In this brief but informative interview, I asked Stephanie five questions about her book, Red Sunflower: A Carmen Cox Adventure.

Question 1: What inspired you to write this particular book? What was the spark or catalyst that got the story or idea flowing.

Answer: This book is based off real life events that happened to me and my foster brothers and sisters.  The story is fictional. But what happened to the characters, happened to us.

I tried for years to write my story, but it has caused me to dissociate a lot.  I never could finish.

This book got started with a writing prompt with my best friend Jessica Eppley (a really good writer!!!) and her and I was doing a love scene. And I create Carmen Cox to be flirting with her character Erin Rankin. From there, I fell in love with Carmen. She made it easier to write out the horrors I otherwise couldn’t get out.

Question 2: Can you talk about a significant challenge you faced during the writing process and how you overcame it?

Answer: Memories. I have dissociative identity disorder from the decades of abuse I endured. I had to go through a lot of therapy to get this done.

Question 3: What do you hope readers will take away from your book, and what kind of discussion or impact do you envision it having?

Answer: I want them to hate Patrick Lander with a passion. Despise him.

I want them to feel the reality of what it’s like to be a victim of a monster like him, but also learn, be inspired to know they can rise above it and do amazing things.

Question 4: How did your research (if applicable) shape the story or character development? Did you discover anything unexpected or fascinating during your research?

Answer: I always loved to write. But writing this book was hard.  I was scared i would make a total mess of it.

Funny note: page 2, I spelled Carmen’s name wrong. After weeks of going over and over it, editing, and making sure spacing is right; I still spelled her name wrong!

Question 5: What’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects, and if so, can you give us a sneak peek?

Answer: Carmen’s adventures will continue. I’m half way done with the next book. And I’m already planning out the next two after the 2nd one.  I’m going to enjoy this saga, this universe I am creating. Who knows, maybe it will become a TV series some day!

If you wanted a sneak peak of the 2nd book “Ally Cat” then you gotta buy the first one! It’s in the back of the book!

Thank you Stephanie for answering my inquiries. Your book sounds very interesting and potentially cathartic for anyone going through or has gone through similar situations you describe in the book. For more information, go to Amazon