1. I hear you have a cat in your latest Middle School Fantasy book. Tell us about the Tree Guardians series.

Hi Marcia! Thanks so much for interviewing me and allowing me to share my work! The Tree Guardians series, which I write under the pen name, Shea Gibson, came to life after reading the Harry Potter books. Though I loved the series, I thought it was a bit too dark for kids/younger teens. That’s when the magic wand light came on. It took some time to plot the storylines for each book, but it was quick and easy to create the characters and their magical abilities—as well as their magical world and, of course, a cast of supporting characters, including animals.

Each book will showcase one character’s journey, from being chosen as a Tree Guardian to forming a bond with the other guardians to gaining the confidence to lead their appointed task to retrieve a hidden object. All this to save their magical world, while dealing with magical bad guys and bullies.

I’m having so much fun writing this series. It’s my first for children but hopefully not the last. Though preteen is the targeted age, I’ve slipped in some safe, adult humor so a lover of fantasy of any age might enjoy these books. I do have another series in mind, a Young Adult series, but that’s farther down the road.

I’ve completed three books of this five-book series. Book one is Tree Guardians and the Endless Bog. Book two is Tree Guardians and the Cave of Enchantment. Book three is Tree Guardians and the Forest of Dreams.

Tree Guardians and the Forest of Dreams includes a magical cat. Here’s the book blurb:

Alexis Vaugh had been a loner in school until a magical tree selected her to be one of its five guardians. She thought it had been a mistake. Two quests later, she realized it was no mistake. Bonus? She now had friends that have two legs instead of four. Still, coming out of her magical shell means stepping up and stepping out to lead the other Tree Guardians on a quest to locate the next magical tome and get it back to the tree before time runs out and their magical world is doomed.

 

2. Why did you add a magical cat to Tree Guardians and the Forest of Dreams?

There are so many magical creatures, but for me, the cat is a staple in the magical world. I’m sure everyone pictures the proverbial black cat with a witch during Halloween. This particular cat, however, is special. He’s a Sphynx, a hairless feline with two different colored eyes, named Bowie. (Yes, I named him after the singer.) Now a hairless cat is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, but I find them fascinating and unique.

In Tree Guardians and the Forest of Dreams, the main characters are Alexis and her cat Bowie. Alexis’ magical gift is the ability to talk to, understand, and shape-shift into any animal that’s magical or not magical—as long as it’s not a dark, magical beast. Bowie has a sharp wit and never lets Alexis forget it. He also is very protective of her, and it shows.

Though I do love dogs, I’m a total cat person. I had several growing up and into adulthood. I love that they are so expressive, moody, and able to take care of themselves, if needed. They are also so affectionate, too, unless you disturb them during naps. LoL!

 

3. What other books have you written?

I’ve been writing since high school, mainly fan fiction about pop stars. Girls dream big in high school! Being more serious, I write romantic suspense under my real name, Tabitha Gibson. I’m hoping I do justice to my romances with strong male and headstrong female leads that make a reader sigh happily.

I love writing series. I have a three-book bodyguard series, which you can get in an anthology, Bodyguard, Inc. Here are short blurbs for each book in the anthology:

Guarding Madison: Bodyguard Lucien Trace has to protect actress Madison Jordan from a killer. Madison prefers her privacy until the Harley-riding bodyguard rumbles into her life. Once she’s safe, will he be able to let her go?

Under His Protection: Security expert Lex Cameron takes on the task of finding out who wants to kill the pregnant woman he nearly ran over. Tina Garrett will do anything to protect her unborn child…even marrying the sexy biker with the heart of gold.

Watching Over Her: Road warrior Jack Cameron rides back into town to find out who is stalking the woman he once, and still loves. Against her better judgement, songstress Arabella Carson agrees to let Jack watch over her until the stalker is found, then he’s outta there. But her heart and body have different ideas.

I’m also writing the three-book Brawlers Gym series, featuring a fictional professional wrestling promotion with wrestlers learning the ropes (so to speak) about life in the ring and love outside the ring. There’s nothing better than a happily-ever-after.

Full Force is the first in the series. Here’s the book blurb:

Professional wrestler Colton Reece is at a crossroads in his life. Years of living the dream are taking a toll, bringing the need to make both personal and professional life-changing decisions. The inner struggle is real. Then, he meets her.

Author Terra Raine is in the crosshairs of a stalker. Still recovering from a vicious attack, she wasn’t looking for love, just serenity. A surprise meeting with the man of her dreams, however, has her reconsidering her thoughts about life and love.

Terra’s quiet way—along with her surprising love of his profession—is just the breath of fresh air Colton needs. She has him considering something he thought was impossible: A second chance at love. But her dark past in the form a twisted stalker might end everything before it begins. The stalker wants Terra dead and isn’t afraid to take Colton down, too. Colton and Terra begin to explore a chance at love and life together, but will they survive an unknown danger to their very lives?

 

4. Tell us what your typical writing day is like.

I’d like to say it’s smooth sailing, but it’s not. I have an active special needs adult daughter, so she comes first. I squeeze in writing between her favorite movies and songs, as well as on a dedicated day off when I can focus on my craft. I hear from other writers that they listen to music while writing, but not me. I need complete silence (or as quiet as it can get with my very vocal daughter). I do, from time to time, put on ocean waves to listen to. The beach is my happy place and my life goal—living at the beach!

 

5. How do you promote your books?

I’m not the best at promoting myself, so I really appreciate this opportunity to toot my own horn. I do have a few social media accounts that are listed on my Linktree. I tend to post my book covers, links to where to purchase the books, and ads created by indie artists. I do the occasional book signing event, and I hope to do more events in the future.

 

6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?

I’m currently having work done on my website, but my Linktree includes links to all my pen names: Shea Gibson for Children’s books, Tabitha Gibson for Romantic Suspense books, and Jewelia Gibson for Erotic Romantic Suspense books. My Linktree also has my book buy links, as well as my social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/gibsonbooks

Thanks so much for checking out my interview with the very fabulous Marcia James!

 

MARCIA: Thank you, Shea/Tabitha/Jewelia, for being my September interviewee! Writing under three pen names is amazing and challenging. I’ve enjoyed reading your books!

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