Interview with Serious Reading for Heavenly Bodyguards - Trainee in Action:
What makes this particular genre you are involved in so special?
I feel it is pretty unique. After so many great books about wizards and vampires I wanted to create a different story. I wanted to create something that is fiction, but could very well be true. I am a very religious person and believe in life after death. I often think about what happens to those who pass on.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Research needs to be done in some ways when writing about things that are not completely made up. That way it is more believable to the reader and it can help the author picture the story better. Heavenly Bodyguards – Trainee in Action plays in Scotland. I not only used the Internet for some research, I also used my own experience and memories for this book. I lived in Scotland for 19 months as a missionary for my church and some of the events and situations I described are actually things I experienced myself.
When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved writing. Even as a child I enjoyed creating little stories. I started writing more seriously as a teenager, but at that time I wrote pretty much just for myself. It was three years ago when my husband suggested I write a book. After finishing the trilogy, I felt like I wanted to share the story and my creation with the world.
What inspires you to write?
I have a pretty good imagination. Sometimes it’s a thought that I have, sometimes it’s an idea sparked by a book I’ve read or a movie I saw. I get inspired pretty easily. My mom is also a writer and has created a few wonderful books that made me fall in love with her characters. The books were written so lively and real that I could see it happening in front of my eyes.
How often do you write?
It depends really. Sometimes I can write for days and weeks nonstop, and other times I don’t write at all. I have a blog as well and I use that to express myself when I’m feeling a certain way about different topics or thoughts. It’s kind of therapy for me to get it out of my mind and off my chest.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?
I don’t have a schedule for writing. I write when I feel like it or have a thought in my head that I just can’t get rid of. And yes, I definitely write when I feel inspired.
How hard was it to sit down and actually start writing something?
It is usually pretty easy to start writing, at least for me. Once I have an idea, the story develops pretty quickly and gets better as I write it down. The hardest part for me is the ending for some weird reason and I get stuck on that a lot of the time.
Do you think writers have a normal life like others?
Definitely, although I think our brains might be more active and work harder in some ways. As a writer I see things with different eyes a lot of the time and can easily create my own dreams if I want to go that route.
Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
I actually do both. I like to set a plot once I have an idea of where I want to go with the story, but I also like to be flexible in case my thoughts change in the middle of writing the story. It is fun to see how a story goes one way and changes into a total different direction later on.
Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last?
Yes I have, and it is frustrating. Sometimes it hits you out of the blue and you get stuck for weeks and even months. Other times it is more a boredom thing because you feel burned out, run out of ideas and just don’t feel like writing anymore.
Do you proofread and edit your work on your own or pay someone to do it for you?
English is my second language, since I was born and raised in Germany, and so naturally I do need help with proofreading and editing. I do some of the editing at the beginning, but then I have to have someone else do the rest. At first I asked family and friends to help with the editing, but eventually I realized that I needed to find a professional editor and pay for the services because it wasn’t fair on those around me to use them and their time for free.
Do you read any of your own work?
Yes I do. I write my books in a way that I enjoy reading them myself. I love reading the stories again and again and visualize my characters and what they are experiencing.
Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
My writing style is a bit different because I prefer not to have every little detail described. I prefer reading books that give my imagination enough room to picture it myself and to create the story in my head in a way that it means something to me. So my writing style is that way, allowing the reader to picture things themselves. My books normally also have a bit of everything: drama, romance and humor. I like to make the reader think and be surprised. I also try to share some kind of message with the reader.
Do your novels carry a message?
Yes they do. I have a strong faith in God and I share a little bit of that in my novels. It’s not to preach, but to make people think. In my Heavenly Bodyguards trilogy I also address many different hot issues and try to share with the readers that tolerance is important. Tolerance does not mean we have to agree with the other person, but rather respect and accept them and their opinions. I also try to share the message of the importance of kindness and humor and how to deal with difficult situations.
How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I put a lot of myself in my books. Most of the time I picture myself as the main female character simply because it makes it easier for me to relate to her and other characters. I also put in my humor and life experiences. I have a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor and you can usually find that in my books. I have shared different things I have seen or experienced myself and that helps me bring certain emotions across because I know what the person in my book feels or is going through. I am also a very direct and straight forward person and you can find that in my novels as well.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes I have, and I also incorporate places that I have visited. I like doing that because it makes the story so much more real.
How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?
I see it as both actually. I write as a hobby, but I am definitely very passionate about the things I write. I just love putting my thoughts into words. I also express myself best in writing. Sometimes it is hard for me to say what I mean or feel, but I can always do that when I write it down.
Is it true that anyone can be a writer?
As long as the person loves writing and has the passion for it, I think anyone can be a writer. I also think a writer needs to have a love and passion for reading and should have a great imagination with the willingness to do as much research as required when trying to make a story as believable as possible.
Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
Yes they did, and it is a very frustrating and disheartening experience. It seems to me that publishers don’t really give first time authors a chance and that makes this whole process very difficult. Remembering that many famous authors were rejected too at first, keeps me going and stops me from giving up.
Do you reply back to your fans and admirers personally?
As a first-time author, my fans and admirers so far are mostly friends and family and a few others who have read my books. I love keeping in touch with people though, and so I would definitely take the time to reply to fans and admirers and thank them for their support. I think becoming prideful or forgetting fans is not a good move because without readers you couldn’t be a successful author.
Did the thought to give up writing ever occur to you?
Yes. When you get many different rejections, and you just know that the publishers didn’t even look at your work, you do come to a point when you just want to give up. I have had several times when I thought it is no use and I should just stop.
What makes this particular genre you are involved in so special?
I feel it is pretty unique. After so many great books about wizards and vampires I wanted to create a different story. I wanted to create something that is fiction, but could very well be true. I am a very religious person and believe in life after death. I often think about what happens to those who pass on.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Research needs to be done in some ways when writing about things that are not completely made up. That way it is more believable to the reader and it can help the author picture the story better. Heavenly Bodyguards – Trainee in Action plays in Scotland. I not only used the Internet for some research, I also used my own experience and memories for this book. I lived in Scotland for 19 months as a missionary for my church and some of the events and situations I described are actually things I experienced myself.
When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved writing. Even as a child I enjoyed creating little stories. I started writing more seriously as a teenager, but at that time I wrote pretty much just for myself. It was three years ago when my husband suggested I write a book. After finishing the trilogy, I felt like I wanted to share the story and my creation with the world.
What inspires you to write?
I have a pretty good imagination. Sometimes it’s a thought that I have, sometimes it’s an idea sparked by a book I’ve read or a movie I saw. I get inspired pretty easily. My mom is also a writer and has created a few wonderful books that made me fall in love with her characters. The books were written so lively and real that I could see it happening in front of my eyes.
How often do you write?
It depends really. Sometimes I can write for days and weeks nonstop, and other times I don’t write at all. I have a blog as well and I use that to express myself when I’m feeling a certain way about different topics or thoughts. It’s kind of therapy for me to get it out of my mind and off my chest.
Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?
I don’t have a schedule for writing. I write when I feel like it or have a thought in my head that I just can’t get rid of. And yes, I definitely write when I feel inspired.
How hard was it to sit down and actually start writing something?
It is usually pretty easy to start writing, at least for me. Once I have an idea, the story develops pretty quickly and gets better as I write it down. The hardest part for me is the ending for some weird reason and I get stuck on that a lot of the time.
Do you think writers have a normal life like others?
Definitely, although I think our brains might be more active and work harder in some ways. As a writer I see things with different eyes a lot of the time and can easily create my own dreams if I want to go that route.
Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
I actually do both. I like to set a plot once I have an idea of where I want to go with the story, but I also like to be flexible in case my thoughts change in the middle of writing the story. It is fun to see how a story goes one way and changes into a total different direction later on.
Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last?
Yes I have, and it is frustrating. Sometimes it hits you out of the blue and you get stuck for weeks and even months. Other times it is more a boredom thing because you feel burned out, run out of ideas and just don’t feel like writing anymore.
Do you proofread and edit your work on your own or pay someone to do it for you?
English is my second language, since I was born and raised in Germany, and so naturally I do need help with proofreading and editing. I do some of the editing at the beginning, but then I have to have someone else do the rest. At first I asked family and friends to help with the editing, but eventually I realized that I needed to find a professional editor and pay for the services because it wasn’t fair on those around me to use them and their time for free.
Do you read any of your own work?
Yes I do. I write my books in a way that I enjoy reading them myself. I love reading the stories again and again and visualize my characters and what they are experiencing.
Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
My writing style is a bit different because I prefer not to have every little detail described. I prefer reading books that give my imagination enough room to picture it myself and to create the story in my head in a way that it means something to me. So my writing style is that way, allowing the reader to picture things themselves. My books normally also have a bit of everything: drama, romance and humor. I like to make the reader think and be surprised. I also try to share some kind of message with the reader.
Do your novels carry a message?
Yes they do. I have a strong faith in God and I share a little bit of that in my novels. It’s not to preach, but to make people think. In my Heavenly Bodyguards trilogy I also address many different hot issues and try to share with the readers that tolerance is important. Tolerance does not mean we have to agree with the other person, but rather respect and accept them and their opinions. I also try to share the message of the importance of kindness and humor and how to deal with difficult situations.
How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I put a lot of myself in my books. Most of the time I picture myself as the main female character simply because it makes it easier for me to relate to her and other characters. I also put in my humor and life experiences. I have a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor and you can usually find that in my books. I have shared different things I have seen or experienced myself and that helps me bring certain emotions across because I know what the person in my book feels or is going through. I am also a very direct and straight forward person and you can find that in my novels as well.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes I have, and I also incorporate places that I have visited. I like doing that because it makes the story so much more real.
How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?
I see it as both actually. I write as a hobby, but I am definitely very passionate about the things I write. I just love putting my thoughts into words. I also express myself best in writing. Sometimes it is hard for me to say what I mean or feel, but I can always do that when I write it down.
Is it true that anyone can be a writer?
As long as the person loves writing and has the passion for it, I think anyone can be a writer. I also think a writer needs to have a love and passion for reading and should have a great imagination with the willingness to do as much research as required when trying to make a story as believable as possible.
Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
Yes they did, and it is a very frustrating and disheartening experience. It seems to me that publishers don’t really give first time authors a chance and that makes this whole process very difficult. Remembering that many famous authors were rejected too at first, keeps me going and stops me from giving up.
Do you reply back to your fans and admirers personally?
As a first-time author, my fans and admirers so far are mostly friends and family and a few others who have read my books. I love keeping in touch with people though, and so I would definitely take the time to reply to fans and admirers and thank them for their support. I think becoming prideful or forgetting fans is not a good move because without readers you couldn’t be a successful author.
Did the thought to give up writing ever occur to you?
Yes. When you get many different rejections, and you just know that the publishers didn’t even look at your work, you do come to a point when you just want to give up. I have had several times when I thought it is no use and I should just stop.
Interview with Serious Reading for Heavenly Bodyguards - Against All Evil:
2. Do your novels carry a message?
Yes they do. I try to carry the message of love, kindness and hope. I am very religious and so my main characters are usually people who believe in God, and that He is always there for us. I try to help readers understand that even though we all face trials and hard times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and those tough times and struggles help us to grow and become the person we are meant to become. Heavenly Bodyguards is also a story that speaks about the after-life and what I think could happen to those who pass on. I believe in “life after death”, and that we will see our loved ones again, and I like to think that we still have jobs to do when we get to the other side of the veil.
3. How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I usually create one of the characters that is a lot like me, even looks like me. It helps me picture the story better and I also love to experience the story as if I was the character. Imagination is a wonderful thing, and I love it when a story comes to life in my mind.
4. Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I definitely have. Heavenly Bodyguards has quite a few things from real life in it. Part one of my Heavenly Bodyguards trilogy plays in Scotland, and since I lived there for 19 months (years ago, I was a missionary for my church) I wrote about things I personally experienced and the places I visited. The same goes for my other books. I added conversations I had with someone about a certain subject, and little experiences from real life here and there.
5. How realistic are your books?
My stories are fiction, of course, but I try to make them as realistic and believable as possible. Like I said in one of the questions above, I believe in life after death and so Heavenly Bodyguards describes how I could picture our life to be, once we pass on to the other side. I also do a lot of research when it comes to my books, and the places my stories take place in. I want to have it as correct as possible, especially if it is about something or some place that exists in real life.
6. Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
The book I am currently writing may intrigue readers because it is a combination of two different worlds and times. I don’t even know how I came up with that idea, it just happened. I personally really love the story, and I am in the process of finishing it up.
7. It is often believed that almost all writers have had their hearts broken at some point in time, does that remain true for you as well?
Yes it does. For me it has happened in the past and continues to happen every so often. I am not even just talking about romantic love that breaks our hearts, but friends and relatives can do that too. I have been really disappointed and heartbroken with the lack of support I receive from those I care about. I feel like I am constantly bugging people about helping me spread the word (about my books), yet hardly anyone ever does. It is a frustrating and hurtful experience, but I guess it is hard for many to show passion and true interest in the success, talents and journey of someone else.
8. Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?
I am pretty lucky with my immediate family (in-laws included) and have a few people in my life that are very supportive and helpful. But the most supportive one would be my mom, because she knows the struggle of trying to encourage family and friends to advertise for her.
9. When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?
Not really. The idea of making writing a career, or full-time profession, came gradually over time when I realized how much writing means to me.
10. If given the opportunity to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?
I don’t think so. Maybe a few minor things, but I am quite happy with how my books have turned out and how the stories came together.
11. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The grammar aspects and proof reading are my biggest challenges. English is my second language and even though I am fluent in it, I make grammatical mistakes and don’t always see them either. It is getting better though, and for that I am very grateful.
12. Poets and writers in general, have a reputation of committing suicide; in your opinion, why is that the case?
I never heard that before, but coming to think of it, it could be because of constant rejection and criticism. I am not an expert on it, but I know how hard it is to be rejected, especially when it is something you are really passionate about. If a person can’t handle criticism and rejection very well, it can definitely make one very depressed. I know from my own experience that rejection is painful, and it does put me down, but I usually bounce back after a while and get my fighting spirit back. I imagine it to be harder if the rejection comes not only from strangers, but from loved ones as well.
13. Do you have a day job other than being a writer? And do you like it?
I am a wife and a mother, and yes I do like it. It gives me the freedom of being a creative writer because I don’t have a boss that expects me to finish deadlines and things like that.
14. Another misconception is that all writers are independently wealthy, how true is that?
I guess it really depends on the success of your books and how big your audience is. If you take J.K. Rowling as an example, she certainly is extremely wealthy and definitely deserves to be too. In her case her hard work really paid off and with her books being turned into movies, she has become one of the most known and accomplished authors.
15. From all that we have been hearing and seeing in the movies, most writers are alcoholics. Your views on that?
I doubt it is most writers. Some might have that problem, but movies like to exaggerate a lot of things and so we shouldn’t necessarily take their view on authors that serious. I would imagine that only those really struggle with alcoholism if they have problems besides their writing. Maybe they are in debt and just don’t know what to do anymore or how they can get out of it again. Drugs of any form are a coping mechanism for issues and problems, or seem like a solution when we try to ignore the actual problem.
16. How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?
I see it as a hobby and a passion. I think it has to be both in order to make a true difference. Writing as a hobby is possible and good, but without passion it will only get you so far.
17. People believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?
I think it can be because it is nice to be known and liked for what you do. We should not forget though, that being a published author is just like any other job. It is something we love, and are good at, but it doesn’t turn us into a more important person than someone else who isn’t a writer.
18. Do you like traveling or do you prefer staying indoors?
I am very much an indoor person, but I like traveling too. It all depends on my mood and where I am (or where I am going) as well as the timing. If you are on vacation at the ocean, during rain and storm season, I would imagine staying indoors is the thing to do, but everything has its perfect timing even if you are mostly an indoor person.
19. Is it true that authors write word-perfect first drafts?
I highly doubt that. Those who do, are beyond amazing and probably do some serious proofreading and editing while they are writing the draft.
20. Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
Yes. I am still in search of finding a great publisher that will give me a chance. It is so hard to be a first-time author. It seems that most publishers only seem to take on those who are already known, which is kind of ironic come to think of it. I mean, how can you be a known writer, if nobody gives you a chance as a first-time author?
21. How does it feel when you don’t get the recognition you deserve?
It hurts! It is disappointing and frustrating and it is unfair. That being said, it could also be seen as a challenge to work harder and to not give up no matter how many obstacles are put into your way.
22. Do you reply back to your fans and admirers personally?
I try to do that, yes. I think it is important that we interact with our fans and audience because we wouldn’t be where we are without them. I am still at the beginning of the life of being an author, but my goal is to always do my best to reply to fans and admirers (even if I would get to a point of real fame) because, again, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
23. Have any of your books been adapted into a feature film?
I wish! 😉 I could definitely see my books as movies, but in order to have that happen, I need to find the right people who can make that happen. My youngest son just finished my first two Heavenly Bodyguards novels and after he was done with part one, he said: “Mama your book is so great, they should make that into a movie!” Probably one of the best compliments you can get from someone, especially your children.
- Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
2. Do your novels carry a message?
Yes they do. I try to carry the message of love, kindness and hope. I am very religious and so my main characters are usually people who believe in God, and that He is always there for us. I try to help readers understand that even though we all face trials and hard times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and those tough times and struggles help us to grow and become the person we are meant to become. Heavenly Bodyguards is also a story that speaks about the after-life and what I think could happen to those who pass on. I believe in “life after death”, and that we will see our loved ones again, and I like to think that we still have jobs to do when we get to the other side of the veil.
3. How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I usually create one of the characters that is a lot like me, even looks like me. It helps me picture the story better and I also love to experience the story as if I was the character. Imagination is a wonderful thing, and I love it when a story comes to life in my mind.
4. Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I definitely have. Heavenly Bodyguards has quite a few things from real life in it. Part one of my Heavenly Bodyguards trilogy plays in Scotland, and since I lived there for 19 months (years ago, I was a missionary for my church) I wrote about things I personally experienced and the places I visited. The same goes for my other books. I added conversations I had with someone about a certain subject, and little experiences from real life here and there.
5. How realistic are your books?
My stories are fiction, of course, but I try to make them as realistic and believable as possible. Like I said in one of the questions above, I believe in life after death and so Heavenly Bodyguards describes how I could picture our life to be, once we pass on to the other side. I also do a lot of research when it comes to my books, and the places my stories take place in. I want to have it as correct as possible, especially if it is about something or some place that exists in real life.
6. Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
The book I am currently writing may intrigue readers because it is a combination of two different worlds and times. I don’t even know how I came up with that idea, it just happened. I personally really love the story, and I am in the process of finishing it up.
7. It is often believed that almost all writers have had their hearts broken at some point in time, does that remain true for you as well?
Yes it does. For me it has happened in the past and continues to happen every so often. I am not even just talking about romantic love that breaks our hearts, but friends and relatives can do that too. I have been really disappointed and heartbroken with the lack of support I receive from those I care about. I feel like I am constantly bugging people about helping me spread the word (about my books), yet hardly anyone ever does. It is a frustrating and hurtful experience, but I guess it is hard for many to show passion and true interest in the success, talents and journey of someone else.
8. Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?
I am pretty lucky with my immediate family (in-laws included) and have a few people in my life that are very supportive and helpful. But the most supportive one would be my mom, because she knows the struggle of trying to encourage family and friends to advertise for her.
9. When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?
Not really. The idea of making writing a career, or full-time profession, came gradually over time when I realized how much writing means to me.
10. If given the opportunity to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?
I don’t think so. Maybe a few minor things, but I am quite happy with how my books have turned out and how the stories came together.
11. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The grammar aspects and proof reading are my biggest challenges. English is my second language and even though I am fluent in it, I make grammatical mistakes and don’t always see them either. It is getting better though, and for that I am very grateful.
12. Poets and writers in general, have a reputation of committing suicide; in your opinion, why is that the case?
I never heard that before, but coming to think of it, it could be because of constant rejection and criticism. I am not an expert on it, but I know how hard it is to be rejected, especially when it is something you are really passionate about. If a person can’t handle criticism and rejection very well, it can definitely make one very depressed. I know from my own experience that rejection is painful, and it does put me down, but I usually bounce back after a while and get my fighting spirit back. I imagine it to be harder if the rejection comes not only from strangers, but from loved ones as well.
13. Do you have a day job other than being a writer? And do you like it?
I am a wife and a mother, and yes I do like it. It gives me the freedom of being a creative writer because I don’t have a boss that expects me to finish deadlines and things like that.
14. Another misconception is that all writers are independently wealthy, how true is that?
I guess it really depends on the success of your books and how big your audience is. If you take J.K. Rowling as an example, she certainly is extremely wealthy and definitely deserves to be too. In her case her hard work really paid off and with her books being turned into movies, she has become one of the most known and accomplished authors.
15. From all that we have been hearing and seeing in the movies, most writers are alcoholics. Your views on that?
I doubt it is most writers. Some might have that problem, but movies like to exaggerate a lot of things and so we shouldn’t necessarily take their view on authors that serious. I would imagine that only those really struggle with alcoholism if they have problems besides their writing. Maybe they are in debt and just don’t know what to do anymore or how they can get out of it again. Drugs of any form are a coping mechanism for issues and problems, or seem like a solution when we try to ignore the actual problem.
16. How do you see writing? As a hobby or a passion?
I see it as a hobby and a passion. I think it has to be both in order to make a true difference. Writing as a hobby is possible and good, but without passion it will only get you so far.
17. People believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?
I think it can be because it is nice to be known and liked for what you do. We should not forget though, that being a published author is just like any other job. It is something we love, and are good at, but it doesn’t turn us into a more important person than someone else who isn’t a writer.
18. Do you like traveling or do you prefer staying indoors?
I am very much an indoor person, but I like traveling too. It all depends on my mood and where I am (or where I am going) as well as the timing. If you are on vacation at the ocean, during rain and storm season, I would imagine staying indoors is the thing to do, but everything has its perfect timing even if you are mostly an indoor person.
19. Is it true that authors write word-perfect first drafts?
I highly doubt that. Those who do, are beyond amazing and probably do some serious proofreading and editing while they are writing the draft.
20. Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
Yes. I am still in search of finding a great publisher that will give me a chance. It is so hard to be a first-time author. It seems that most publishers only seem to take on those who are already known, which is kind of ironic come to think of it. I mean, how can you be a known writer, if nobody gives you a chance as a first-time author?
21. How does it feel when you don’t get the recognition you deserve?
It hurts! It is disappointing and frustrating and it is unfair. That being said, it could also be seen as a challenge to work harder and to not give up no matter how many obstacles are put into your way.
22. Do you reply back to your fans and admirers personally?
I try to do that, yes. I think it is important that we interact with our fans and audience because we wouldn’t be where we are without them. I am still at the beginning of the life of being an author, but my goal is to always do my best to reply to fans and admirers (even if I would get to a point of real fame) because, again, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
23. Have any of your books been adapted into a feature film?
I wish! 😉 I could definitely see my books as movies, but in order to have that happen, I need to find the right people who can make that happen. My youngest son just finished my first two Heavenly Bodyguards novels and after he was done with part one, he said: “Mama your book is so great, they should make that into a movie!” Probably one of the best compliments you can get from someone, especially your children.