Ask the Author: Dawnette Brenner
Answered Questions (10)
Dawnette Brenner
It actually came to me in 2006 while observing my son suffering from being bipolar. He used to zone in and out of reality and I used to worry severely. There were times that he would seem to "escape reality." He would go outside, play with his action figures or what seemed like, "imaginary friends." It was during a long stretch of these stringed together that, as a mother, I couldn't imagine anything but a fantastic world that he must be in and the idea was born.
To be more honest, raising my son with this condition was difficult at best. I raised four by myself and was always in search of solutions for this ailment. It's been through my soul-searching, research, family therapy sessions, counseling and constant love for my son, that we were able to make it through. My reasons for writing this book were more to help kids like my son feel "normal," and to not permit the stigma to define their life's journey.
I have several links on my personal website about this horrific mental illness and it's all an attempt to gain an understanding for kids, families, friends and give kids like my Josh a chance.
But, you don't have to be suffering from this condition to enjoy the book. Joshua is a great character for kids to find common ground with, as he's a young boy turned hero.
If I've been successful in either, more win. :)
Although I started in 2006, it lay dormant for years, only to be picked up again two years ago. As a single mother, raising four kids, working full-time, schooling full-time and supporting my youngest son with his needs; it took longer to complete.
I thank all of those who supported me along the way and they will receive a special dedication in my second edition, which will come out along with my second book. (Second edition to have corrections, table of contents, dedication page and maps)
Stay tuned READERS :)
To be more honest, raising my son with this condition was difficult at best. I raised four by myself and was always in search of solutions for this ailment. It's been through my soul-searching, research, family therapy sessions, counseling and constant love for my son, that we were able to make it through. My reasons for writing this book were more to help kids like my son feel "normal," and to not permit the stigma to define their life's journey.
I have several links on my personal website about this horrific mental illness and it's all an attempt to gain an understanding for kids, families, friends and give kids like my Josh a chance.
But, you don't have to be suffering from this condition to enjoy the book. Joshua is a great character for kids to find common ground with, as he's a young boy turned hero.
If I've been successful in either, more win. :)
Although I started in 2006, it lay dormant for years, only to be picked up again two years ago. As a single mother, raising four kids, working full-time, schooling full-time and supporting my youngest son with his needs; it took longer to complete.
I thank all of those who supported me along the way and they will receive a special dedication in my second edition, which will come out along with my second book. (Second edition to have corrections, table of contents, dedication page and maps)
Stay tuned READERS :)
Dawnette Brenner
No, the character is based on personal experience I witnessed firsthand.
I tried to end and start at appropriate places within the story-line, ensuring scenes and thoughts were complete and connected. I did have several rereads to make sure everything flowed well. I hope my readers can read carefully in some areas to not get lost. Several students of mine have states they loved the transitions and that it's "like no other," they've read.
I tried to end and start at appropriate places within the story-line, ensuring scenes and thoughts were complete and connected. I did have several rereads to make sure everything flowed well. I hope my readers can read carefully in some areas to not get lost. Several students of mine have states they loved the transitions and that it's "like no other," they've read.
Dawnette Brenner
I did struggle and changed them many times. The characters are very closely related both fictionally and in reality. Naming was important and I sought out various sites to help with character names. I loved this process.
Dawnette Brenner
Yes! I'm currently working on book 2 in the series The Ancient Sacred Tree Chronicles. I can reveal the title. "The Ancient Sacred Tree: Curse of the Faet (pronounced 'fate'). It should be out next year. :)
Dawnette Brenner
The previous question answers this, watching my son, his actions & moments of creative play unmarred by the world around him.
Dawnette Brenner
My mother was an excellent writer but never quite got to the point of publication. I raised my kids, 4 of them. Tough times... the solo act was never my intention, yet my inspiration was a personal experience out of deep strife. Those moments of torrential anguish and sadness... sparked an idea. My youngest son was the focal point of my idea, out came creativity & this book.
Dawnette Brenner
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Dawnette Brenner
Read, read often and get feedback from others, test your story out with Beta Readers. You'll save yourself money on editing.
I mapped out my book series, after the first one, so my focus and overall theme flow well.
I mapped out my book series, after the first one, so my focus and overall theme flow well.
Dawnette Brenner
Writing for me is like reading in style! I get to make it my own and am in charge of where I take my story. I enjoy making up worlds, creatures & characters, then I get to share it with others!
Dawnette Brenner
That's a great question, considering I started this book in 2006, finished 2016! My problem was never really a block, but having time I could honestly spend writing for myself, instead of being a mom to 4. Currently I cater to my classroom, feeling writing is for me. It's a battle, but Im more geared up than ever to finish the chronicles of Jishua Creed!
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