Dawnette Brenner
Dawnette Brenner a true California girl, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, relocated to the Central Valley in 2016. She's singled-handedly raised four children, all successful adults and enjoys her three grandchildren, also living in the Central Valley. A teacher since 2004, she promotes reading and writing, a.... more
Dawnette Brenner a true California girl, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, relocated to the Central Valley in 2016. She's singled-handedly raised four children, all successful adults and enjoys her three grandchildren, also living in the Central Valley. A teacher since 2004, she promotes reading and writing, as well as critical thinking skills as a robotics and coding club leader.
This is her debut novel and the first in a series of "The Ancient Sacred Tree Chronicles." The second book is due to come out 2018, which will continue the journeys of Joshua Creed. She maintains social media presence on Goodreads, Facebook and most active on Instagram. Her hobbies include reading fantasy, crime/mystery and romance and when she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
I was asked: How did you get the idea for your book? Did it just come to you or did you piece it together one character at a time?
The story actually came to me in 2006 whilst observing my son, during a time he suffered dreadfully with an episode of mania caused by his bipolar disorder. He used to zone in and out of reality and I became frantic with worry. There were times that he would seem to "escape reality." He also used to go outside, play with his action figures or what seemed like, "imaginary friends." It was during a long stretch of these stringed together that, as a mother, I couldn't imagine anything but a fantastic world that he must be in and the idea was born.
To be quite frank, raising my son with this condition was difficult at best. I raised four by myself and was always in search of solutions for this ailment. It's been through my soul-searching, research, family therapy sessions, counseling and constant love for my son, that we were able to make it through. My reasons for writing this book were more to help kids like my son feel "normal," and to not allow the stigma to define their life's journey.
I have several links on my personal website about this horrific mental illness for all to gain an understanding of this condition. It's for kids, families, friends and give kids like my Josh a chance. http://joshuacreed.weebly.com/breaking-stigmas.html
But, you don't have to be suffering from this condition to enjoy the book. Joshua is a great character for kids to find common ground with, as he's a relatable young boy turned hero.
If I've been successful in either, more win. :)
Although I started in 2006, it lay dormant for years, only to be picked up again two years ago. As a single mother, raising four kids, working full-time, schooling full-time and supporting my youngest son with his needs; it took years to complete.
I thank all of those who supported me along the way!
Stay tuned READERS :)