Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family follows generations of Gulumians and their perseverance, strength, and hope as immigrants to the United States. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

This historical fiction trilogy tells the story of the Armenian side of my family. Initially, I was inspired to write it to capture the heritage for future generations. Once the first book “Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear” came out, I quickly learned that the story brought a great deal of information and inspiration to a far wider audience.

Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?

I felt blessed to be able to write books 1 and 2 in the trilogy around facts that were shared with me by the people who lived through the various events. For example, I learned things I had not previously known, such as the fact that my mother nearly died as a preschooler due to a severe, but undiagnosed ear infection. Surprises were also inevitable as I researched the various times and events to ensure historical integrity. Not wanting to be a total spoiler for events in the book, I will share one. My great-grandmother and my grandfather were indeed marked for deportation at Ellis Island due to a powerful language barrier. I had heard this when I was young and had included it in the book. Finding the actual records for this and other events proved very emotionally moving for me.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Themes in the trilogy focus on family, faith, love, and perseverance. Having always presumed that my family and ancestors lived typical, normal lives, I learned that “typical” just may mean extraordinary. Every love story contains drama, heartache, and blessings, if we dare to delve in and learn. The perseverance theme was also meaningful to me. With so much divisiveness and war and seemingly ceaseless examples of man’s inhumanity to man, bigotry, and intolerance continuing all around the world, I hope readers will appreciate the subtle but consistent message that my grandfather lived and taught… that we can and must do better. We need to forgive our human weaknesses, but we also live far better lives, when we make calm decisions and learn to respond, rather than react to the bitter challenges that may be thrown in our paths.

What is the next book in the series that you are working on about, and when will it be available?

I have absolutely no idea how to be bored, as I am regularly working on 2-3 books at a time. Currently, I am hard at work recording and producing the audiobook of “Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family.” The next book will be the Destiny trilogy’s conclusion, which will be released in late summer, 2023. I also have a few more food-oriented projects in the works as well as a couple of mysteries. I keep hoping for that elusive 48-hour day!

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