Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. In my life, I am a doting grandma to Emilia, Isla and Audrey and this book was written for them. In my work I am a teacher and one of the world’s foremost experts in metaphysical energy.
Back in 1990 my husband John and I made the heart-wrenching decision to leave our family and home in South Africa and emigrate to Canada. Our boys, Joel and Adam were six and four at the time. We followed the life truth that we couldn’t look back and threw ourselves into Canadian life with vigour. Being an immigrant is a unique experience with its own challenges and heartaches, as well as its daily victories. Through all the years of loneliness and being away from family, we kept our eye on the prize, which was giving our sons a safe and nurturing environment to grow up in.
This book brings to life and introduces a little part of South Africa to my granddaughters. This is our family heritage. Their fathers are 5th generation Africans and these girls have a little of the African bush that resides in their psyche.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Curious Cousins and the African Elephant Expedition”?
A2. The hardest part was choosing what to keep in the book, and what to save for the next one. I have now completed the manuscript for the second book in the series “The Curious Cousins and the African Unicorn Expedition” and this will be launched this year.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I am the author of more than 20 spiritual books. My favourite children’s book authors are Roberts Munsch and Dr. Seuss.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I feel that I do live in paradise, on the prairies in Western Canada, within an hours drive from the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Home is my favourite spot.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Curious Cousins and the African Elephant Expedition’?
A5. Two things, I wanted to introduce some of the principels of being a spiritual person to my girls, in a fun fictional setting. Things like dreaming, intentions, collaborating, connecting to the plants, animals and each other. I also wanted to remind these little Canadian girls that Africa is a big part of their heritage and who they are.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Curious Cousins and the African Elephant Expedition’?
A6. As with all of my books, both spiritual and children’s, once I get the idea, and get writing – it flows out easily and quickly. This book The Curious Cousins and the African Elephant Expedition took about 2 months to complete the manuscript.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Amazon and Ingram Spark for the printed and ebooks. Amazon ACX and most other places where you get your podcasts, for the audiobook.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Curious Cousins and the African Elephant Expedition’?
A8. This book is about Emilia Rose, Isla Mae and Audrey Jane making a trip to the African bush in their dreams, to learn more about the animals. They are three cousins, who are inherently curious and the elephant was the target of their expedition.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I allow myself to dream, to go wild, to write, write, write. Only in my re-read, do I allow myself to do any correcting and editing. I keep a notebook next to my bed for my overnight inspirations.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. Don’t edit too early on in the process. Stay centred, its your idea, go with it.
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