I just love my publisher, Creativia, so today I’m featuring another fellow author. Hello B, and welcome to my blog. What book will we be talking about today?
The Crystal Clipper is Book One of my mystical YA trilogy, “The Moon Singer,” and is now available in Kindle and Paperback editions on Amazon. Books Two and Three are in the design phase and will be available soon.
What is the story about?
The hero of my stories is a young deaf boy – David Nickerson – who develops extraordinary powers of “hearing” through his affinity for crystal power and music, and a yearning to resolve his anguish over the death of his mother. A novice at spiritual quests, he experiments with his collection of crystals, most notably a powerful Singer crystal, and inadvertently conjures the supernatural clipper ship, Moon Singer, that transcends this world and transports him to other dimensions of time and space. There, he encounters people whose lives intertwine with his through many lifetimes. Though his otherworldly experiences are his way of coping with his real-world crises, his disability (his deafness) becomes his greatest gift and allows him to explore the contrast between good and evil, and to save a life that means more to him than his own.
Who is the main character?
The primary character is teen David Nickerson who never changes identity, except that he grows through the trilogy from about age 14 to 17. There are several other important characters who, depending upon the “world” they inhabit, have alter egos and appear throughout the stories.
What inspired this tale?
I own a Singer crystal, shaped like a small sailboat, that inspired the Moon Singer trilogy’s first adventure, The Crystal Clipper. I found this unique crystal at a workshop (actually, it found me – which is what crystals are programmed to do). In pondering its energy, a story began to take shape and guided me through writing all of the adventures. Young David Nickerson came by his own Singer because it was meant for him; he is the one true owner of the Singer crystal which manifests into the Moon Singer ship which takes David on all of his adventures. Because the sacred gem holds all of the secrets and knowledge of the universe, it is David’s vehicle to learn about life, courage, selflessness and unconditional love.
Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?
A strong underlying theme of The Moon Singer and my other children’s stories concerns the power of music to heal, to represent love and truth, to create and sustain life – or to destroy it. So, I did lots of research on music as a healing power, on various crystals and their mythology, uses and importance. For David, I researched what kind of illnesses could have caused him to becomes deaf (he wasn’t born that way), what types of hearing aids and other devices he could use to function normally in life, and what treatments for his deafness were available – (none of which worked for him, when they would have for someone else, and why they didn’t – but that’s a major part of the storyline).
If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?
No real surprises, but lots of “Aha” moments when what I found became integral to my stories, and that this information was available to me.
Do you relate to your character?
Yes, in some ways. I have a son and always feel it’s my job, or karma, to guide him to spiritual pursuits, just like David’s mother does. Not that I always succeed, that is.
Is your protagonist anything like you personally?
Well, I suppose, although I come at it from a feminine point of view.
If yes, then how?
Well, I can be stubborn, a crusader, a seeker of truth, and a reluctant (at times) participant in the larger universal issues. Also at times very angry at the injustice and unfairness of life, and my inability to fix stuff.
What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?
The main focus of the trilogy is selfless love and being of service to others. For David, his quest is always to save a life that means more to him than his own, and in doing so he delves into questions about his life purpose and soul mission, while also dealing with very real day-to-day problems. David develops extraordinary powers in worlds he never knew existed, because of his deafness: this important aspect of his character allows me to demonstrate how David hears the inner cravings of his soul and finds his own unique strengths. Hearing people who meditate are always instructed to do so in a quiet, silent environment – “Be still, and know…” David learns how to use his natural silence to find answers to complicated, almost unsolvable problems, and so his “disability” becomes his greatest gift.
Is there anything specific you want readers to know about this piece of work?
Although my stories are in the YA/Children’s Book categories, I’m hoping they will bridge the generations from kids to adults. So, I didn’t write “down” to any age group. I believe even young kids can absorb sophisticated language. The books are short, and quick reads as novels go, but very meaty. They take readers on a continuing journey through the lives of several key characters that they can relate to emotionally. Their travails, challenges, joys, and moments of insightful discovery are those that most people have encountered in their own lives, while the story environments are those of fantasy.
From the outset, I knew there had to be three books, three adventures: One, The Crystal Clipper, is the fairy tale, for that is how we all begin to process and resolve our life’s problems. We invent fanciful situations, envision our problems and enemies as “monsters,” and see ourselves as heroes who save the day and those we love. Two, The War Chamber, is the Trial by Fire as David takes on enormous responsibilities as Captain of the Moon Singer, with unfathomable consequences; he grows as a boy who, though afraid, is undeterred. Three, The Wind Rose, represents his ultimate enlightenment and awakening as a young man who accepts his fate and finds his inner voice and strength; thus, he “saves the world” – and changes it for all who enter his sphere of influence.
You can read a preview, or order your copy today, by clicking on the book cover.
Okay, let’s learn more about you, as a writer Who is B. Roman?
As B. Roman (aka Barbara Roman) I’ve been in the creative arts since childhood. I began singing professionally as a vocalist in Philadelphia, PA and still perform with swing bands and pop music combos to this day. I am also a composer and lyricist, so my music has always informed my writing subject matter in both fiction and non-fiction works.
I write to fulfill my potential as a spiritual being, an artist; I write to bring forth the words and visions from my deepest heart and highest mind; and I write to offer those words and visions to others seeking an enlightening as well as enjoyable reading experience. While my stories have no trendy vampire sex or teen gladiators, they are not without drama, conflict, or passion.
What inspired you to start writing?
Since childhood, I’ve been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. It’s difficult to serve “two masters,” as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing. Now I do both, while still working a day job! I’ve learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. Much of my writing has a musical theme somewhere in the plot, or is the plot: whether it’s in non-fiction writing about the power of music itself, or my fiction works.
What is your favorite book you have written and why
Well, of course The Moon Singer books are in my DNA, but I have written several children’s stories (yet to be published). One is my favorite: Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13. It’s sort of an Alice in Wonderland in the cosmos. Instead of falling down a rabbit hole, Alicia rides Up the Golden Elevator in a department store, and finds herself in the Star Factory where lightbulbs go to “die,” then are reborn as glorious stars in the sky. It’s all about friendship, self-esteem, and finding your soul purpose, and metaphysical concepts galore. I love my light bulb characters.
When you are not writing, what do you do to recharge?
Well, I love to sing and still give concerts now and then. I go to movies and hope to get back to tap dancing as soon as I get some lubricating knee injections!
Are you an Indie Author or are you part of a publishing house?
I originally self-published my trilogy, but recently Creativia took the books over to redesign and market them. I’m very happy about that and appreciate their support.
Do you read books within the genres you write?
I tend to limit my reading of YA fantasy so I am not influenced subconsciously by other works. I have been more inspired by mystical films – the visual aspect of film just envelops me. I also like legal thrillers, political books, biographies, metaphysical material, and magical children’s books.
Besides being an author, do you have a second job?
I have a day job – I’m a “Working Senior” – in a beautiful retirement community, doing all sorts of creative work like booking concerts, coordinating special events and creating promotional materials. Very fulfilling. But I hope to write full time one day.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
Before self-publishing and digital publishing, writing was hard and usually heartbreaking with all the rejection. But being compelled, I’m glad I stuck it out. I love being able to produce something that I can print on demand and hold in my hands as tangible evidence of my work. I love the solitariness that gets me outside of Barbara and into a world that is only possible through my Muse
Okay, time to meet one of character. Who are you? What is your name?
David Nickerson
What should we know about you?
I have been deaf since age 7, but now as a teen of 14 I love music, computers and crystal power. I mourn the death of my mother and dote on my sister whom I will protect with my life.
Tell us about your story: When and where is your tale set?
My story takes place in the coastal town of Port Avalon, and also in other worlds as I travel through the past and future onboard the supernatural clipper ship, Moon Singer.
What is your personal goal? I mean, what do you ultimately want?
I am always tasked with a mission, to save a life that means more than my own, to resolve my issues about my mother’s death, and bring happiness to my family.
What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?
I am young and immature about spiritual matters, but I allow myself to delve into these issues using my crystals and my music, despite being thwarted by people who do not believe as I do, especially my father. His guilt and my grief are major obstacles to be overcome, as well as my acceptance of my karma and fate.
Below are other titles by B. Roman:
Excellent interview as usual. I hope this inspires others.
Thanks Mari. I really enjoy doing these interviews. 🙂