When I was a child I stared up at the clouds. I could see all sorts of fantastic faces, creatures and objects forming in an ever-changing environment. I suppose that just stayed with me. Now, when I write, I like to imagine those clouds and what images they might reveal in my mind's eye. Having a powerful imagination is one thing, but being able to convey to the reader what is imagined is quite another. I suppose I have broken the trend by incorporating so many pictures into my books, but I want the reader to truly understand the characters and environments I am trying to describe. Visual stimulation is an art form, and I enjoy creating the many pictures that enhance my books.
My father was a pianist and choral director. His fingers danced over the keys of his beloved piano with nonchalant ease. It would seem a natural progression that I would incorporate that memory into the story of a magical piano that could be used as a time-travelling vessel through the heavens. The prime characters that appear in this novel are unique, but are based on the affectionate memories from my youth. Nicolas is like my real life brother, Peter - dependable and sturdy. I guess Elise is comparable to my mother, Lyn - maternal and wise. Henry is just one of those kids we all have experienced at school growing up - annoying and selfish. Uncle Olaf epitomizes the parent that can't fully emotionally express himself, a characteristic of the men of yesteryear. Marius is a free thinking spirit whose survival instincts shaped his fearlessness in attacking life much like Nelson Mandela I think. And what can we say about Nedebiah whose whole purpose is to get the children home. He is a fatherly figure which I suppose could draw comparisons with Abraham Lincoln, the great American president who believed in freedom for all. With all of that in mind, I hope you enjoy reading my book.