An Interview with Miranda Tanner, Author of The Mutant Monsters of Marsden Mountain

ArmLin House Productions welcomes Miranda Tanner to our team of children's book authors. As you'll see, she's unapologetically herself and her imaginations is incredibly vivid. When asked to describe herself, she says, "Friendly, fun & spontaneous. Sprinkle of mom, Pixiedust."

In Miranda's book series, a chemical spill flows through a town and turns animals and inanimate objects into unique monsters with vibrant personalities. After humans force them to relocate, these spunky creatures build a community, make forever friends, and find their authentic selves, all the while experiencing life through valuable lessons about acceptance, manners, kindness towards others, and more... 

When asked how the ideas for this series came to mind, she says, "My son Wyatt used to ask me to watch or read things to him about silly monsters. He was never satisfied. So one day I asked him what kind of monsters he wanted to see, and I started drawing. He named several of them: Ugh, Pierre, Boo, Flaps, and Vee are just a few. Then one day I decided to start writing about them in poetry--I journal through poetry. Then it just kept going. And now my son Maverick is into it, and he's my assistant." 

Probably the best way to introduce Miranda is with her poem about herself mixed in with a few of her mutant monsters.

Norfa, the sassafras monster with crass.

Miranda Tanner is an artist, a writer, and avid gardener.

 Lover of cheese, proficient wanderer.

She collects earrings & Halloween costumes.

In spring she gets excited when the flowers bloom.

Her favorite color is green,

She loves movies that make her scream.

She dislikes being told what to do,

And prefers to wear comfortable shoes.

Walks over running.

Tea over coffee.

Sushi over steak.

She loves to make mistakes,

And learn different lessons, 

in life there are many more questions. 

Her favorite plant is ivy.

She especially loves a great tamale. 

She lives life for fun, especially enjoys the sun.

Judge, the loudest town jewel.
Barkles, looks like a cat and barks like a dog.

Mardi Gras is her culture

Bright colors are her infrastructure.

She never meets a stranger,

Always ready for the danger.

Pleased to meet you, my new friend.

Thanks for reading until the end.

Be on the lookout this spring for The Mutant Monsters of Marsden in Genesis. It's our first official release of a children's book, and we're honored and looking forward to sharing this FUN, colorful, and uniquely creative book by Miranda Tanner with readers.

An Interview with Dr. Martha Lucas, Author of the Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers Memoir

Dr. Martha Lucas holds a Ph.D. in Research Psychology as well as a degree in Chinese Medicine. She has more than 20 years of teaching and speaking experience. While Lucas loves practicing Chinese medicine and writing, her absolute favorite role in life is that of grandmother.

In Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers, Dr. Lucas candidly recounts memories of her Catholic daughter's childhood. The book beginning with her parents choosing which saint to name her after and continuing through her Catholic grade school education, taught by nuns, the founders of America’s parochial schools. This memoir portrays strict discipline and rules of a system where independent thinking was discouraged. Everything was forbidden, everyone was a sinner, and every bad action could result in “going to Hell.”

Dr. Martha Lucas holding Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers

How would you describe yourself and your life in seven words?

I love my family and my work.

Besides being a writer, what other types of jobs and careers have you held?

My careers have included Practitioner of Chinese medicine, Research Psychologist, Professor, Administrative Assistant, and even a waitress at Krispy Kreme.

I'm particularly proud of my Pulse Diagnosis Biofeedback and Balancing course that I teach worldwide. And my course that focuses on treating fertility challenges in men and women, which was born while treating one of my daughters who has an autoimmune condition.

How did you juggle life, learning, and career with motherhood while your children were growing up?

Probably not very well when my children were young, and I was a single mother working part-time and pursuing my Ph.D. I am blessed that all of my children are fine and they have good lives, but they do remember (and like to remind me) about living what they called “the ghetto life” of being home alone while I worked or was at school.

Maybe this is why I am so committed to being available to my grandchildren. While I love practicing Chinese medicine and writing, my absolute favorite role in life is that of grandmother. I adores my grandchildren and spends as much time as I can with them.

How did the idea for your book come to you?

Over the years, just thinking about being a Catholic daughter has shaped my life. In my adulthood, I started to question church authority while grappling with my own identity. I found myself becoming what I call an “ambiguous” Catholic. It influenced me to help other women move through the emotional issues that religious influences during childhood can create.

What was your favorite scene or section to write?

I really enjoyed writing the chapter on Confession, mainly because it seems so ludicrous--almost funny if it wasn’t so wrong and sad--to have 7-year-olds feeling like they have to make up sins in order to please the priest in their confessions. What 7-year-old has sin?

Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers A memoir and Guided Journal paperback book with books2read.com/catholicdaughtersjournal link to buy.

This book also has a guided journal, the questions based on my experiences and desires to help others discover their truth. It allows readers to explore their Catholic mother-daughter ties and reflect on important life lessons. And the questions will help anyone, even if they aren’t a Catholic daughter of a Catholic mother.

What other projects are you working on that you would like to tell us about?

I’m writing an anti-aging guide book about how to age as well as possible. I'm also writing a book about feeling the unconditional love of a grandchild and the sadness that happens when they grow up and that unconditional love seems to go away.

I teach Chinese Medicine courses worldwide including a Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System for face and neck, which is one of the best ways to keep our skin looking younger. In order to enhance the aging process even further, I have created My Zen Skin Care, a natural skin care line that uses Chinese herbs and essential oils with active cosmeceuticals to benefit your skin.

Thanks to Dr. Lucas for taking the time to tell us about herself. Use the links below to learn more about her life and career.

CONNECT WITH DR. LUCAS

books2read.com/catholicdaughtersjournal (Where to Purchase Book)
acupuncturewoman.com | myzenskincare.com | lucasteachings.com
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