The idea for the book began as a seed from current world events. The inspiration for the protagonist, Cecilia, was my wife, also a teacher. I have seen the care and empathy she pours into her work to educate her students. I see her satisfaction as she moulds their minds, when at the end of the year they know so much more compared to how they started the school year.

I thought, what if she lived in a city that was suddenly taken over by an invading enemy. What if she was forced to leave her home to live in a bunker. Not seeing sunlight, not knowing what became of the world she lived in. How would that affect her?

Now what if, living in this bunker, a dark secret revealed itself? With no escape, who could she turn to for help? What could she do against this evil?

Ghosts of the Burning City is a love letter to the great teachers of the world that would do anything for "their kids". Perhaps you have had a teacher that had was a positive influence in your life. It is those people that I celebrate, along with the people who sacrifice their lives for peace and freedom.

Ghosts of the Burning City