River follows a young boy with a unique lineage who has big dreams and learns how to navigate challenging situations and how he can impact the world and people around him. What was the inspiration for your story?

My struggles in my life and the struggle of finding success writing children’s books, novels, music, establishing a brand, and running a business. I’ve written fifteen children’s books to date. Three have been released. I hope to continue releasing one a year in the future. My first novel will be released this year. I released an album, CITY, under my own label, Climax Records, Inc. in 2005. I’ve produced music videos, written hundreds of songs, and yet I may not reach the level of success I dream of, despite talent, hard work, and perseverance. But I want to ensure I pass down all the knowledge and experience I’ve learned to my sons. I want them to know that sometimes what they want is not meant to be, regardless of the work put in. It does not mean you are a failure, because success can not be achieved without failure, learning from your mistakes, and applying those lessons in the future.

The art in this book brings the story to life, drawing children into the story and helping them relate to Renly. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Jordan Pizzuti?

I have been very fortunate to have Jordan on my team. I’ve learned through my music collaborations that when you’re working with professionals, they need little direction. So our collaboration process is simple. I give her the story and let her have free rain to create the vision that she sees. I do this because sometimes, an outside perspective can see aspects of a story the creator can’t and come up with something better. Jordan is great at that.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

1. Never give up on a dream: When you’re tired and you want to quit, rest, but don’t stop. What you’re looking for might be closer than you think. So I want children to listen to their hearts, follow their dreams, and not let others steal their enthusiasm.
2. Sacrifice: But that means working harder and risking more than others to achieve your dream.
3. Family: Renly could have never strived for his dreams without the encouragement of his mother, the values she instilled in him, and the generations that came before him to lay down a path to reach success.

Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?

So the next book is not a continuation of RIVER, but another story about a mother and son called, LONG, LONG TIME. That will be a sing-a-long book, which will be my second that I’ve released so far. Here is an excerpt of the story:

She drove home in the pouring rain.
I knocked on the window and called her name.
She came in. She looked so tired.
She said to me, “Baby, I need to rest a while.”

Now I can’t keep pretending that she’ll be ok.
But I don’t want to believe what I’m trying to say.
In my heart something tells me she’s losing this war.

I don’t know how long she’ll hold on.
I pray that I’m wrong.
And she’ll be here a long, long time…

You can read excerpts from all seven of my upcoming books at my website under the “READ” section. My first novel, THE WHITE, will be released this year, HALLOWEEN 2024.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website