LEC: I understand that your own son was diagnosed with and treated for leukemia. You've said that this experience got you writing again - how much of your son's story found its way into Samson's Tale?
CM: Some pieces are similar, but other parts of the story came from experiences of other children and patients that we met along the way. I named the main character in the book Daniel after my son, and they share the same type of cancer. Many of the symptoms that Daniel faces in the book such as leg weakness, upset stomach, hair loss were all side effects that we dealt with here. One big difference, however, is that we did not have a dog at the time of Daniel’s diagnosis, so Samson is an entirely fictional character. We have since gotten a dog, named Lily, and she and the real Daniel are best friends!
LEC: I love that you told this story through the eyes of the dog, rather than the boy. Did you know from the start you wanted to write it that way? Tell us how you came to choose the furry point of view.
CM: As I revealed above, Samson is an entirely fictional character. However, I tried to have him represent the thoughts and feelings of the people around a child with cancer (or any other serious illness), especially brothers and sisters, who may be confused and scared about what is happening. The real Daniel has a brother and sister who had many of the same questions and thoughts that Samson had. Making Samson a dog enabled me to show unconditional love during a stressful time. Samson was able to see past the changes in routine and appearance, to the boy he loved. Hopefully, Samson can help children facing similar situations in their own lives.
LEC: You're the Pittsburgh director of Flashes of Hope. Tell us a little about this organization, and why you're supporting it with your time, as well as the proceeds of this book.
CM: Flashes of Hope is a national nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research. Basically, we arrange for professional, award-winning photographers and stylists to come in and have a photo shoot with patients and their families, all free of charge. I became involved in the organization after seeing it and its wonderful pictures at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Pittsburgh didn’t have a chapter, so I volunteered to start one. I love seeing how the children light up during their time in front of the camera. We’ve had quite a few hams, let me say! It’s a wonderful way to take them out of the day-to-day grind of their illness and give them something special. For some families, the photographs are documentation of the strength of their child during treatment or a celebration of reaching the end of treatment. For others, they are a beautiful remembrance of a child who did not win his or her battle.
LEC: In addition to Samson's Tale, you've published fiction, graphic novels, activity books, and educational nonfiction. What are some of the rewards and challenges of each type of writing?
CM: I have done a bit of everything! I like it all, each for its different characteristics. Nonfiction is fun – I’ve always been curious, so I really enjoy researching and learning about new ideas and topics. Plus the schedule of educational nonfiction keeps me focused on the task at hand. For fiction, my favorite part is working on developing new characters and making them feel like living, breathing friends!
LEC: What are you working on now?
CM: I have several nonfiction projects that I’m in various stages of researching and writing. One of them entails some tadpoles in my garage that we are hoping will turn into frogs soon! I’m also working on a middle grade fiction project. With luck, I might finish the first draft of that one by the end of October. I’m excited about this one, I’ve been writing bits and pieces of it over the years, but am finally getting close to the end!
LEC: Good luck with the novel - and the tadpoles!
CM: Thanks so much!
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For more information about Carla Mooney, check out her website. You can learn about or donate to Flashes of Hope at www.flashesofhope.org
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing yourself and Samson's Tale.Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours...
Thanks for being a wonderful host!
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