What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?
A few things: This book takes a fairly straightforward approach to the
harder themes of intolerance, loss and redemption, and ultimately
affirms the contradictory nature of our experiences and relationships.
It seeks to shed further light on the humanity of persons with physical
and mental special needs. We need not treat these persons exceedingly
different. We need not avoid interaction or conversation with persons
having experienced loss. The answer in all of our interactions with
persons (or beings) different than us lay in presence, which really is
anathema to ignorance and intolerance. I want to affirm this natural
mindset for my young readers.
Additionally, this book tilts more in the direction of prominent male characters,
including the main character Buzz, and in a more subtle, understated
role, his father. The casting of these male characters is, of course,
intentional. It will hopefully draw in greater interest by boys who may
otherwise trend away from literature in the pre-adolescent years. It
captures some of the playfully derisive quality of interactions among
young boys while steering back into the direction of cultivating and
validating boys’ emotional terrains. The father represents an
emotionally available, nurturing parent; a stark departure from the
buffoonish, irresponsible depiction of dads all too prevalent in today’s
media. We need more models of effective loving fathers today, for both
our sons and daughters.
Do you have any other books currently available?
I have an earlier self published book, entitled Alphatorts: With X-tra
Yummy Zucchinis, also available on Amazon.com This book is a playful
antidote to the erosion of our language skills that is paralleling our
deeper immersion into technology with its accompanying language
shortcuts (lol, omg, idk, etc)
What will you be working on next?
I’ve already finished the second Goodwill Vultures Club book. This one
extends the narrative begun in the first book, and has the two dogs in a
more prominent role. It highlights pet therapy/service animals in
conjunction with illustrating the impact of war on returning military
vets and their families. This sounds like a heavier theme, but the book
respectfully remains true to the balance of lightness and churn
characterized in the first book. I definitely want to strike the
balance between fun and entertainment with education.
How did you originally get into writing?
According to my father, I’ve been a natural storyteller going all the way back to
age 3. I’ve always had the desire, and actually began to dabble more
in writing in my 20’s. Family life and career demands pulled me away,
until just a few years ago. In addition to the fun and joy I experience
in the whole process, I also find it to be very therapeutic for me to
write. It’s actually a great de-stressor (deadlines notwithstanding!)
What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
The creative process, wherein I have a general idea before I begin, but
once into the piece, it seems to partner with me in creating itself.
It’s a blast to see it unfold before my eyes in real time. There are
always surprises.
What do you find hardest about being a writer?
Turning off the inner critic that wants to write the perfect phrase or sentence
in the initial draft. It’s very freeing to remember that I can just
write and know that I will come back to edit and improve upon what I
have.
Who or what would you count as your main influence?
There are many that inspire me. Most animals do. Even as they follow their
instinctual drives, the consistency of their character is endlessly
refreshing. And with most mammals, there is great capacity for
connection. Not coincidentally, a number of the human animals that
influence me share the kindred spirit with animals. This includes my
mother, who is now deceased but was an avid reader and writer herself,
Jane Goodall, Barbara Kingsolver and Diane Ackerman. From the
perspective of writing for children, Judy Blume has long been a highly
admired and dominant influence for me.
What do you enjoy reading?
Personally, I enjoy non-fiction essays, memoirs and biographies. I’m currently
reading An American Childhood by Annie Dillard. I read Pilgrim at
Tinker Creek years ago and enjoyed it immensely.
Who is your favorite author?
Ohh, that is so hard to say. If I say
JudyBlumeBarbaraKingsolverDianeAckermanMarkTwainSueMonkKidd without
leaving any space between them, does that count as one?
What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?
Thank you for the easiest question to follow the toughest. A home in the
North Carolina Mountains with my laptop. I would write indoors to avoid
the computer screen glare, but would be next to a window with a
stunning view. I would take frequent breaks to meander outdoors while
drinking in nature’s solitude.
