What motivated you to work on this project?
The main protagonist, Alby, is based on my cat Albert. Albert was my best friend for over a decade, and it was difficult saying goodbye when he succumbed to poor health. The character of Alby is my way of honoring his memory. I always had a desire to write a fantasy novel and invent a new world based on animal hybrids, but I put that on the backburner to focus on my graphic design career. I think losing Albert gave me the push I needed to follow through on that dream.
Who is the niche target demographic audience?
Young people that enjoy reading adventurous, magical stories about characters that must overcome overwhelming odds are the broad audience for this project. The niche target demographic audience are middle grade children (male and female, 11-14 years of age). Most children of this age group have a love for animals and fantasy. I believe that combining both elements will give young readers a new world they will love and return to.
Is this book is strong enough to have sustainable success?
Yes, most children between the ages of 11-14 love animals and fantasy. I believe that children will enjoy venturing into the world of Jumbalot due to the following combination: adventure, humor, and imaginative animal hybrid characters.
How could this book make a positive impact on its readers?
Young readers will find themselves cheering for an unassuming housecat to find the will to believe in himself and overcome overwhelming odds. The main protagonist, Alby, is initially doubtful of what he can do, but he discovers that the compassion for his friend gives him the strength to not only rescue him, but to stand up to a tyrant terrorizing the world of Jumbalot.
During his journey, Alby learns about a belief system that most jumboos adhere to called Jumbaloo. The Jumbaloo Triangle focuses on three equal traits: compassion, bravery, and imagination. Alby learns to use all three during his adventure and I hope it teaches middle grade readers the importance of self-confidence and overcoming insecurities.
What does your writing process through a typical week look like?
I have a 45-minute commute to work, and I found myself visualizing scenarios I could potentially add to my book during this time. Once I got home, I would immediately develop those ideas and add them into each chapter. The same process occurs on weekends: I’ll visualize plot points/ideas and choose which ones to add to the book. The story plays out like a movie in my head and it was fun transferring those ideas to paper.
How long have you been writing?
Journey to Jumbalot is my first attempt at writing a novel, but I have written stories for employer newsletters during the last 20 years. I initially majored in journalism during my first two years of college, but I decided to pursue a career in graphic design to develop my visual skills.
