Writing this novel has been the most difficult thing I've ever done(with the noted exception of middle school). Writing this novel has been the most exhilarating thing I've ever done.
I started THE UNSEEN because I'd always wanted to write and with the exception of a creative writing course in college, I hadn't let myself let go long enough to dream, build and create in this way since I was in elementary school. I had school loans! I didn't have the time or energy to sit and write and...edit! As a rookie writer, I didn't expect ALL THE EDITING!
This novel comes from a deeply held place for me. A tough moment in my life was defined not by its difficulty but by talking and building, venting and laughing about my characters with my family. They became a release for me, something good and powerful to focus on.
I wrote this book for the twelve year old me and the thirty-six year old me. This is something that we both can enjoy. I wrote it for my three year old daughter and 11 month old son so that, if nothing else, we'll have stories to read together. I wrote it for all the quiet, nerdy, geeky, passionate and good kids I've worked with over the years. I want them to know that when the moment is thrust upon them, they can rise to the challenge.
As a multi-racial man I wanted to write a novel that spoke to the intersectionality of the many pieces that make us who we are. My characters are multi-racial, African American, urban, rural, deaf, Native American, Jewish, male, female, come from single parent households and most importantly... they are friends. (Also, when they join their rings together they form Captain Planet...sorry, different story!) They are my family, friends and students and dammit if I get to create the world, we all get to be in it.