Featured Interview With Pele Sparkle
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to military parents. As a toddler, my parents relocated us to Washington state, where I spent my childhood. Because of agoraphobia and other debilitating anxiety disorders, I had to be homeschooled while receiving therapy. To help myself through the daily panic attacks, I would lose myself in books; the characters and stories helped me to refocus and calm down.
Now, I am recovered and living in Southern California and when I’m not writing children’s and YA books; my hobbies are: crafts, painting, sketching and trying out new recipes. This Fall, I will begin attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy to study acting, one of my life long dreams.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My family are major book lovers and my parents considered reading and reading comprehension as extremely important skills to develop. I don’t really remember when I discovered my love for books; it was always there it seems. In fifth grade, my class was given an assignment to write a short story and then we were given decorative paper and glue to make our own handmade books. We were then permitted to add them to our school library for others students to read. It was so much fun and I was hooked on writing from then on. I began writing more stories at home.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors are the same ones I grew up reading. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s, Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon books are at the top of my list. Stephen King, Jane Austen, Charlaine Harris, Dean Koontz, as well as the Bronte’s. And I cannot forget about The Lord of the Rings. What a masterpiece! Montgomery and King are authors who inspire me the most. Montgomery’s use of words and descriptions are like gazing at beautiful watercolor paintings. I love how King infuses humor throughout his horror. Horror, culinary, British literature and most recently, mysteries are my favorite genres. But, I can find something in any genre to enjoy.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
What’s So Special About Bailey Piggles, is my first book. It’s an illustrated children’s book about a little piglet who has the ability to communicate with his three spirit guides. They help Bailey uncover and solve a mystery in his school. In doing so, they help one of Bailey’s classmates, who’s being targeted by a bully. So, this book touches on the subjects of spirituality, as well as bullying and bigotry. It took me fifteen years to write this book. It was easy for me to create the characters, but it took me awhile to figure out what to do with them. Going through my own experience with bigotry is partly what inspired the storyline. as well as being raised to believe in spirit guides. It can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites.