My first novel, A Calling Dream was inspired by true events, with some research and imagination thrown in. Years of family secrets were unraveled and revealed to finally reveal a truth that's not nearly as pretty as the picture that'd been painted.
I learned quite a few things on this journey, not only about my family, but about human beings in general. I learned that love helps love to grow and hate does the opposite. In other words if you are loved as a child, not indulged, not "spoiled" but actually loved, you learn to love yourself and others, without hindrance. On the other hand if you've been subjected to abuse,hatred and torture, during your formative years,your capacity to truly, and freely love may have been irreparably damaged. It's a sad state, that many can attest to.