Where does your desire to express yourself through art come from?
It came from seeing the joy on children’s faces when they receive one of my books. Seeing them mastering their reading skills, going on adventures, sharing time with their families due to a Queen Vernita adventure and being able to help children around the world open up their worlds and become excited about reading.
I really loved creating my Queen Vernita’s adventures. The authenticity of each adventure comes from my rule that each new page comes from a real trip. If it’s white-water rafting in Acapulco, swimming with sharks in the North Shore of Hawaii, having a baby sea horse wrap their tails around your finger or swimming with a sea turtle it’s all authentic. My illustrator is able to convert the pictures from our trips and turn them into vividly colorful illustrated pictures of the real event. The children love knowing that the people and places are real. Authenticity is the core of independent art.
What are your goals as an artist?
As an author my main goal is to touch others’ lives in a positive way. Writing about our experiences and sharing with others helps them to be open about their own experiences. The Land of Quails House has an initiative to spread literacy around the world. I was able to travel to Ghana, Africa and work with children who attended a nonprofit called Cheerful Hearts. We distributed children’s literature to 100 children who were increasing their literacy skills to ensure their safety from sex trafficking and child labor. We are currently having a book drive to send educational materials to Nigeria.
The Land of Quails House has won over 200+ film festivals. In August 2024 Precious the Baby Dragon was the featured screenplay at the San Diego Kids Film Festival in Carlsbad, California. It was an author’s dream come true to see your children’s book come to life. The local playhouse children’s actors had only one week to practice, and they were wonderful. They included dancing, jokes and singing.
I would love to have my children’s literature turned into an animated series or feature film with live action characters. Queen Vernita’s Visitors education books are based on our real-life adventures, real people and named after my grandmother.
Do you think independent artists today have enough opportunities to share their creativity?
Yes, I think that there is room for everyone. Through social media, film festivals, events and various outlets independent artists have ample opportunities to shine in the world. I have never felt that I was missing any opportunities. In fact, I must turn many wonderful events down because I just don’t have enough time for everything. Major outlets are seeking independent ideas for their projects. It’s out there, you just have to say yes to it.
What new project are you currently working on?
The Land of Quails House has ten new books that will be coming out in the future. Queen Vernita will be visiting in Africa, Ireland, Italy, Zion, Grand Canyon, Calico, Joshua Tree, Wrightwood, Oceanside, Big Sur and Alaska to name a few. Queen Giggles, King Teddy Bear and Precious the Baby Dragon will be exploring future kingdoms to find Thunder for Precious.
The Land of Quails House has several amazing projects that are being worked on behind the scenes that will be announced before the new year. Stay tuned.
