When Authors Speak….Terry A O’Neal

Born and raised in Stockton, the twelfth largest city in California, Terry a O’Neal readily admits that her love for writing comes second only to her love for her family. Beginning her career writing verses of rhythm, she released her first book of poetry, Motion Sickness in the year 2000. Since that time, she’s released other poetic works, but she has also developed a name for herself in the world of children’s literature. Even in the work that she develops for young readers the poet in Terry in be detected. She describes her children’s book as “poetic, creative and fun.”

Published in 2002, her first children’s book was designed for the very young reader (ages 4-8), but Terry maintains that the story has a message that people of all ages can learn from.

“Even though Ev’ry Little Soul is a children’s picture book and the illustrations are very juvenile, the message in the story is essential to adults, young adults and children,” she told us. “Ev’ry Little Soul conveys a message of strength and unity; if we work together, help and support one another, we can all make it to the highest peak in life.”

In a time of adversity and war, that is a valid point to which many adults in nation leadership positions can certainly take heed. Terry’s most recent release is a teen read entitled Sweet Lavender, a tale that follows the life of a child as she grows into young adulthood after being deserted by her father at the age of five. Terry’s love for father/daughter stories was one of her motivations for writing this novel. Sweet Lavender touches on several emotional topics including one of an abandoned wife forced to raise not only her daughter, but the son that her husband had as a result of an adulterous affair. Terry describes it as “a story that the whole family can enjoy.” With this book now making strides towards the big screen, families everywhere may have the opportunity to do just the that, in the near future.

When asked what she was working on now, the list seemed unending, marking the schedule of the busy writer. Lovers of Sweet Lavender will be pleased to know that there is a sequel in the making. In addition, Terry is working on another book of poetry as well as a collection of short stories. But wait, there’s more. Another children’s picture book is on the way. This one is entitled My Jazz Shoes. Finally, readers can look forward to a family story entitled Making Mo, a moving account of a young boy’s journey from tragedy to triumph.

Terry a O’Neal presently lives in Sacramento, California. She is married to Michael O’Neal and together they have three children: Michael Jr., Cameron and Jorden Elizabeth.

To follow her career and read more about her books, visit Terry online at: www.terryoneal.com

Family Fiction – Books into Films