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They Just Wanted To Be Happy
Ellie Cat Wants To Know How To Wake Up Happy Everyday follows a curious cat who wants to figure out how to bind happiness each day. What was the inspiration for your story?
I had heard my daughters talking that they just wanted to be happy… not sure how to be happy. I wondered why that was a question, and so I penned out my thoughts of my simple response that was going through my head, which seemed obvious to me, but apparently not to my beautiful girls. Then I went on a step further to camouflage my little thoughts by weaving it into a children’s story so it would appear innocent and cute thus perhaps more readily acceptable than just plain advice.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
A simple stance, to be remembered and thus applied often.
Assurance in self talk and confidence.
Ability to know all is achievable, and that it starts with you.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Firstly, writing in an unambiguous manner to ensure the child immediately absorbed the story.
Secondly, endeavouring to create a warm relationship with the child whilst encouraging them to embody the premise of the book, that they “can do it”.
Thirdly, installing pauses, allowing their thoughts to arise.
The fourth goal was that I decided not to use my name and rested with the pen name Sam Rice. Sam was neither typically male or female therefore could not indirectly influence the reader/child, and Rice reflected a neutral nutritional aspect. The pen name Sam Rice felt quietly balanced leading to the merit of the book focused on the story itself.
What is the next children’s book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have 3 drafts already scribed to create the Ellie Cat series. Each book shall focus simply on the strength and joy of children’s characters.
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A cute, curious, cat who through many tries, finds her “I can do it” attitude. This delightful and simple story will have you both constantly reading on how she becomes aware of her inner guidance, for ages 2 – 8 years.
This soothing and relatable story will have you also chatting about what you would do and the wonder of achieving your own self confidence.
A motivational “just try” and meaningful story to play with imagination, resulting in being happy with your own talents.
Brutally Betrayed
Fawn Bonning Author Interview
In this novel; passion, danger, and the madness of King Kynneth are spreading across the land, and Christa’s legend is at the center of it all. What was one thing that got you excited about writing the 3rd book in your Atriian Trilogy?
I was anxious to see how Christine would fare against crazy Kynneth and his formidable infatuation. And I was especially curious to see how she would resolve her greatest dilemma of all, her forbidden desires for Hannen Fallier.
Christa stays true to her headstrong nature and is prone to ignoring advice she doesn’t want to hear while making risky decisions. How do you think her character has developed throughout the trilogy?
As a young woman, Christine felt the world was pitted against her. She was defiant and unruly, and prone to distancing herself from others to avoid further rejection. When she finally lets down her guard, her trust is brutally betrayed, and she is left bitter and broken. When she becomes a mother, I believe her focus shifts. It’s no longer herself she is trying to protect. She is fierce in her resolve to keep her children safe. I believe her headstrong nature, her grit and determination, are the very traits that keep her alive on Atriia, and that ultimately forge her into a legend.
The cover art for the Atriian Trilogy has been fantastic. What decisions went into the art direction?
I wanted to depict the characters as I envisioned them, to capture the image of the fierce fraigen dropper with his menacing mask and toothy tattoo, Christine with her ravishing red hair and piercing blue eyes, Lor Zeria with his sensuous mouth, and King Kynneth with a gloating glare in his eyes that could only mean trouble.
This being the third book in the Atriian Trilogy, how do you feel about the series coming to a close?
It’s been bittersweet. I’m afraid I’ve grown much too attached to many of the characters. It was a fantastic journey, and though there were horrific moments that broke my heart, I’m sorry to see it end.
Do you plan on continuing these characters in another series or are you working on something different?
Currently, I’m working on a completely different series, but one never knows. Mayhap somesol Becca and Bixten may have a tale to tell.
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Christine escaped Lor Zeria with her life and her child, but now she must face his brathern.
He is King Kynneth, hungry for power and bent on revenge. He means to rule the world of Atriia and to claim Christine as his own.
Will he conquer the world? Will he conquer Christine? Or does fate have other plans?
LITERARY TITAN 
