Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 2

27 WINTER 2019 Response to The Message in the Painted Rock: • 2019 NYC Big Book Award: Distinguished Favorite (Preteen Fiction) • PenCraft Award: 2d. Place-Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi “With its realistic, engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and engrossing mystery, The Message in the Painted Rock is a satisfying novel for readers of all ages.” Indie Reader: Four Star, Indie Reader Approved “The story is engaging, the suspense is authentic, and his characters are industrious, accessible, and great role models for the target audience.” Authors Reading Review “A fun commingling of Arthurian legend, Spanish conquistadors, and small-town Texas that encourages young readers to overcome their fears to see the wonder that’s all around them.” Sublime Book Review  Well, yes. In the beginning, that wasn’t the intent. But then this publishing thing happened, and I left the parts that lead into a sequel in, so I am stuck in my own writing trap. Not a bad place to be, and I am not complaining at all. Have you written those next installments? I am writing the next book. I think the story will develop into a trilogy. My publisher is pushing me along. Your book also brings in archeology and cave paintings. Have you seen the paintings that you discuss in your book? Not in person, although I hope to. I have seen the photos in Carolyn Boyd’s book that inspired mine. The dedication is to your grandson—howdid he enjoy the book? I did dedicate the book to my grandson. I am told he has read it twice, so I hope he enjoyed it. The opportunity to share with Jonah some of my interests in story form has been a wonderful opportunity and journey. It’s been very exciting. Anything else? Well, only that this provides me a great opportunity to reconnect with Texas dealers, if only indirectly. And that's important to me. They were such a huge part of my life for so many years, and doing this interview makes me feel like I'm still part of the dealer family. If only a tiny part.