Meet Bilingual Author Maria Andrade

 Carpinello's Writing Pages opens this new beginning to author interviews with a unique woman who has been writing books for children and adults on the themes of love, relationship, and earth stewardship, for over twenty years. She believes peace in the world, begins under our own roof. Born in Ecuador, Maria lives in California. Please join me in welcoming Maria Andrade!

Here's a bit about Maria:

Maria Andrade is a bilingual author. She began to write books for children and adults
as a Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in children three decades ago. She found that books could not only entertain readers, but could also teach, inspire, and leave a world of positive possibilities not always spoken of in our day-to-day world. 

Why did you pick to write books for children/MG/YA?

I write for ages five to eighteen. The themes are often eco-social and focus on the power of love and friendship whether with humans, animals, or the natural world. My books have humor, surprise, and happy endings becauseI believes it is important to leave young readers with hope.

What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?

 

I like well-written novels. I just finished reading, Gabriel Marquez’s book, Love In the Time of Cholera. I also like books about physics such as those by Brian Swimme. I love poetry books and books about unknown worlds. When I am not writing I like to cook for family and friends, and I most enjoy my garden. I am presently growing holly hock and giant sun flowers.

 

 

Tell us about Youngen Finds Her Song and how the story came to be.

Youngen Finds Her Song, An Inspiring Adventure From the Heart of Nature contains everything I most value, love, family, friendship, gratitude, finding your unique gift, the spirit in all that lives.
 
I wanted to create an adventure in which a young, bird with low self-esteem, goes on a journey with her owl friend and mentor, to find her unique song. In the end, she discovers the magic and beauty of nature, the mystery of “human beings” and the soul of the universe. Pretty big order! But if you read the book, whether you are 5 or 105, you will see that it touches on all of that.

Here's a peek at Youngen Finds Her Song:

A young thrush named Youngen is having trouble finding her song. As she spends time with her friends who have beautiful feathers and nicer nests than her own, she starts to doubt herself and her parents. Rufus, a wise old owl, notices her discomfort and decides to take her on a journey to learn about the world.

As she travels with Rufus, she learns many things about the animals in the forest and about Humans - those strange animals that make war with each other, but also build magnificent cities. And she learns that Humans can also be loving and compassionate, when she finds her own life in danger. As Youngen learns about herself and the world around her, she spontaneously bursts into song - her own unique and very beautiful song.

How do you go about researching for your stories?

I wanted to expose children to information about birds, insects, certain plants, evolution, and some information about outer space. So, I had to leave my research in footnotes in the book which is rare to find in children’s stories.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

My most recently published novel, Defiance and Redemption, A Lifetime of Unbroken Bonds, is based on a true story about a woman who lived in the early 19th century and who overcame the misogyny and oppression at that time when she has a child out of wedlock. By standing up at the age of seventeen to the authority figures around her and with the support of her two lifelong friends, the three women eventually create a new world of opportunity for themselves and generations to come. It takes place in the exotic country of Ecuador. The historical period is both glamorous and devastating. This is the 1920s to the 1940s when there is the tragedy of two world wars. (Also available in Spanish).

I have written a book for cat lovers named Jennifer Magicum, The Vanishing Cat. The cat in this story is like a guru for a family whose life gets out of order. For dog lovers, I wrote Scrapper’s Christmas Story about a street dog who sleeps in a manager and finds love and a home on Christmas day. These are books for kids six to twelve years of age.

For younger readers, my funny story Why Dear Mrs. Sullivan is Distressed! is written in rhyme about a hippo who keeps finding insects in her bathtub. Also, Hero, The Brave Lizard is a limerick about a boy whose pet lizard is unwanted in the family, but who stops a robbery in progress and becomes famous in the town.

For teenagers sixteen to eighteen, I wrote The Return, When Nature Seeks Justice. This is a science fiction story in which Mother Nature or “Gaia” as she is called in the tale, begins to evaluate humans and chooses to transform those in power who are causing earth’s destruction. Great surprising changes take place on earth and humanity is very scared, but it all works out.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I wrote a lullaby, “Settle Down Little One,” which will be made into a book.  I hope it will be published in 2023. In the cover, the young reader will hear the song which will be activated with a QR code!

What advice do you have for other authors?

If you have an idea for a story, start writing! Try to do a small amount daily until the story is finished. Make your corrections, edit, edit, edit by sharing it with a friend, a writing group, or a paid professional editor. Then try to get an agent and have it published or publish it yourself.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Website: They can contact me for dedicated books. Readers can find my children’s books and the other books I have written. 

Amazon

Facebook

Goodreads

LinkedIn 

Anything else you want readers to know?

I believe my books, especially, Youngen Finds Her Song and my recent novel, Defiance and Redemption, are relevant to the age we live in. In both stories, one for children, the other for adults, the characters are facing a crisis as we are today. We are facing both a personal and collective crisis with the pandemic and with global warming. My stories emphasis the power of determination and courage and getting mutual support to overcome the greatest challenges. These are stories of hope because I believe in our ability to find our way to a better world!

Meet Children's Fastasy Author E. P. Bellows via Pump Up Your Books

 

 

Carpinello's Writing Pages is excited to participate in Pump Up Your Books blog tour for E. P. Bellows. I love introducing my readers to new writers and their books. If you are not already a subscriber to Carpinello's Writing Pages, please sign up with your email in the box located lower down in the right side bar. Also, be sure to enter the Giveaway at the end of the post.

 

Now, let's learn a bit about E. P. Bellows:

I’ve been writing (when I can) for 15 years!  Born and raised in California, I’ve always been an outdoor kinda gal. When I’m not tucked away behind a computer screen, being active and sporty (grew up playing soccer), and goofing off with my 3 kiddos is my cup of tea. Jedi = life, so any movie night that includes anything Star Wars is a good night… Jedi mind tricks are always welcome and encouraged.
 

I live in wine country and enjoy visiting the wineries for a splash and a good meal. If I can drag myself out of bed early enough, I catch the hot air balloons floating over the vineyards. They are cool!
 

I’m a decades long Charger fan - which is emotional torment – sadly. Football brings out the “crazy lady” in me, complete with foul language and arguments with the refs through the tele.

Why did you pick to write books for children?

 

Those are the stories I love to tell. My favorite kind of story has the prefect amount of adventure and magic. Of course, you have to have a fantastically flawed hero and “rotten to the core” villain.

What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?

 

Books by the late Wayne Dyer, Neale Donald Walsch, and Deepok Chopra have inspired me. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. I can't forget Tolkien and C.S Lewis for windows into some amazing worlds and characters.

Tell us about Bandits of Basswood and how the story came to be.

 

Bandits of Basswood is the prequel to Alexander Drake’s adventure. I had already written about Alexander (Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit), Jonn William’s son. Bandits of Basswood builds out the back story for the guardians, Imperius and how the adventure really unfolded hundreds of years before. John William’s adventure begins with the mysterious disappearance of his father in Azra’s Pith. John William was determined to find him.

 

He had no idea what dark forces he was up against. He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood, known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Uncovering traces of his missing father gave him hope and upped the stakes. John William was determined to get off the ship alive and search for the missing pieces of the puzzle. The chase out of Basswood was on.

 

Here's a peek at Bandits of Basswood:  

 

Celeste stiffened her posture. “Here is the plan; one of you needs to help me free myself from this tie before the hatch opens again. I will take on my bird form and fly out of here. They won’t even know what happened. Once I tell my dad, the guards will come to save you.” Her tongue hovered over her upper lip as she strained to free her hands.
 

Ferdinand frowned. “That’s your plan, is it? Marvelous! You are just going to flutter off in the dark of night? You don’t even know how far away from Verhonia you are. Nonsense! You’re not doing it!”
 
“Why can’t you turn to a bird with your hands tied? Then you could free yourself and unfasten my ties.” John William wiggled around on the bench.
 
“I could break a wing or something worse. I’m not willing to risk it.” Celeste replied.
 
“A lot of good having your hands free will do when you are locked in a cabin surrounded by bandits and river rats!” Ferdinand huffed.
 
The boat jolted suddenly, throwing the three of them off their seats. Celeste’s eyes lit up. She waved her hands around. “I did it!” she shrieked.
 
The drunken slur of a bandit came from the other side of the hatch. “I don’t want any foolery in there!” The hatch shifted and wiggled.
 
“Don’t worry,” Celeste whispered and smiled at John William. Within seconds, she was a beautiful red robin flying around the cabin. The hatch swung open and out she flew, nearly hitting the bandit in the face.
 
“Oh, great,” Ferdinand grumbled.
 
The bandit swung his arm. “What the – how did a bird get in here? Hey, you lazy lumps! Catch that bird; let’s boil it for dinner!” He laughed belligerently. The bandit reeked. He must have been saturated from head to toe with rum.
 
John William and Ferdinand exchanged nervous glances.
 
The bandit poked his head in and looked around. “Hey! Where’s the girl?” He stumbled inside, knocking ship tools and other small objects around with his tail.
 
John William and Ferdinand remained quiet, looking like they both swallowed the same canary. The bandit stood over John William, swaying with his hands on his hips.
 
“Well, where is the princess, wart? Did you help her escape?”
 
John William cleared his throat. “I, I don’t know what you are talking about.”
 
“Is that so?” The bandit pulled a knife from his belt with a taunting smile.
 
“She escaped,” Ferdinand blurted. “We tried to stop her, but she refused to listen. She went out the hatch and jumped overboard.”
 
“Impossible.” The bandit rubbed his fingers over his oily fur.
 
“Wait a minute… who are you?”
 
“Um, I believe I am Captain Vic’s supper.” The hopper stuck out his pudgy belly.
 
“It’s true! I heard the splash, myself,” declared John William, trying to take the focus off Ferdinand. The bandit examined their faces.
 
“Plunk – it sounded just like that,” said Ferdinand with a shaky laugh.
 
“Plunk?” The bandit’s soggy, rum-soaked face crinkled in confusion.
 
“Yes, yes, that’s right… plunk,” Ferdinand squeaked.
 
The bandit stormed out of the cabin. “The princess escaped! Get up, you twits!” He ran around the boat, banging his blade on an iron pot, making as much racket as one drunken bandit possibly could. The other bandits stirred.
 
Ferdinand shook his head with terror in his eyes. “We’re in for it now, boy….”

How do you go about researching for your stories?
 
A healthy amount of my own wild imagination and watching my kiddos play gives me all the inspiration I can handle. The setting was inspired from a childhood of wandering through the woods around my grandmother’s house and bicycling to the creek to catch frogs. After reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, I was forever in search of portals to magical worlds.
 
Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
 
I have written five additional books in the Azra’s Pith Series. After a wild publishing ride they are all waiting in line to be revised and re-released. Quest for Copia will be the next book to be released (again). It is the sequel to Bandits of Basswood. A lot of questions are answered in this book and the story takes a heavy turn, so I’m taking my time on this one.
 
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
 
I want to have the entire Azra’s pith series out by the end of 2022. That is my main focus at the moment.
 
What advice do you have for other authors?
 
Persevere, have the patience of a Jedi, grow a thick skin, and learn from constructive criticism... did I mention persevere? I'm sure this goes without saying, but read and write as often as you can... even when you’re struggling and the writing looks like rotten bologna on a computer screen. If you hope to buy a latte or two with your royalties, the work begins when the writing is done... so be ready! Did I mention persevere?
 
Anything else you want readers to know?
 
I just want to say a huge thank you and send out a virtual hug to everyone. Thanks so much for having me here! I hope to see you all in Azra’s Pith!
 

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

 

GIVEAWAY

 

E.P. Bellows is giving away a summer goodie bag containing Azra's Pith swag! Goodie bag includes a coffee mug, tumbler, beach towel, paperback and kindle copy of Bandits of Basswood!
 

Terms & Conditions:
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter
This giveaway ends midnight September 30.
Winner will be contacted via email on October 1.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.
 

Good luck everyone!
 

ENTER TO WIN!

Sorry, Rafflecopter isn't working here. Please go to PumpUpYourBook to enter.

 

Meet Debut Children's Author Leigh Ann Gerk on I Read Book Tours

 

 

Carpinello's Writing Pages is pleased to participate in Leigh Ann Gerk's I Read Book Tour. Leigh Ann is a Colorado (my home state) author promoting her debut non-fiction story. Tour stops are listed further down. Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!

First, here's a bit about Leigh Ann:

 

Leigh Ann Gerk MA, LPC has been in the counseling field for over eleven years. She is certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning and the founder and owner of Mourning to Light Pet Loss providing individual and family counseling for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. She currently offers 3 free pet loss support groups in Northern Colorado and is excited to branch out and offer more. Having grown up on a farm, Leigh Ann's childhood playmates included baby calves, horses, bunnies, dogs, and 32 cats that set up house in a boxcar that also served as her playhouse. This upbringing introduced her, at a very young age, to the human-animal bond and instilled in her a deep understanding of, and love for, this extraordinary relationship. Leigh Ann and her husband, Andy, live in Loveland, Colorado, and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters, Heather and Heidi. Their family is made complete by their first grandchild and their cherished therapy dog, Gracie.

Why did you pick to write books for Children?
 

I chose to write books for children because I love the simplicity, innocence, and gentleness that often accompanies them.  I also appreciate beautiful illustrations that complement a story. I have always had a lovely rapport with children, and I relate really well with them. I’m often told that I’m a “kid at heart” and I think that, in and of itself, has led me in this direction.  

What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?

I love to read mysteries and autobiographies.  I particularly love an autobiography that shares the journey of someone who has had a difficult start in life, but through determination, hard work, and perseverance, accomplishes more than they ever dreamed possible. I am founder and owner of “Mourning to Light Pet Loss,” where I counsel grieving pet families as a licensed professional counselor. I facilitate 3 free pet loss support groups in northern Colorado.  

Tell us about Dear Brave Friend and how the story came to be.

My book, Dear Brave Friend, began long ago when I was just a little girl growing up on a farm. I have wanted to write a children’s book ever since I started playing “teacher” as a young girl. I knew my life on the farm with all the wonderful animals who became my best friends would one day be in my story; I just didn’t know how. After I started counseling grieving pet families, the “how” magically appeared.  I worked with children who didn’t understand what they were feeling. I worked with parents who were afraid and hesitant to talk with their children about really difficult subjects like pet loss, death, dying, and sadness.  From working with these grieving pet families, I realized I needed to write a book that would help children and parents maneuver through the difficult journey of pet loss, which is often a child’s first significant loss and an important time for parents to teach and role model healthy grieving. My childhood memories and feelings helped guide me to write a book that children could easily relate to and understand. A parent myself, I understood how to create windows of opportunity within the story to promote meaningful conversations between children and their parents.

Here's a peek at Dear Brave Friend:

This gentle and heartwarming story captures the love between a boy and his dog, and the sadness that follows after his cherished dog passes away. Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy, the letter shares relatable, real life examples of how the boy (and therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any family pet that has stolen your heart. Story starters, drawing pages, and a place to add pictures of your own beloved pet are also included in the back of the book.

How do you go about researching for your stories?

I combined my childhood memories and experiences with my counseling skills and training to create a story that was not only easy for children to understand and relate to, but also educational.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Yes, I am developing two books that I plan to start writing within the next few months. Both are on pet loss and I can’t wait to get started!

What advice do you have for other authors?

My advice to other authors is to keep on going even when you feel discouraged or feel like giving up. There will be many bumps along the way to writing and publishing your book, but the reward of completing a book that contains your heart and soul, your words, your thoughts, and your dedication is worth every single bump. The feeling you get when you physically see your book for the very first time, feel the cover, smell the newness, and see your name on the front – is a very gratifying feeling. And to think people will want to purchase a book that contains so much of who you are is very humbling. For me, knowing that Dear Brave Friend can help grieving pet families brings me a huge sense of satisfaction and peace, and makes me forget I had any bumps at all.

Anything else you want readers to know?

Yes, thank you for asking! I would like to share with readers that Dear Brave Friend won an International Book Award last year through the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The INDIE Book Awards is the largest international awards program for independent authors and publishers.  I was so honored that Dear Brave Friend won in the category of Children’s/Juvenile (Non-Fiction) and placed as a finalist in the Animals/Pets category.  Receiving this amazing award has given me a wonderful opportunity to reach out and help more grieving pet families, which is where my passion lies.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Find more information about me, Dear Brave Friend, and pet loss:

 

website: www.MourningtoLightPetLoss.com 

Facebook 

GoodReads

 

Dear Brave Friend is available for purchase on Amazon.

Tour Schedule:

Jan 18 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 – Book World Reviews – book review / author interview
Jan 19 - Laura's Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 20 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Jan 20 - Carpinello's Writing Pages - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 21 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post/ giveaway
Jan 22 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 25 – I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway
Jan 26 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 26 - The Momma Spot - book review
Jan 27 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Jan 27  - Reading Authors Network - book review / giveaway
Jan 28 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Jan 29 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 1 –Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 1 - Welcome To MLM Opinion’s Reviews  - book review
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 - Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 2 - Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3 - Pick a Good Book - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 – Pawesome Wisdom – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 - I'm Into Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 - Deborah-Zenha Adams - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 5 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 5 - The Pen and Muse Book Reviews  - book review / giveaway
Feb 5 - Because I said so and other adventures in Parenting - book review / giveaway

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

 
$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of DEAR BRAVE FRIEND (1 winner) (open to Amazon.com customers) (ends Feb 12)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Writing Tips and Meet Children's Author Sheikha Shamma

Carpinello's Writing Pages is excited to bring you a special author interview, but before we get to that, here's writing tips from other authors we've interviewed.

Write as often as possible and release at least one title a year. Raymond Bean, children's author of Benji Franklin: Kid Zillionaire

Don’t give up, even if publishers or agents reject you. Write what you want to write and not what you think would sell. Don’t self-proof read. Get someone you trust to it for you. It is too easy to miss mistakes when reviewing your own work. Consider self-publishing. These days there is a lot of support and free marketing out here to resource. Use online media platforms to promote yourself. Converse with other authors, share books and reviews and get yourself noticed. Do book readings and signings if you can. It’s a great way to actually meet readers who might enjoy your work. Nicola J. McDonagh, YA author of Echoes From the Lost Ones.

Whilst writing I’ve learnt that I have to be self-critical and be prepared to edit and edit and edit. I read it out loud, just as if I was reading it to an audience – or a class. And I ask other people to read and criticise it. BUT I take heart from praise because we all need that! Rosie Morgan, MG author of The Golden Sword.

 

And Now,

Please welcome Children's author Sheikha Shamma

to Carpinello's Writing Pages.

 

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and published author, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is the great-granddaughter of the UAE’s founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

A graduate of the University of Cambridge, holding a Masters degree in Sustainability Leadership, Sheikha Shamma is a well-respected industry expert on sustainability, thanks to her business and academic endeavours in the field.

Her charitable foundation, Circle of Hope, has spearheaded a substantial number of local and international initiatives; these include Wanna Read? which has placed over 7,000 books for young patients in hospitals across the UAE; Beacon of Hope which has supplied thousands of children in developing countries with an important solar-light resource and which was recognised at the 2018 United Nations Solutions Summit; and MorEquity (formerly the Women’s Empowerment and Equality Board), created to promote gender equality in the workplace and the boardroom. The initiative comprises of over 150 women from the UAE’s largest organisations who meet regularly for workshops and collaborate on community projects driving change.

In addition to her children’s book, Skeikha Shamma is a regular columnist for The National newspaper and has coauthored two articles published in Future Governments – Actions and Insights.

Why did you decide to write books for Children? 

I had always felt that the character in my book, my dog Coustaud, would make a fun character in a children’s book. He reminds me of Garfield. He is a fun and humorous character, and it is very funny how he snores so loudly, grunts softly and sits sloppily. I wanted to share the happiness and fun that he brought to people who knew him.

What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?

I enjoy reading a wide variety of books. I prefer non-fiction, and I stay away from science fiction.
As for what I do when I’m not writing, where do I start? There are not enough hours in the day! I have a sustainability-oriented company, and I work in the office most days, but I also have a charitable foundation – Circle of Hope Foundation – that works to improve the lives of women and children. I like spending time outdoors in nature and reconnecting with the world around me. In this day and age, when we are all very dependent on our electronic devices, we need time away from them to enjoy the many wonders of Planet Earth.

Tell us about The Tangled Tale and how the story came to be.

The Tangled Tale is my third book in the series The Adventures of Maxima and Coustaud. This  children’s series focuses on morals, values, and current issues to help encourage ethical behaviour. The stories aim to promote a love of reading via engagement with the central characters, a magical horse, Maxima, and her funny companion, a French bulldog called Coustaud.

Here's a peek at The Tangled Tale:

Maxima and Coustaud must save a dragon that is tangled in a mangrove forest. The Tangled Tale teaches children about how interdependent and connected we all are and about the importance of mangrove forests and bees. I believe that systems thinking is an important skill for children to develop.
It will be released next month (November 2020).

 

How do you go about researching for your stories?

My latest stories are sustainability-focused, a topic that I am passionate about, and an area that I am privileged to be working in. I try and simplify concepts for children, raising awareness while empowering children to be conscious of their decision-making. We all have a role to play to protect our planet for future generations.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I have written two other books within the series The Adventures of Maxima and Coustaud. The first story, The Lost Princess, is about a princess who ends up in the hands of a wicked witch. I thought the witch would be very scary for children, but I have realised that they love her. The second book, In Search of a Global Solution, is about people working together to tackle one of the world’s biggest threats to humanity’s existence – climate change.

I have also written a stand-alone story – The Colour Thief. It is a cute story about two Jack Russells and a young boy called Zak, who go on an adventure. Imagine a world where all the colours disappear – what a sad place it would be. I hope children who read this book will take a closer look at the world around them and appreciate the many things we take for granted.

This year, I even wrote a short story to help children understand coronavirus called “Corona – The Story of a Virus that Stopped the World.” The short story is available for download on the following website http://wannaread.ae/ebooks/.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

My latest project is a book for young adults, which is set in Cambridge where I studied for my Masters. I have fond memories of the beautiful and historic university town which often reminds me of Hogwarts. So I thought, why not create a story that takes place in Cambridge and bring in my love for the environment, innovation and discovery.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Do not let yourself be overwhelmed by all the books around you. Never compare yourself to other writers because you have a unique voice and a unique story to tell.

Anything else you want readers to know?

There is a whole world out there and many other galaxies to be explored, so never stop learning! Inspiration can be found in unlikely places – like in a type of book that you would not usually choose or by speaking to someone from a different country or ethnic group. So read a variety of books, explore different genres and make the effort to talk to people that you would not normally speak to. We live in a world filled with countless fascinating stories just waiting to be discovered.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My books can be found on Amazon and on my website www.sheikhashamma.ae/author/