Finishing my middle grade trilogy of this amazing young lady and her loyal friend was a highlight of my writing career. Back in 2007, when I first conceived the idea of introducing young readers to this girl/queen, I never imagined that she and Cedwyn would soar to such heights. Throughout the trilogy, readers have experienced the two's highs and lows. While their decisions weren't always the best, each made those decisions with the best of intentions. And didn't (and don't) we all do that growing up? I won't tell you how their stories end, but I will tell you that you will be on the edge of your seat wringing your hands and wiping your tears.
And now,
Welcome to Carpinello's Writing Pages where I introduce you to new authors, famous authors, and old friends. Today's author is an old friend. I excited to bring back Barbara Roman to my readers. Barbara will be introducing us to her newest trilogy. And now,
Here's a bit about Barbara Roman:
Barbara Roman (aka B. Roman) is the author of the inspirational YA Moon Singer series (a trilogy and a prequel), and the suspense fiction, “Whatever Became of Sin?” She is also the author of two children’s fantasy books: “Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13” and “Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings.” Because of her music background as a professional singer, most of her books have their roots in music theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts, and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.
It was not really a conscious decision. In my early career I wrote non-fiction articles and a book on the physical, emotional and spiritual power of music. After that, my children’s stories were purely divine creations, given to me by that mysterious force beyond our human comprehension. They just flowed easily and quickly. After I wrote kids stories in succession, I imagined The Crystal Clipper as a children’s book. But then it took on its own identity and blossomed into a novel. The hero of the story (David Nickerson) is a deaf teen, so I worked in some relevant plot points - family dynamics, tragic circumstances, and paranormal time travel adventures - that I hoped would appeal to and help to enlighten this age group. I knew from the start that there had to be a trilogy - The Moon Singer Series - with each story becoming more sophisticated and adventuresome as David Nickerson matures into his spiritual destiny.
What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?
I read a wide array of books - political, metaphysical, suspense, children’s stories. When I’m not writing I usually go to a movie - oh, how I miss the movies now that the theatres are closed temporarily.
Tell us about The Crystal Clipper and how the story came to be.
The Crystal Clipper was inspired by a special crystal that I found during my spiritual (metaphysical) exploration period - first as a children’s book, then evolving into a novel. I used my own knowledge of music, and much research about crystal power, reincarnation, etc., to develop the plot, and there are additional facets to the stories that are informed by my own feelings about social issues, war, ethics, and personal integrity. Teenager David Nickerson’s deafness and how he uses it to understand his karmic destiny are symbolic of listening to that inner voice of guidance that we all have access to, if we learn to be still and hear the messages.
Here's a peek at The Crystal Clipper:
David Nickerson begins his fantastic journeys as a boy trying to cope with a series of family crises: his Father’s unemployment, his sister’s paralysis, the death of his mother, and his deafness after a serious illness.
When David acquires a sacred Singer crystal, he conjures up the supernaturally-powered clipper ship Moon Singer, which takes him on spectacular sojourns to past and future lifetimes. The people he encounters all have a soul connection to one another and their lives are destined to intertwine many times over.
With the help of a young princess who has the power of healing in her song, David is ultimately transformed into a young man who can “hear” what others cannot and who can “see” what others deny. But his mission is always the same - to save a life that means more to him than his own.
How do you go about researching for your stories?
In years gone by - pre-internet - I spent enormous amounts of time in the library, reading books about the subjects and elements in my plots. Thankfully, years later, there is Google and just about any topic you need information on can be found there. I do tons of research for all my books, except for the children’s stories; they are little gifts to me from my Muse.
Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
The Crystal Clipper is Book One of The Moon Singer Series, which also includes The War Chamber and The Wind Rose. The prequel, Before the Boy, tells the story of David Nickerson’s mother, and follows her from her life as a gifted pianist in college through her romance with Isaac Nickerson, and her untimely death - which was a karmic mistake. Before she died, she imbued David with his own music talents, allowing them to be bonded throughout eternity.
Whatever Became of Sin? - a suspense thriller - grew from just a little newspaper clipping about a “passenger in 7F” that started my wheels turning about a murder mystery: what if passengers switched seats and one is murdered, but by mistake! The “why” burgeoned into this complex thriller about a baby-switching scheme, political corruption, and racial bigotry.
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
I’m working on another suspense fiction with the wine industry as a backdrop to murder, scandal and shocking family intrigue. While I love writing metaphysical fantasies, I like having a suspense story in the works to create a balance, to ground me into the conflicts and travesties of real life - and of course, weave a morality tale as well. One genre seems to nurture the other for some reason that I can’t truly explain. This book is many months away as I have to squeeze writing time around my day job and personal life.
What advice do you have for other authors?
Be yourself. Write what you want to write. Make it your own. No one can tell your story better than you can. But learn your craft along the way; you must never stop learning.
Anything else you want readers to know?
The Crystal Clipper is available in English, Spanish and Italian editions. Whatever Became of Sin? is translated into Portuguese. Most of my books are also available as audiobooks. Just go to my books’ pages on Amazon and see the Audible versions.
Adults are also attracted to my children’s & YA books, which doesn’t surprise me as they are somewhat sophisticated in their vocabulary and underlying messages, but just about all the reviews recommend the books as important to children.
Where can readers find you and your books?
All my books are available on Amazon around the world.
You can find me here:
BookBub,
AskDavid
Independent Author Network.
Amazon Author Page
Twitter (@BMoonSinger1)
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