Blog Archives
Caught Up In A Bizarre Situation
Now and Forevermore Arabella follows a pre-teenage girl in the foster care system who discovers she was kidnapped and returns to her real family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I just got an idea one day of wondering what would happen if a car thief realized there was a toddler in the back of car that he hastily stole. That’s quite an unexpected “bonus” to receive! What the heck would he do with that child? So I created a story where the parents momentarily leave a toddler in their parked car, due to the mother having a medical emergency, and then when the dad rushes back to get the little girl, the car and the child are both gone. It takes nine years before they find her because the thief and his accomplices ultimately abandons her out of state, dumping her in a mall. She’s mislabeled as a “foundling” and put into foster care.
What were some topics that were important for you to explore in this book and share with your child and teen readers?
I myself was caught up in a bizarre situation, as a child, where a sociopathic teacher at one of the schools I attended had a personal grudge against my mother – and proceeded to harass me for two solid years to try to get back at her. That sick teacher was later also found to have been a perpetual drug abuser, and furthermore, later there was even an allegation of her, shall we say, inappropriateness with a little boy, so I’m serious when I say she was “sociopathic” – she most definitely was a one-woman walking maniacal horror story. None of that is in this book, but it is what I thought of as I wrote it. I wanted to create a story for children and teens showing that sometimes they can find themselves pawns, all caught up in situations that are the making of totally unscrupulous adults, and which are totally not their doing or their fault. There are several reprehensible adult characters involved in Arabella’s story of being stolen with a car and then “hidden” in the foster care system, and it’s entirely a situation beyond the little girl’s control, yet there she is, having to live with the consequences of it. However, most bad situations don’t last forever, and I wanted to show that to my child readers. As a matter of fact, whenever I write a story, whether it’s for children or adults, I’m always keeping one line in mind, and that’s, “What a difference a day can make!”
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted to show how a child in such a chaotic situation feels from the inside out, when her world has been upended, again and again, in this instance by being sent to one foster home after another. Arabella tries, initially, to fly under the radar wherever she goes, and not get noticed, so that she isn’t sent away from a foster home yet again or so that nothing else upsetting will happen to her. She’s rather jaded about people already and she’s only twelve. Later on, when she’s about to be reunited with her wonderful family that have longed to find her for years, she’s still initially cautious of them, but they’re terrific. Then once she’s back in their embrace, she starts to come out of her self-imposed shell. She finds out her real name, her actual family, and best of all, her voice.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I have a habit of working on more than one book at a time, kind of freestyle, and the Arabella sequel is one of the ones I’m still in the process of creating at the moment. I’m not sure when it will be available yet, but probably some time later this year. Arabella has quite a past to overcome and, with her family, she has a much more pleasant present to enjoy, too. I’m putting another mystery in this book for Arabella, her friends and little sister to help solve, and bringing in a hard-to-figure-out character or two from her past, as well. She lives on an island in Florida, so I can put more of the location into this one, including a mysterious boat with a surprising cargo, since the first book was more about solving what had happened to Arabella that caused her to have such a past. Florida was more incidental in the first one but it’s going to be a big part of this one. It’s going to be so much fun to write that I’m smiling already as I think about it!
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
Disillusioned about her dating life, Erica Wilson walks into her favorite pub and encounters Chase. An enigmatic stranger who ignites in her an unexpected passion that is all-consuming. Like-minded about relationships, they agree on a friends-with-benefits relationship.
Strong, sexy, and fun. Chase is everything Erica didn’t know she wanted in a man. Love blooms and when tragedy strikes, Chase’s life is torn apart. Erica steps up to help him, uprooting her life when they are thrust into a tumultuous and strained relationship. Neither let their walls down to see what’s right in front of them.
To Connect With My Daughter
I Want to Be in Sales When I Grow Up! follows a young girl in school who is assigned the career of sales to write a report on and must now figure out what sales is. What was the inspiration for your story?
My daughter started selling Girl Scout when she was 6 years old. She wanted to sell the most cookies in her group so we talked about different sales strategies. We decided she would do a video “pitch” about why people should buy from her and then did a blog post about it and share it with my audience with a link to buy Girl Scout cookies. She ended up having the most sales in the entire town. The second year we took a similar approach and she was the top seller again. Around this time I was traveling every week for work and I wanted to find a way to connect with my daughter and help her understand a little more about what daddy did for a living which is Sales Training. With the Girl Scout experiences being directly related to sales we decided to write the book based on those experiences.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It educates kids on key values like hard work, curiosity and helping people.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Juan Diaz?
I wrote the story and sent in some pictures of me and my family. Juan’s original depiction of the story was spot on and didn’t need much feedback from me. it was a simple but effective process.
What is one thing you hope children take away from your book?
That Sales is a profession they could and should be proud of if they decided to eventually pursue it as a career.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Inspire Younger Generations
The Secrets of the Wild follows the creatures of the woods as they embark on their adventures away from the eyes of humans. What was the inspiration for this whimsical tale?
I have always had such a blurred line between what separates something from being an animal vs. being a human being. As I have gotten older, I realized that blurred lines are beautiful. I think that if more people who do hold authority, that do have the control, if they weren’t so set on letting their imagination and childhood go, we as a society would be a lot better off. My inspiration came with the intent to inspire younger generations and to stimulate emotional and educational development. The most pure and unconditional love I have ever received has come from animals and I want the entire world to be open to accepting that every creature on this Earth has as much right to be here, to love, and to exist just as much as you and me. Regardless of the uncertainty they understand you or the actual fact you can’t understand them. With humility, kindness, and patience comes understanding.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I was aiming more to trigger a sense of passion, awe, and creativity that led the readers into their own personal path of education. Certain aspects to do with the exploitation and abuse of animals really just tie into the morals I value and withhold within myself. You never want to force education, but bringing up real world issues gently can head start our children for a brighter future!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with your illustrator?
It was an intimidating process honestly. This being my first experience publishing a book, I was very unsure of what I wanted or how to move it along. But, Srimalie and the company did such an amazing job. It’s almost hard to give direction when who you are working with does such an incredible job bringing your ideas to life. The illustrations triggered a confidence in me about my story that I had not had before. Truly such an incredible job and I am so thankful.
What is the next story that you’re writing and when will it be published?
I write very frequently, and most recently I have been having some pretty intense dreams. They are so bizarre and unfathomable it makes me want to create and build off of them. The constant spewing of ideas and characters make it somewhat difficult to really sit down and have one specific plan of action. I am working on a couple different things and of course, you will be in the loop!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter
Dyami and the Gobi Crystal
Dyami and the Gobi Crystal by MM Hoshaw is a captivating tale infused with wonder and valuable life lessons. This delightful book introduces us to Dyami, a junior angel embarking on a significant assignment as a watcher. Armed with gobi crystals, these watchful beings meticulously document events in their assigned realms of the cosmos. Dyami’s entrusted duty is to observe and protect a society comprised of Dukan and Naga people. Within this enchanting setting, Dyami’s journey unfolds, revealing a story of love, longing, and the unforeseen perils that lie ahead when a royal couple arrives, promising excitement yet concealing a much darker reality. Will Dyami be able to rescue her friends from their impending fate without jeopardizing her sacred role as a watcher?
Author MM Hoshaw has developed a captivating story with thought-provoking prose. Dyami and the Gobi Crystal seamlessly weaves real-life themes and a compelling fantasy narrative, making it a truly remarkable work of middle-grade fiction. From exploring profound topics like diversity and purpose to the sheer joy it brings, this novel is brimming with wisdom, delighting readers on a heartfelt level.
The masterful world-building crafted by Hoshaw is reminiscent of timeless children’s fantasy classics. The author has expertly crafted a mesmerizing realm that will undoubtedly captivate the imaginations of its readers. One cannot help but yearn to explore this richly imagined universe, particularly after witnessing Dyami’s remarkable journey unfold. If you have cherished novels such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Harry Potter Series, or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, prepare to be enchanted by the mystical allure of Dyami and the Gobi Crystal by MM Hoshaw. The allure of this book extends beyond its spellbinding narrative. A closer examination reveals Hoshaw’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the naming of various characters within the story. Each name carries a profound spiritual and philosophical significance, inviting readers to embark on intriguing discussions and introspection while immersed in the pages of this literary gem.
Dyami and the Gobi Crystal is an enthralling read that is sure to resonate strongly with its intended audience of young readers. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I am confident that younger readers will find even greater joy within its pages. Whether you seek a book that explores important life topics or simply aims to captivate and entertain your child, Dyami, and the Gobi Crystal is a must-read. MM Hoshaw’s masterpiece is the perfect read to add to every middle-grade reader’s library.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0BYPHHTP2
If Kids Were In Charge
The Antidotes: Pollution Solution follows a group of 5th-grade friends who discover pollution in the local water is making fish and kids sick and set out to fix the issue. What was the inspiration for your story?
At the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator’s (SCBWI) Conference in New York in 2020, I learned there was a need for smart middle-grade fiction. I figured I had a ready-made audience at home with my then 7-year-old son. This was at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a public health professional, I was horrified by the lack of understanding and appreciation for how public health works among the adult population and especially those in leadership. I started joking with my son that things would have not gotten so bad that we would need to shut down if kids were in charge. That idea really captured his imagination, and I found a writing collaborator who had great ideas and very strong opinions about what would work or not for kids his age. As the rest of the pandemic unfurled it reinforced my sense that as a society, we as grownups have lost our sense of collective action around our own individual health and our collective consciousness and responsibility to public health. But young people haven’t. I wanted The Antidotes: Pollution Solution to be an inspirational story that encouraged young people to take action when they encounter societal problems.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
When I first set out with writing The Antidotes: Pollution Solution, I wanted to weave in basic concepts in science (hypothesis creation and testing), public health (disease mapping, water quality testing, and health promotion), and climate action (plastic decomposition timing and changing human and animal health ecosystems) in a way that could be easily understood and applied to real life by young people. I also wanted to highlight that many of the current public health challenges are linked to changes in the environment and pollution. Public health and climate are important parts of science education, but they don’t get much airplay in the current science curricula in a way that is directly applicable to everyday life. The Antidotes: Pollution Solution strives to demystify science and public health as a way of interacting with the world to identify problems, study them, and then come up with realistic kid-friendly solutions. It includes targeted science experiments and activities that lend themselves well to collaboration between science and reading programs for students in grades 4-8. As a complement to the book, worked with a colleague and science teachers on a curriculum guide for school science and reading programs. Growing up I really enjoyed learning through fiction and stories. We have more of this in historical fiction, but I am keen to create and advocate for more of this through science-inspired fiction. The Antidotes: Pollution Solution Activity and Discussion Guide is available for free download at www.patriciamechael.com/antidotes
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted The Antidotes: Pollution Solution to be fun and funny, but also scientifically accurate. I wanted Gir and Izi and the rest of the characters to drive the action in the story, and I wanted middle-grade young people to see themselves as part of The Antidotes by self-identifying with one or more of them. There are also not very many good examples of women and girls in STEM in the media and many women in science, including myself, don’t easily self-identify as scientists. This is starting to change in very positive ways with characters like Shuri, Letitia Wright’s character in Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, but we have a long way to go. Science is also a team sport and without supportive men who can help champion meaningful engagement and representation of women on the team, it is hard to break through. Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant increase in women enrolling in science degrees, but still a significant gap in female role models in senior academic roles. Innovation in general, but especially in science and technology, is also enhanced through greater female engagement, but it’s not happening fast enough. For many boys and men, their success is a zero-sum game. If you succeed, I fail. Whereas in science, if you succeed, we all benefit. In The Antidotes, this dynamic is illustrated through Gir and Izi having to learn to work together as a team as well as through the positive collaboration between Gir’s scientist and divorced co-parents.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
This is the first book in a series, where The Antidotes will tackle various public health challenges. The second book in the series shifts to dual narration by Leo and Suzie and focuses on technology and the ways in which mobile phones and social media are positively and negatively impacting the group as they transition to middle school. They have to come together to become critical thinkers to better understand the problems that technology is creating in their lives and come up with youth-friendly solutions to harness the benefits of technology while reducing the risks.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Izi, Gir, and their friends go to science club and discover a fishy cover-up. The school has to close down again! These climate warriors who call themselves the Antidotes join forces with public health activists to find clean water solutions. The friends use STEM strategies to help save the earth from a potential disaster—they also have secret meetings, do a little spy work, and make some useful discoveries.
The Antidotes race against the clock to get out the word to kids around the world about how to stay safe. But—will the Antidotes be able to get enough kids to achieve zero plastic use before it makes any more fish or children sick? Join the Antidotes in their first science adventure, and stay tuned for more stories to come!
Surprised By Every Twist
The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King follows an energetic sloth and hedgehog who go on an adventure to try to find a place where they can be themselves. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
What I had in mind is this character, a non-lazy sloth, who is denunciated by society for not going with the flow. The character just came up to my mind and started “living” in my head and getting an individual form. This was the starting point.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
In this case, I felt as if the hero of the book is writing it. So basically, I was surprised by every twist. I felt like an instrument through which Prince Lazy is telling his adventures.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First, loyalty to one’s true self, and the fact that when you choose to be who you are – you never lose, because this choice is already a gain for itself. Other themes would be those of respect for the “other” and the magic and power of true friendship.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Since then, I published a few books, but they haven’t been translated (yet?) from Hebrew. Right now, I am working on a non-fiction philosophy book for adults and trying to publish a manuscript I have for kids, this time younger.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Brought My Ideas To Life
Omnis 1: Beginnings follows a family in Argentina who move to the US and have to deal with intolerance and prejudiced people they encounter at school. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although the characters and the storyline are fictitious, I drew freely from my own experiences growing up and those of my three children. I set the story in Argentina and the U.S. to ensure authenticity, because that is what I know, having been born and raised in Argentina by parents from the U.S., and having made several moves between the two countries. There are two girls and two boys so that four different cases could be explored. I also wanted both female and male superheroes. The problems the siblings face with their move and at school are very similar to situations that we have been through ourselves but are also faced by children everywhere. Regardless of his or her background, every reader will have been at the giving or receiving end of these scenarios and can identify with the feelings and problems arising from the pandemic.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sabrina Bedford?
I am incredibly fortunate, because, beside being a gifted illustrator, Sabrina Bedford is my niece. She did the artwork for my previous books, which consist of the front and back covers of four books and ten illustrations for King of the Hill (ten biographical stories from my father’s childhood during the Great Depression). It was wonderful working with her, because there was so much freedom of communication. I described the scenes I wanted and she delivered, sometimes with exactly what I asked for and often with improvements. I started out with tables containing columns for English, Spanish and scene descriptions. Sabrina set up a detailed spreadsheet with room for comments and questions from both of us. As the story and dialogue evolved, she made thumbnail sketches for approval and then fleshed them out. She was incredibly intuitive about what I wanted and brought my ideas to life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Omnnis’ superpower reflects the main theme. Empathizing with others, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, culture or social status, and acting on that empathy overcomes the barriers that separate people and fuel rejection and aggression. Some of the sub-themes I wanted to bring out are an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity, the advantages of bilingualism, the power of positivity, and the importance of family and friendship.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Without giving too much away, the second volume will revolve around veterans, PTSD and service dogs, while the third volume will tackle a natural disaster, both with plenty of Omni involvement, of course.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
In mid-pandemic, the Martins move from one continent to another, and the four siblings face challenges and obstacles, especially at their new school. See them receive very unexpected help and undergo an amazing transformation.
Una experiencia gráfica bicultural y bilingüe.
En plena pandemia, los Martin cambian de continente, y los cuatro hermanos enfrentan desafíos y obstáculos, especialmente en su nueva escuela. Acompáñalos mientras reciben la ayuda menos pensada y se transforman sorprendentemente.
LITERARY TITAN 