Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Iโm Dr. Cathy Rehfus-Wilsek, an author, global academic physician, and lifelong lover of stories that transport readers to new worlds. Iโm drawn to books with rich backstories and vibrant culturesโstories that donโt just tell a tale but invite readers to experience the world within them. That love influences my own writing, particularly in The Boven Naturals series, where themes of growth, connection, and diversity are central to the story. Food naturally finds its way into my books, not because itโs decorative, but because it reflects how we celebrate who we are and find common ground. Just as in real life, shared meals and traditions allow my characters to connect, build trust, and forge lasting bonds, even when their paths are challenging.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria?
A2. Writing Secrets of Zephyria was a journey in itself. One of the biggest challenges was crafting a sequel that not only built on the foundations of the first book but also set the stage for the rest of the series. Books 2 through 6 will each focus on one central characterโs growth, and in this book, Paigรฉ takes the spotlight. It was challenging to allow her story to develop organically while naturally leaving other characters in the background. This focus was necessary, but it required careful balancing to ensure the broader narrative remained cohesive. Allowing the story to unfold naturally brought its share of surprises, which were both rewarding and demanding. Ultimately, focusing deeply on one character while maintaining the larger arc made this book incredibly fulfilling to write.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. My influences include some of the great masters of fantasyโJ.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, and George R.R. Martin. From Tolkien, I learned the power of immersive worlds steeped in history and meaning. Robert Jordan taught me how to layer intricate storylines and characters so they feel alive and interconnected. Sandersonโs innovative magic systems inspire me to push boundaries and think creatively, and Martinโs morally complex, politically charged characters remind me that real growth often emerges from embracing both light and shadow. These authors have profoundly shaped my understanding of storytelling and world-building, and I strive to bring that same depth and authenticity to my own work.
Q4. Whatโs your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite place is Disney, a place that holds an eternal connection to my daughter, Paigรฉ, who passed away from leukemia at age nine in 1997. Disney was her happy place, where her imagination and joy came alive, and it became a space where we could escape into magical worlds together. For me, visiting Disney is a way to honor her memory and reconnect with the magic she saw in life.
Disney also shaped my understanding of storytellingโitโs where I realized that โhappily ever afterโ doesnโt always make a tale better. Sometimes, the most meaningful stories are those filled with challenges, loss, and bittersweet triumphs. These are the stories that stay with us, that shape who we are, and that remind us of the beauty in perseverance. That philosophy has become a cornerstone of my writing, where I strive to weave together magic, authenticity, and emotional truth.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria?
A5. The inspiration came from a deep fascination with how diversity, even when it creates tension, can ultimately become a source of strength. In The Boven Naturals series, the five species all share a common ancestor, yet their differencesโbe it in abilities, perspectives, or experiencesโare what drive the story forward and make them stronger together. This reflects what Iโve observed in life: that growth happens when we embrace what makes us unique and learn from one another.
On a personal level, my experiences in global health taught me the transformative power of collaboration. Every culture carries traditions, values, and strengths that, when shared, foster resilience and understanding. That philosophy is at the core of the seriesโan exploration of how unity magnifies individuality, and how even the most distinct paths can converge toward something greater.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria?
A6. The first draft came together quickly, flowing naturally from the foundation laid in Book 1. It took about two months to write as I filled in gaps and pushed the series forward. However, the editing process was far more intensive. I worked with a professional developmental editor over the course of six months to refine the narrative, deepen the characters, and enrich the world-building. That collaboration was invaluable in ensuring the story felt cohesive, meaningful, and ready to set the stage for the rest of the series.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria will soon be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly from my publisher at Kendall Hunt. Readers can choose from both paperback and eBook formats. For updates on availability, you can also visit my website at bovennaturals.com.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title The Boven Naturals: Secrets of Zephyria.
A8. The title reflects the central quest of the story: the search for the Ankh of Zephyria, the first of the Shadow Ankhs the five central characters are prophesied to find. Their journey takes them between two worldsโthe Boven Naturalsuniverse, where they live, and our realm, where the Ankh is hidden.
The book cover symbolizes this duality. It combines elements of the magical Boven Naturals universe with our world, specifically St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans. The cathedral anchors the story in a recognizable setting while hinting at the magical and mysterious nature of the Shadow Ankhs. Since I wasnโt able to find a cover designer, I worked with various AI software tools to bring this vision to life. The result captures the essence of the story, inviting readers to explore the connection between the two worlds and the deeper truths yet to be uncovered.
Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I let the story and characters evolve naturally. While I know the overarching arc of the series, I leave room for surprisesโmoments when characters reveal something unexpected or a twist emerges organically. That sense of discovery keeps the process exciting for me and ensures the story feels authentic for readers. The world of The Boven Naturals is also rich in detail and culture, offering endless opportunities to explore traditions, relationships, and challenges. Food, for instance, becomes a thread of connection and celebration, reflecting the beauty of diversity even in times of hardship.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
A10. I wasnโt necessarily given advice, but one of the most valuable lessons Iโve learned is to trust the story and let it unfold naturally. Itโs easy to get caught up in striving for perfection or trying to control every plot point, but Iโve found that the most meaningful moments happen when I allow the characters to lead me. Writing, for me, is as much about discovery as it is about storytelling. Embracing that process has made my stories richer, my characters more authentic, and the journey itself far more rewarding.
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