The Given follows a young woman who is sent to a special establishment to rehabilitate, but navigating her own trauma is difficult in a place filled with volatile people. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

As an empathetic individual, I’ve always struggled with the injustice that occurs in our world. Despite those who inflict pain, terror and destruction, there are always those who are ready to light the way for the fallen, who selflessly go above and beyond to lend a helping hand – the never ending saga of ‘Good Versus Evil’. That was the initial set up for THE GIVEN – and of course, a colourful cast of lively individuals who explore their own roads to healing and recovery as they develop trust and form solid friendships; despite the trauma they have experienced. That’s what heals us all, in the end. Friendship and love. And that is what I wanted to fill The Given with, strong, resilient characters that no matter their past, were able to overcome the abuse inflicted upon them, and step towards a brighter future, if they believed they could have it.

Lilliana is an intriguing character that I enjoyed following. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?

I’m a big believer on the power of a positive mindset, and the belief that with practice and setting an intention for our own lives, we can overcome any problem and reach for an abundant life filled with goodness, dear friends and healthy relationships. Our past – no matter what has hurt us or tried to cripple us…we can overcome it. We deserve that as decent humans, here for such a short time. I wanted to gift the reader with a protagonist who, despite all the hardships and trauma she endured, she still remained a loving, giving individual, who wanted to help those who had also suffered. Be a light and a friend to those in need, and not allow her past to twist her into an angry victim, but to allow her to shine and be that strong survivor, with a large, loving heart.

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

The themes that were most important for me to explore, whilst creating such a vivid world as The Given, were topics of mental health, resilience, courage, friendships, love and the healing benefits of animals and nature.

This is book one of The Given Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?

Readers can certainly expect a lot more romance in book two, as Lilliana and all o her friends mature, as the years go by. There will always be external sources that trickle into life at The Given, creating drama and unseen complications for our cast to explore and overcome as they navigate their increasingly busy lives, whilst juggling their friendships and hurdles that life at The Given constantly throw their way. Book two of The Given Trilogy, Dark Angel, certainly delivers more action and thought provoking scenes that set up an explosive conclusion in the third book, The Guardian.

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