There are so many experiences that influence authors when they write. Life experiences, second hand knowledge, or even a desire to understand others’ emotions and conflicts are significant influences on a writer’s works. For me, my interest in the plight of El Salvador during its Civil War was first aroused by the song “El Salvador” written by Noel Paul Stookey. I’ve often been influenced by the lyrics of songs, and this one had a strong impact on me. Later, meeting people who actually lived through the El Salvadorian Civil War rekindled my interest, thus a story line evolved. As with my first novel, Moon Dance, Ghost of Johanna is partly truth and partly fiction, and my goal was to spin a tale that intrigues and captures the imagination of all ages.

Ghost of Johanna depicts “a different world” where daily life is constantly overshadowed by the threat of imminent danger. Through a small glimpse at life through the eyes of a child, I tried to cast a new light on a controversial issue. As a writer, I hope those who read my book will be moved as the lives of the characters unfold upon its pages.

Now to go back to my original thought, there are multiple layers of answers as to what influences a writer. For me, when I start peeling away the layers the first influence I see is my mom, whose musical talents and songwriting skills played a major role in how I perceive the world around me. She inspired me through her music as well as her life. The next layer would be my dad, whose storytelling and love of nature became an integral part of who I am today. More layers peel away as I remember childhood when life moved a little slower, and most of my childhood was spent playing outdoors with my sisters. Back in the day, imagination was key to entertainment. There wasn’t any Wii, there was only we… my sisters and me. We were very inventive children and enjoyed many happy days wandering up and down the dirt road in front of our house, playing in the woods, and just being carefree.

Another influence in my life, that greatly surprised me when I realized the huge impact this woman had in my life, was my music teacher. Through influences that shadowed her life during the Vietnam War, she inadvertently introduced me to many loves of my life…folk music and the songs of the sixties, which mirrored the chaotic nature of the times. I even met Bob Dylan in music class, metaphorically speaking, and his reflective, deeply intricate lyrics have had an enormous influence on me as writer. My “growing up years” were heavily influenced by the Vietnam War and all its complexities and conflicts. And so, this latest book we’re writing together comes with bits and pieces from many, various influences.

Inspiration encircles us all, and we never know how or why, but the impact is far reaching. I know there are many more layers I could peel away of many others whom have influenced who I am as a writer, but for the sake of time, I’ll stop here and just say, “Good Night and God Bless”.