Hidden Gems: Quest for the Great Diamond was the FIRST PLACE fiction winner of the 2020 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author H. K. Boughazian.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
HIDDEN GEMS: Quest for the Great Diamond. Hardcover Published Dec. 15 2019
What’s the book’s first line?
“I’m Gem, queen of the minerals!”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
HIDDEN GEMS: QFTGD is a story about a young girl’s heartwarming desire to belong. Born in a village where the labels “rocks” and “minerals” both define and divide – Gem, a young rock with mineral parents, struggles to fit in. And when Marble – Gem’s best and only friend – abandons her, Gem escapes into the forbidden Jeweled Forest.
But when Gem runs into a group of outcasts and learns about a reclusive and all-knowing scientist named the Great Diamond, she becomes determined to find him. Her epic journey of discovery leads to fantastic places full of wonder and danger. Gem’s desire to find answers about her identity, ultimately uncovers a truth that changes life in her village forever.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The inspiration for a world full of living rocks and minerals came from my son’s rock and mineral collection; but the story about a young outcast who just wants to fit in, has always been with me. As a first-generation immigrant to the US – especially with a name like mine – I was quickly labeled an outsider. But I found solace in characters like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the X-Men, and that’s when I discovered the incredible power of stories. (Okay, I made that realization much later in life.) Now my goal is to write stories that provide hope to young readers and spread peace and unity throughout the world. HIDDEN GEMS; QFTGD is my first book on the topic of unity, but I’m currently working on two picture books – Max the Meteorite and Pip Goes Pop – which both deal with similar themes.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Gem is like so many of us – determined to be ourselves, and yet desperate belong. And when we find ourselves in situations when these two things align, we are a peace. But when that balance is off, we feel isolated and alone. We are all Hidden Gem’s inside.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you’re looking for a book that your child will devour, then HIDDEN GEMS: Quest for the Great Diamond is for you! This easy-to-read chapter book full of hidden geology facts takes them on an epic adventure full of heart and laughter – where action, danger, and drama are balanced with hope, determination, and love – all wrapped in a message about unity!
Plus, you’ve got to read the first book in the series before the second one comes out! (sign up for our mailing list at www.greatdiamondpress.com for more details)
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I would get the entire cast of Riverdale to play the characters of Hidden Gems. Lili Reinhart as Gem, Cole Sprouse would make a perfect Obsidian, KJ Apa as Pyrite, Vanessa Morgan as Opal, Camila Mendes as Marble, and Madeline Petsch would make one mean Emerald. But the role of the Great Diamond would have to go to William Dafoe, he’s such an amazing actor!
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
As the Executive Creative Director at Viscira, I spend my days transforming highly scientific medical content into engaging cinematic animations and interactive programs for healthcare companies. I make science entertaining.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I love the complete control being an indie author gives me. I get to build my own team of collaborators, create my own timelines, and have final say on when a book is complete. The hardest part of being an indie is finding my audience, and self-funding everything!
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My motivation comes from a desire to reduce suffering in the world. I know that sounds like a very pageant thing to say; but I saw enough suffering firsthand during Lebanon’s civil war, and heard ample details about the genocide my great-relatives endured, that I’m compelled to do what little I can. Even if it’s just to bring a moment of joy, laughter, or escape into a child’s life.