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Questions for Dr. Molly What is your next book?
My next adventure book for children is called Malia and Teacup: Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. Snow monsters, army battles and a mad scientist all collide in a little country called Bhutan. Malia and Grandpa are searching for the magic flower potion and Teacup gets in more mischief.
• Is writing a book difficult?
No, writing a book is not really that hard. I can imagine the scenes in my mind as if I am watching a movie. Then, I have to describe what I see with words.
• How long does it take to write a book?
Because I also work as a licensed mental health counselor and I have a big family, some books have taken me years to write. Other books have taken me only four or five months to write. The story line called the plot is fun and fast to write. However, the commas, quotations and misspelled words take a long time to correct.
• How did you think of the characters?
Malia was easy because she is a lot like me. The other characters are bits and pieces of people whom I have known. Teacup is so cute and stubborn.
• Why do Malia and Teacup get in so much trouble?
I want kids to learn how to handle problems and to stay away from bad people by reading about Malia’s problems first. Malia always finds a solution. I want all kids to be safe and happy. You can prevent most problems by asking yourself what is the consequence of everything you do. Always think ahead to stay out of dangerous situations, be smart, careful, listen to warnings and believe that you deserve to be treated kindly and right by everyone. Some adults are big bullies and some kids are too. Some people act nice but are really scary-crazy. You must learn to protect yourself and always tell on them.
• How do you make up characters like the evil Inspector and kooky Grandpa?
CI create a past for each character. Their past motivates (makes) the characters act the way they do in the story. I think a lot about why the Inspector is a grown-up bully and why Grandpa never gives up. I try to imagine what happened to them as children that either hurt them, or helped them to be strong.
• What was your childhood like?
Wonderful. I grew up in Illinois with my teacher mom, architect dad and three brothers. My grandparents and cousins were so much fun. I had a bad illness when I was six months old (cerebral meningitis.) I know that am lucky to be alive. I wake up every morning feeling grateful and happy to have a new day.
• Do you have a pet?
Yes! I have always had a pet to love and take care of. The first dog I loved was my brother’s dog, Coco. She was a red Irish Setter who hid under the bed during rainstorms. Pekipoo was half Pekinese and half Poodle and so cute. She had three puppies and my mom named them, Jim, Nick and Mike after my three brothers. Topaz was a sleek Doberman pinscher that I loved so much. Sweetie was a gentle Coker Spaniel that was my son’s dog. Majkk is a Toy Poodle and she acts a lot like Teacup. When I was a little girl, I had a quarter horse named Sissy and in college, I had an Arabian horse named Suntan. As a young girl, I loved horses and read about them all the time. I have had fish tanks, parakeets, lovebirds and canaries. Everyday, pets must be fed, their homes kept clean and if they get sick you must take them to the animal doctor called a veterinarian. When my pets grew old and died, my feelings would hurt so much. As soon as I could, I would get a new pet to love and I would feel happy again.
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