Speaking with Maria Alice Silva-Amey: A writer who thinks differently about humanity

HELLO MARIA ALICE SILVA-AMEY, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO USE THE BLOOD MOON?
The Blood Moon, it’s a part of the book that Lara’s  verdict was recognized. That the Moon that she loved at the specific night, became sad and her tears were so hot and heavy that she felt hurt and blood was involved at the moment.

DO YOU WANT YOUR WORK TO BE READ BY ALL AGES AND DEMOGRAPHICS?
I would recommend 14 years old and above in all demographics.

HAVE YOU WOVEN ANY OF YOUR OWN BACKSTORY INTO LARA’S?
Yes. I have placed few events into Lara’s journey as well as other characters. I want to bring a strong personality and action in each and every character.

WHAT’S THE ONE PART OF THIS BOOK THAT MEANS THE MOST TO YOU NOW THAT YOU CAN REFLECT ON IT AS A WHOLE?
When Lara finally brought herself at the most thoughtful moment to tell the truth.

DID YOU DISCUSS YOUR IDEAS WITH ANYONE ELSE DURING THE WRITING PROCESS?
Yes I did. Law regulations, historic facts that I have to bring up to describe that could be unreal but also have a sense of reality.

IF THERE’S ONE MESSAGE YOU’D LIKE TO CONVEY WITH THE BOOK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Be prepared to face birthright feelings. Try not to compare family, friends and others to someone else especially if it’s a negative comparison.

WOULD YOU EVER CONSIDER EXTENDING LARA’S SEARCH FOR A HAPPY ENDING INTO A SEQUEL?
I feel that I should have a sequel to Lara’s journey. She sees her life at a safe place, when she feels happy and is out of the silence. This time I believe that she will describe the scariest moments that she didn’t share yet.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID ONCE YOU FINISHED YOUR FINAL DRAFT?
I felt very happy. When I sent the manuscript and the editor point out about Lara’s Doll. That was a thoughtful point that I really like. I was able to describe important footpaths that helped Lara’s journey. For sure the readers will find Beautiful Moon very thrilling.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING AS A WRITER IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
I would still be telling stories. When I was at the age of fourteen, I wrote a play, that was very fun and the children loved it. Today, my GodDaughter at the age of 10, she often asked me to tell her stories and after I finished, she would always asked ” It’s that for real? Or you just made it up?” I said, ” I made it up and then she said, ” that is very cool”. So, I am still planning to write more children’s stories.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COVER ART?
The long walking on the beaches, travels and the unforeseen conversation a long side with friends and families, and the late night walking at the beach looking up to the Moon. I am very happy with the end result of the cover and how it turned out.