Why did I write this book? While in fashion school, I took a mythology class one summer and the final project was to write my own myth. Most of the class wrote adult short stories, but Willow called to me instead. As I finalized the story, my mind kept going to Alice in Wonderland. A young, girl finds herself on an unexpected journey, meeting strange and unusual characters, is given things, and is generally confused during the whole thing. She wanted so very badly to get to another place, away from home…only to want to return home back to the familiarity of her family once she’s there. Yet she gains experience (and a sort of magic) and returns home a different person. I feel like The Wizard of Oz also has the same feeling. Alice, Dorothy, and Willow are all transformed from curious, frightened girls into knowing confident ladies who can face anything (for the most part).
Why did I choose to self publish? I chose to self-publish because I wanted to create the vision I have had for this story since she came to me. I had always admired my pal Yuansterday’s brilliant illustrations and was sad to learn that I wouldn’t have control over who illustrated my Willow or the wording of the book had I decided to go the traditional route of publishing. I am so happy to be able to actualize my own dreamy vision of the book.
Who are my favorite authors? L. Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll, Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Emily Martin, Roald Dahl, V.C. Andrews, Dr. Suess, Louis Sachar, Shel Silverstein
What is a neat fact you learned while writing the book? In writing Willow, I wanted to make sure that I embraced the different personalities of the various animals and to ensure that the crystals were meant for the right purposes as our hero gained perspective...I actually walked around my house looking at my own crystal stash finding the right ones that felt right for the story. And when I found them, I knew exactly how they could help our Willow.
How has writing influenced your spiritual journey? I guess it has helped me to see that everything I need is really deep inside me, inside each of us. We just need to have faith.
Are there hidden meanings in your books? If so, what are they and why did you choose to write about those issues? I do nothing in this life if it doesn’t feel authentic to me. As a very sensitive person who feels like such an outsider in social settings, it felt like the only way to go. A story about a sensitive girl who learns to believe in herself. A life lesson we all need sometimes. Repeatedly.
What need does my book provide to my readers? Self confidence. Tools to get our sensitive, and non-sensitive, children and adults through life. Often times all we need is a good talk, a a good thought, and a good talisman to get through the day. To get through life. We’ve got this!
What would you choose as your avatar/mascot? A four-leaf clover. A sad four-leaf clover. I am the founding member of the ‘Sad Luck Club’ after all.
When you’re not writing or working, what do you like to do? I’m always researching or reading something (usually nonfiction). Real life fascinates me because it’s essentially where fiction comes from. We take bits of reality mixed with pieces of fantasy and it’s always most interesting to see where the two meet. I also enjoy music, creating stuff out of other stuff, video games, and hanging out with my family.
What’s next for you? What is your next project? I have a few different ideas rolling around in my head, the most significant one being a graphic novel. It’s happening!!
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