A funny novel aimed at teens but adults will enjoy the humorous, clever and fast-paced story just as much. For a great summer read pick up a copy.

What is this new teen novel about…

“Obedience is for dogs,” spouts Jay; an out of control thirteen year old.
Arrested for being at a chop shop, Jay can either go to juvenile detention or move to the poor Indian reservation his mother shunned fourteen years ago where his estranged grandfather will oversee Jay’s penance.
Jay’s latest prank,’rat day’, may have to happen without him.

Thirteen year old graffiti artist Jay Roberts is caught in a shakedown of the chop shop in his favorite alley. With no one to back up his innocence, Jay is given a choice, either juvenile detention or six months on his mother’s run down Indian reservation where his estranged grandfather will oversee the punishment.

Confined to the village, Jay feels claustrophobic and used. He continues his destructive behavior; shooting a crow, breaking curfew and hitch-hiking back to the city. His social worker, thick-ankles Thornton, is anxious to catch Jay in the act and send him to youth detention. The kids of the village treat Jay as an outsider, calling him “Apple”. To survive, Jay is forced to confront Miles, the school bully. Jay’s creative problem solving will either neutralize Miles and win the respect of his peers or turn him into “Apple” sauce.

Jay’s resentment is slowly chipped away as he gets to know the quirky villagers. Grampa reveals their rich heritage through storytelling and totem pole carving which may be lost as more people are forced to move away. Will Jay choose to stay and fight for the vanishing village of his ancestors or will he return to the city he calls home?

Because of the Moon is a funny and heart-warming story about standing up for yourself, discovering who you are and fighting to preserve your culture and heritage.

Targeted Age Group:
13 and up

How is Writing In Your Genre Different from Others?
Writing for teens is challenging and fun. I get to be a kid again. I find that between teaching the reader something and entertaining them I am always looking for new ways to present the story. The story taught me many things about the First Nation culture and I had to come to terms with that as I am not First Nations. I wrote a story that I would be proud to show any First Nations persons because it was written with love and respect.

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Writers?
Don’t feel daunted by writing a novel. Start with a short story and then build on it. Add characters and try to include as many of the 5 senses as you can to let the reader really feel, hear, see, and smell the scene. Edit the electronic copy but always print out a hard copy too. It is amazing what you miss on the screen.

Author Bio:
Born in BC. I have two sons who are now adults finding their way in the world. My husband is very supportive of my work and has done the cover for this book and another book.
I have been writing now for 7 seven years. The second novel to Because of the Moon titled the Copper Raven should be out by summer 2013. Fingers crossed.

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I have lived in BC my entire life surrounded by First Nations culture yet never really knew much about them. I learned how funny and resilient they are. I wanted to write about their culture and the struggles they go through in a positive and humorous way. My day job took me on to multiple reservations where I met many lovely First Nations members. Because of the Moon is the fictional result of these experiences.

Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Buy Book On Amazon

Social Media:
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