Emerging from Obscurity: A Surreal Experience
When Kathy Barnes contacted me about writing an article for the Author’s Lounge, it came as quite a surprise. It is both terrifying and exciting to be pulled from the dark waters of obscurity and placed in the spotlight, if only for a moment. As an emerging author, who is new to the world of fiction, the experience has been surreal – even unbelievable. When Kathy reached out, she posed several questions. Those have become this aritcle’s outline.
What is “Shifts in Time: The Adventure Begins” about?
This novel is the first in a series of time travel fantasy adventure novels. Its themes include a strong emphasis on family, friendship, and kindness. The series explores the concepts of good and evil as well as many aspects of the human experience.
What is your target audience?
The series was written with teens and young adults in mind. There is a wholesome approach throughout that is appropriate for all ages. I would not be worried if my own little ones found and read them. The main characters across the series alternate between female and male. The first book features a strong female lead character named Ann. This is followed by Charlie in book two, Ruth in book three, and Dwade in book four. Who knows after that.
What do you hope your readers will get from the book?
Of course, I want my readers to be entertained by the story. In addition, I hope it will make them think critically about important issues. Maybe even build their empathy for others and plant dreams in the hearts for a brighter future than this world seems to be rocketing towards. If the next generation can dream of a better future and recognize the pitfalls of our current trajectory, maybe they can change course and create a better future.
What inspired you to write “Shifts in Time: The Adventure Begins”?
Believe it or not, this series was inspired by a dream, or nightmare, depending on how you look at it. When I woke up from the dream, I started writing furiously to get the story on paper. Here I am, months and months later, putting the story into the world – and nervously awaiting the public’s reaction.
Book Synopsis
“Shifts in Time: The Adventure Begins”
Annabelle Ruth Copeland is a strong and capable sixteen-year-old who steps in to help when her father vanishes. Ann, as she is known to her family and friends, embarks on an unexpected adventure through time one month later. She is desperate to find her dad and her home again, so she joins forces with others from all over time. The band of time travelers work together to restore what their nemesis, Crowe, has stolen from them and time. The novel takes many unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. The ever-present questions remain. Will Ann and her friends find a way to restore time? And will Ann ever find her way back home?
What are your future hopes and plans for the book?
At first that question always throws me for a loop. Is there an author among us who wants our books to become dust collectors sitting on a shelf? Not me. Always striving to be honest and kind, I must tell you my fervent hope is to one day see these books in the hands of teens and young adults everywhere. If the book inspires people to make acts of kindness a normal way of life, that would be very pleasing. People have said that art imitates life, but I believe art can influence life. Here’s hoping that my art can influence the world for the better.
Can you tell us something more about yourself?
Sure. You already know that I am an emerging author of teen and young adult novels. Maybe you’ve guessed that I am crazy about my family, including the furry members. In my leisure time I enjoy puzzles, nature, and cooking shows. Education is also important to me, and I tend to embrace everything in life as a learning experience.
Writing is as much a part of me as breathing. As soon as I could scribble on lined paper, I was writing. My grandmother encouraged me to do this even before I could form the letters of the alphabet. Professionally speaking, I self-published my first two non-fiction books in 2017. This was followed by a series of illustrated intermediate readers for children called “The Skitterbug Tales” in 2022. Now, I have embarked upon the journey of self-publishing my first series of fictional novels. The bonus is I have begun to learn the marketing side of the business in the process.
When asked ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’, I always answered ‘a life-long student’. I guess this is what they call living the dream. It has been fun sharing this time with you. Thank you again to the Author’s Lounge for the interest you have shown in my work.
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Visit my website to join my email list for a free sample from the book.
View the book trailer.
Get “Shifts in Time: The Adventure Begins” on Amazon in e-book, paperback, or hardcover formats.
