1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better. I am an Army Veteran, having served ten years and reaching the rank of Captain in Military Intelligence. I have been teaching for over 20 years, from elementary to university level. My discipline has been Special Education and English. I have one son, whom I’m very proud of, and who is currently serving this country in the Army. I absolutely love gardening and have a happy, although very overrun garden, which I enjoy watching grow. I am a Trekie and enjoy going to the annual Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, NV each year. I have two dogs, both named after Star Trek characters – Data and Saru.
2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Tempus Fugit! Time Flies”?
During my youth, I would often hear Latin phrases as a way to pass on wisdom to me. Once such a phrase was tempus fugit – time flies. Children of all ages seem to struggle with the concept of putting first-things-first. They usually believe there is always time to get things done, but in truth, time flies and oftentimes, there is not enough time to complete all tasks, such as homework and chores. My son is my inspiration for this book, EJ. He was a carefree child, who was so happy and believed he could get his homework and chores done after play. Oftentimes, his response to me when I would remind him of tasks to be completed was, “No problem. I got this!” He eventually learned that this was not always the case and the need to put first things first became evident.
3. When did you realize you want to be an author?
As a child, I loved reading and entertaining the imagined worlds the words took me, and understood the power of the written word. I have been writing stories and poems from early childhood. My dream continues to be able to touch many hearts with my words, and perhaps, pass on life lessons.
4. Please tell us something about your book “Tempus Fugit! Time Flies”?
EJ looked stunned. He had put off completing his project and had forgotten that he still had the presentation to do, and it was due tomorrow! He knew if he didn’t complete the assignment, he would not have the grade he was hoping for, and his mother would be very disappointed. The reader will see that it is better to put first things first as the main character, EJ, eventually learns this important lesson. EJ always feels that he will have time to get things done…later. Even after missing the bus, forgetting to do chores, and letting down his best friend, Juan, EJ does not learn his lesson. Finally, after feeling that he let his mother down, EJ learns that time does indeed fly and it is better to have a plan and complete tasks as they come along, rather than wait until the last minute to get things done.This is a book that I hope sibling will pass on to sibling as they learn the importance of not procrastinating.
5. For which age group is your book “Tempus Fugit! Time Flies” suitable for?
I wrote this book for elementary-aged students to help teach them this valuable lesson at a young age, so that they may realize early on that Tempus Fugit! -time flies, so put first things first!
6. What is your favorite Quote?
To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions. Benjamin Franklin.
7. What do you like the most about your country?
I like that no matter who you are, the country still offers an idealist possibility that one can achieve their dream.
8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
As a parent and educator, it is vital to have books and reading material available to children. I was always saddened when students would tell me they had no books at home. I used to have my son read everything he saw when driving to the store. Reading must be part of children’s daily life. Remember, children should learn to read by the third grade; then they read to learn for the rest of their education.
9. What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success would be for my books to be on bookshelves when I walk into a book store. I want my name to be synonymous with children’s book author, kind of like Dr. Seuss!
10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
All that I do is for my son. I want to show him through my own actions that he should always pursue his dreams… no matter how long it may take.
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