About

Q.  Why did you start writing stories for children and adults?

I feel it is important to create more stories and books that encourage and teach foundational values and skills, such as creativity, imagination, friendship, and humour. I feel we need more stories that provide an example for children of how to behave in positive, funny, and original ways. I wanted to create content that would provide an opportunity for adults to work together with children on developing their personalities. I feel it is crucial to continuously help children develop into people who can create a positive life for themselves and their environment. 

It is very important for me that every story or book I write will also deliver a message to the reader, or exemplify certain important values. Through my stories, I am trying to promote mutual support, teamwork, and friendship, while igniting the imagination. I want to encourage love for people, animals, and nature. My children’s stories are also aimed at the adults reading them and can help raise awareness. They are a place to give guidance and show an example of how to behave in relationships and as a family for all ages. 

My writing is often a reflection of my life experiences and feelings. Within that, I try to bring humour and love, and show appreciation for people as they are.

Q.  Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

I get inspiration for my stories from real-life situations that I experience or observe. For example, one of my stories began as my attempt to help my youngest son when he was very sick. I felt I needed to invent something that would distract his mind from his runny nose and fever. I also tried to show him that there are people in worse situations than his. When I see children who hit each other or are unable to play together peacefully, it inspires me to invent stories and games that encourage cooperation, teamwork, and friendship. 

I am also personally inspired by various phenomena in nature, such as the courage and bravery found in even the smallest of animals. I saw a good example of this in my own backyard. One day, my cat had got up on the roof and set her eyes on a bird that was up there, too. This bird, who was much smaller than the cat, began flying and diving towards the cat to try and scare it away. The bird had a nest in a tree nearby and was trying to protect it. For me, this was an amazing example of bravery. This bird was much weaker and smaller than my cat, but fearlessly dove constantly at the cat and blocked her from moving forward towards the tree. Only when I took the cat away did the bird calm down and stop.

 Question: What are some of your favorite hobbies and things you like to do?

I try to be involved in many different creative activities that contribute to others and myself. I enjoy playing music with my family and other musicians. I like teaching people of all ages how to drum. I like creating cooperative games and playing these games with others. I like reading and telling stories to my grandchildren and building outdoor structures with them. I enjoy both gardening and growing indoor plants that I give to people as gifts. I like working with my hands and enjoy woodworking projects. I like practicing mime and creating puppet theatres. I like reading and listening to people while making sure I stay humble. I like to share my experience with people in the hopes that it can help them in their life and relationships.

Q: What type of music do you like?

I like music and songs with faster-moving rhythms which have optimistic messages and positive energy. Some specific bands I like are the Gypsy Kings, The Beatles, Queen, Santana, the Mamas and the Papas, and Pink Floyd. I feel that music is special because it can connect people who don’t speak the same language when they play together.

Q: What kinds of books do you like?

I like books about nature, animals, and plants. I like biographies and autobiographies, specifically about important people who have contributed to science. I like books about science, history, engineering, architecture, and humour. I also like books that teach outdoor and bushcraft skills and how to respond to emergencies.

Q: What is your vision for the world?

My vision for the world is that people will contribute to each other and help those around them grow. That people will be humble and deflate their egos. My vision is to have a world with much more teamwork, peace, and friendship; where people don’t step on each other and don’t need to progress at the expense of others. A world where people have more self-awareness and are connected to nature and respect it.