ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD, The P3 Press, 2008. Finalist in London Book Festival and North Texas Book Festival
Roman coins: How many hoards lie buried in British soil, waiting to be discovered?
Book-signing table with antique samovar - featured in RIDDLE OF THE SAMOVAR - brass camel, and Jordan almonds, on Persian cloth
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Happy New Year to Readers and Writers Everywhere!"I HAVE OPENED A DOOR IN FRONT OF YOU, WHICH NO ONE CAN CLOSE." REVELATION 3:8 (GNT)I'm enjoying the flow of ink from my fountain pen on to the blank pages of a 2012 journal. I look forward to filling my planner with book fairs and project deadlines. The year stretches before us like an unexplored path: four seasons in which to learn more about ourselves and the world of literature.
~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~ THU. FEB 16: Middle East story/craft/snack with homeschoolers THU. FEB 16: Book Group @ Sedan Library ~ THE HELP SAT FEB 18: Prairie Writers 11:00 am, Independence Library MARCH 1: "Meet Me in Iran" @ 7:00 pm, Independence Library APRIL 13 & 14: CWF Annual Conference in Pittsburg, KS SUMMER READING: Teen Journal Workshop at Sedan Library ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD continues to gain readers who identify with the challenges of blended families. Stepbrothers Craig and Tony struggle with jealousy as they and their sisters hunt for treasure on a British island. To order a signed copy for $10.00, plus $2.00 S/H, contact me by email: hjspire@yahoo.com. SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE, a Persian adventure, is still available from Royal Fireworks Press, one of the Quick Links in the right-hand column. To view the rest of this site, click on MY WORKS and BIO at the top. My books may also be purchased at: LEOTA'S GIFTS & MORE or the RED BUFFALO, Main Street Sedan, KS; TEACHING A TO Z, in Bartlesville, OK; and the BRITISH EMPORIUM on Main Street, Grapevine, TX. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Q: The main character in ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD is a 12-year-old boy. How did you decide whose viewpoint to use for this story? A: My first book had a 13-year-old girl protagonist, so getting into a boy's head made a change for me. I hoped the adventure and conflict between Craig and Tony would pull in boy readers. They both have sisters, so girls will appreciate the book too. Q: Is there really an Arrowhead Island in Britain? A: No, but the setting is similar to my childhood home on the Isle of Wight, a short ferry ride from Portsmouth or Southampton. Arrowhead is smaller, and no visitors' cars are allowed. Q: Is it still possible to find buried Roman treasure? A: Yes. A valuable hoard was found in 2009, and another in 2010! You need a metal detector, the landowner's permission, and lots of patience. Q: Your first children's novel, SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE, takes place in 1970s Iran. What gave you the idea of setting a story in that time and place? A: When I worked in Iran, the Shah’s throne seemed secure and expatriates prospered. But in 1978, mobs demanded his overthrow. I wondered how American kids would cope with secret tapes, hostile calls, suspicious fires, and local residents acting strangely. Would their school, parents’ jobs, and friendships with Iranians survive? Q: Did you do any special research? A: Yes. I spent a year there, but needed to know more about the history of Iran. I read about 20 books, studied news magazines on microfilm, and talked to Brits & Americans who fled Iran during the revolution. I present all viewpoints, showing the unique qualities of this land and its people. Q: Who would read SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE? A: Mystery-loving kids aged 9-13 will enjoy figuring out what's going on in the kids' neighborhood. They'll find humor in the rehearsals for Ali Baba, and a car chase propels the story toward a rapid conclusion. Parents who lived in the Middle East, plus teachers looking for a curriculum tie-in, might be prompted to open up a discussion about the triumph of faith and friendship over fear and prejudice. Q: How did you become a writer? A: Growing up, I had an abundance of paper and pencils. My parents held a writing circle in our home, and teachers nurtured my love of words. Dad typed my manuscripts for publication, but it wasn't until the 1980s that I submitted regularly, after joining a writers' group in Texas. Put on your armadillo armor as protection from rejection slips! Each one feels like an arrow, but think of it as a red badge of courage. Q: What else have you written? A: I've had more than 60 poems, puzzles, articles, and stories printed in magazines. Two poetry collections came out in 2004 and 2006. I want to find homes for my picture books, ONZO AND THE LONG SLEEP and L IS FOR LONDON. My longer, ongoing project is a memoir titled BUGSY, SLUG, THE BEATLES AND ME. Q: What advice would you give young writers? A: Read. Look. Listen. Keep a journal. Get together with friends who write, and help each other make your work the best it can be. Enter contests. Send poems and stories to your favorite magazines. Hold on to your dream. There’s a place for all of us out there! |
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