The Wolf Cub

I always enjoy writing about different animals and exploring the various bonds that can form between humans and their pets, or other wildlife, especially the unique roles children often play in this fascinating dynamic. The subject of not judging others merely by appearances is a key topic contained within the pages of this book, which is also one of the things that led me to choosing a wolf to be Lewis' principal animal companion – a creature often defined as "bad" by those with preconceived views, rather than people generally allowing the actions of any individual animal to speak for itself. In crafting The Wolf Cub, I had the prime opportunity and ability to make this distinction by introducing readers to the idea that not all wolves actually deserve this ill-fitting label and in time some of them may indeed become the most trustworthy and lovable companions that a lonely little boy could ever hope for.

Written for a middle-grade or pre-teen age group, Lewis is a curious and inquisitive little boy who longs to learn everything he can about everything around him. He always enjoys observing the villagers as they go about their daily work, but with a comparatively shy nature, Lewis prefers the company of animals, and much of his limited knowledge is absorbed simply by watching the routine habits of these creatures. Kind at heart, there is no question that a lonely wolf cub will receive the best care under his guidance, although not everyone feels the same way about this arrangement and Lewis needs to navigate all this new information while also challenging the preconceptions of others who do not see Blue Merle as simply as he does.

Quite likely. With my apparent love for animals and nature, it is only logical that this would greatly influence the way I write, and I have always preferred the slice-of-life approach with a strong foundation in realism rather than completely made-up worlds — also, there is no shortage of inspiration to turn the everyday, ordinary moments into something real and relatable for readers if nature is one of the key starting points.

A greater depth of understanding and respect for those around them, including the reinforcement of moral values such as showing kindness, empathy, and caring for the environment – even the smallest decisions or acts of compassion for someone in need can end up making a huge difference and sometimes that's all it takes for readers to help change the world. The slice-of-life approach based on realism rather than fantasy is meant to encourage deeper discussion both in and out of the classroom, and I know several school-teachers who have really enjoyed how carefully these subtle lessons have been intricately woven throughout the book, inciting a more meaningful experience with their reading.

First off, my favorite part is seeing how everything comes together in the final stages – right from the original concept to the polished manuscript/printed book at the end – and being able to appreciate all the time and effort that was put into crafting the whole story. And one of the most rewarding aspects is being able to connect with the readers who truly resonate with the themes and underlying messages that I am trying to convey.

None of these characters or situations were truly inspired by any personal experience or first-hand knowledge. Rather, they are the unconscious result of having compiled an array of second-hand information, through reading or general observation, over a significant period of time.

This is always a difficult question for me to answer, as I don't really have any set process I always adhere to. Ideas quite literary just pop into my head from seemingly nowhere and then spill out onto the page! The art of creative writing has been a very natural, expressive outlet for me for a long time, starting from quite a young age, and I usually prefer to go with the flow and let the story come together by itself, rather than following any predetermined plan or prior thought. I have been doing this for over twenty years now, and almost every one of my acquaintances would probably be able to tell you that I am an extremely passionate children's author who values genuine reader engagement and friend/family support far more than widespread accolades.

Not specifically. I was an avid reader from an early age and was homeschooled using a very literacy-based program, so I was exposed to a huge range of different authors and writing styles during that time. However, other readers and reviewers have likened my work to a number of different authors who have written similar works, including Enid Blyton, Stacy Gregg, Lauren Brooke, and Pippa Funnell.

The Wolf Cub is meant to feel nostalgic and heartwarming for more mature readers, while younger readers are more likely to enjoy the underlying sense of childhood exploration and wonder as they interact with the world around them. In both cases, I hope whoever reads this book will leave feeling inspired and eager to approach life with a refreshed outlook on what really matters, and that the true beauty of nature goes far beyond what may only be apparent from the surface.

Yes, definitely! I am in the middle of a series aptly titled The Horses of Saddlers Ranch. It is my take on the classic "horse-loving/pony-mad teenager" concept, following the lives of three friends navigating various challenges during the more widely-known, confusing coming-of-age years. The series is grounded in realism rather than fantasy, and centers around themes such as growing responsibility, teamwork, caring for animals, second chances, and tackling difficult or unexpected situations with sensibility and deeper understanding. Book Five is set for release at the end of May, with the first four instalments already available.