https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1914497007/
Looks like a great book!
What can you tell us about it?
Cookie and Mum have joined Dad in England. It's
different to Trinidad, but they're together as a family. Home life is
everything Cookie was hoping for. But one day things become different. Her parents
start arguing and Cookie wants to keep Mum and Dad happy despite being caught
in the middle. There are more and more fights and ultimately the family
separates. Life changes, but Cookie learns that Dad will always be in her
heart.
Any plans to turn it into a series?
Yes,
there will be a series featuring other experiences Cookie encounters and
overcomes with Jesus throughout her life, such as reunions with siblings,
overcoming fear and much more.
What motivated you to write the book?
As
a child, one of my dreams was to become a Writer, I even studied a degree in
Journalism. The cause of action of this
book is that there is a smaller market of non-fiction books for children which
focus on serious topics.
Often
parents struggle to discuss certain topics with children, or to find the right support. My book is a tool
for those conversations to support families across the world, even though it
has a Christian message my desire is for them to reach non-Christian families to
provide faith and hope.
Non - fiction books like mine are often written by Psychologists, Doctors or Teachers etc. I wanted to write my book from a lived experience perspective rather than, an observational or secondary viewpoint.
How did you come up with the title for the book?
The title of the book is something my Dad said which I held unto as a child during the time of separation. He wanted me to know that no mattered what happened I will always be in his heart.
What inspired the idea for the book?
Reading
over my old journals initiated the starting point for this book, so much has
happened over my life, but my relationship with my parents is the basis of all
the relationships I have. Writing about my Dad was also a personal message to
him that despite all that happened, the years of distance and misunderstandings
- I forgive him for not playing the role I expected of him.
How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or
books are you similar too?
I
have been told my writing style is quite emotive and direct. Personally I would
say my style might come across as simple, for me this is important so it’s
easily understood. As adults we can complicate things, but this book is
uncomplicated to help learn life lessons for such experiences.
What challenges did you overcome
in the writing this book?
This
book is based on a true story - my story. Through the writing process I relived
childhood memories which were forgotten, bittersweet memories which took me on
a journey of exploring the period of my life afresh. It uncovered hidden things
within my heart and mind, and further areas to forgive in. This led to conversations with my parents,
particularly with my Dad to genuinely practice the forgiveness spoken of within
the book, which isn’t a one time thing.
If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why
should it be yours?
Read
this to take a trip down memory lane, of your childhood, some of the best
moments of your life. Explore the highs of moving to a new country, being
reunited with family and rebuilding life with Cookie. Everyday we learn
something new, the lesson of this book is forgiveness which is available to all
through Jesus, who gave us an example to follow. Follow in the lesson of
forgiveness with Cookie.
Where can readers find out more about your work?