Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Carole P. Roman.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
I published Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex on my grandson’s birthday July 18, 2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
A barely cooled lump of lava hardened under my feet.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch.”
Templeton Academy, the superhero high school, is finally open! The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel, has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending. If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My granddaughter, my son, and I have faced many challenges with learning disabilities in our life. I couldn’t tell time or tie my shoe until adulthood, my son face similar difficulties, and my granddaughter faces them daily. Both my son and I triumphed over these challenges, and I wanted to write the book as an inspiration for my granddaughter and others who battle with learning disorders daily. With confidence, good role models, and dedicated teachers, we’ve learned you can do anything.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
We’ve all faced insecurities and feelings that we are not good enough. This book is about challenges that teens go up against daily. It’s not just a ‘bully’ story. There is something in there for everyone. Plus, it’s fun!
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Grady Whill is a combination of every teen I’ve ever met. He’s so real, I cried when I finished the book.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I became an author in 2012 when my sons challenged me to write a book. I loved it and went on to publish over sixty books in all genres and under a different pen name (Brit Lunden- for adults). One of my books made it all the way to number one on all of Amazon and has stayed a best-seller for close to three years.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Seventy-two, but who’s counting?
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am the CEO of a large global transportation company that is a family business and employs close to four hundred people. I travel from office to office. I am also a medium under the name Lady Phyllis and have recently been endorsed by Seatbelt Psychic Thomas John. My most important job is mom and grandmom, though.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Between marketing, editing, promoting, and writing, I spend about six hours a day. I also manage and promote my son’s books.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Getting noticed.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Don’t quit your day job. Learn to multitask.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Tricky question. depends on the contract and what they would do to my books.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I love writing. I am thrilled when someone says that my writing affected them in some way.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
James Clavell is one of my favorites. He marries adventure, romance, and history.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The one that everyone is talking about!!