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Sometimes a Story Writes Itself
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup takes readers on an intergalactic adventure with Dave as he discovers a magical realm of connection, wisdom, and playful oddities, guided by a quirky green ape. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup, the third installment of the wondrous Superconscious Dave series, the story takes an unexpected turn, leading readers on a journey far beyond the initial scope of a simple origin story.
Originally this book was to be Superconscious Dave’s origin story. But sometimes a story writes itself and creates something completely different to what you originally had imagined. So I went with it.
Guided by curiosity and an insatiable desire to uncover the mysteries of existence, Dave delves into the wonders beyond our world, exploring concepts that connect us all through time and space.
Dave’s past adventures have seen him traveling to Australia in his star car and venturing back to ancient Egypt.
In Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup this time, Dave embarks on a multi-dimensional exploration that transcends our understanding of the universe.
This story navigates the vast and interconnected expanse of the cosmos, uncovering truths that challenge our perception of reality.
What inspired the creation of the “Sea of Ying and Yang” and its fantastical elements?
As a medium, I know we are eternal beings, but no one really knows what existence is like beyond death other than the fact that we can continue to have a mind to mind connection with our loved ones.
As we are all energy, we simply change forms because as we know energy can never be destroyed but can change forms.
The Sea of Ying and Yang represents a multiple perspective of things.
The higher, the lower, the opposites of things. We have all heard of the saying ‘as below and so above. As above, so below’ and this is what I wanted the illustrations to reflect. It’s an adult concept portrayed in fun and playful illustrations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Magic, mysticism, wonder, exploration, curiosity, and specifically interconnectedness – a collective consciousness that we are all a part of.
Understanding that we are all connected brings a different perspective of how we live in life. How we interact with each other and the flow on effect of our decisions not only to ourselves but to others and ultimately, everything.
What was your collaboration process like with the illustrator to bring your vision to life?
Fun, challenging, and imaginative.
If I showed you my first attempt of what Dave would look like, you would laugh and wonder how a gifted illustrator could create something so magical from a rough drawing and a few descriptive details about Superconscious Dave. But Sue (Susan) did. She is a creative genius.
It helped that Sue and I have been friends for many years, so we already knew how each other worked.
Sue was very patient with me and asked all the right questions and was super keen to create amazing illustrations that I saw in my head but couldn’t visually show her. It was a trial-and-error process.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
on his magical quests,
where imagination thrives,
and dreams are blessed.
For Superconscious Dave.
the enigmatic star.
offers a journey like no other.
from near to far.
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup is an imaginative children’s tale about an intergalactic adventurer, Dave, who zips through space and stumbles upon a fantastical realm known as the “sea of Ying and Yang.” Guided by a quirky green ape, Dave explores this whimsical world filled with magic, oddities, and the “collective soup,” an ethereal space of connection and wisdom. With its rhyming narrative and playful illustrations, the book invites young readers to ponder big ideas about curiosity, connection, and the unknown.
I loved the energy of this children’s book. The rhyming verses added a delightful rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Lines like “He travelled very fast, and disappeared without a trace” whisked me right into Dave’s speedy star car. The creativity behind a “milky white soup” and a giant green ape shaking his tree was pure gold. It’s like the author reached into a dreamscape and pulled out the best parts to share.
The story shines brightest in its subtle messages. When the green ape introduces Dave to the superconscious collective, I found myself pondering its deeper meaning. It’s a charming way to introduce kids to abstract concepts like mindfulness and interconnectedness. The moment Dave realized he could manifest answers by closing his eyes was a standout scene. It’s not just whimsical; it’s empowering. Susan Buik’s illustrations match the playful tone of the writing. The gel-like bubbles and pink skies are just as captivating as the text describes.
Superconscious Dave and the Collective Soup is a delightful read for kids brimming with curiosity and imagination. It’s perfect for bedtime stories, especially for young dreamers aged 4 to 8 who love zany adventures. Adults reading along might even find themselves drawn into its playful pondering of the infinite.
Pages: 27 | ASIN: B0CSYBSF9J
LITERARY TITAN 