breaks that are 10 to 11 weeks long. We can learn from this type of success not only for our children but also for our workforce. We all have limits.
Grant and Zahra are intriguing characters that were fun to follow. What were some driving ideals behind your characters’ development?
I wanted Grant and Zahra to be great role models and add cultural and gender diversity to the novel.
To be inclusive, I requested that my cover artist present my characters as silhouettes. Originally, the characters were also written in a nondescript manner. I later changed that, as to be more intentional with diversity, and modeled Zahra after a friend whose family emigrated from Bangladesh.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Different people have different skills, and they are all valuable. When working together, people can accomplish great things.
Also, building relationships and simplifying life can lead to a more fulfilling life than one filled with possessions and stress.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Dream Knights: The Gate, which picks up a couple of weeks after the first book, was just released on December 21, 2022. The third book, still in its early stages, will take place three to five years after the first two books. However, I have also started a historical fiction book for adults. It’s about a budding romance in 16th century Sweden during the rebellion against Danish rule. Although I’m still deciding which book to write first, I’m hoping to publish one in 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Dream Knights: The Network is a children’s adventure novel about controlling dreams and connecting fantasy with reality.
Grant, a first grader in Winooski, Vermont, worries about his exhausted parents. When his classmate’s father becomes ill, his concerns intensify.
Meanwhile, in Colorado Springs, Zahra struggles with her parents’ hospitalization because they are in medically-induced comas.
Unfortunately, their parents are not the only ones facing problems. All adults—consumed by their thoughts—have lost the ability to dream.
Seeking solutions for their parents, this young boy and girl find answers in an unexpected place—their dreams. They also find the network, a mysterious hub of energy. But from where does the network’s energy come, and how is it used?
Dream Knights: The Network is an empowering middle grade novel about teamwork, bravery, and cultural diversity. For parents, it is an inspirational tale about valuing health, happiness, and the unique abilities of children.
LITERARY TITAN 