—  Soren Kierkegaard

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There is nothing more exciting than researching a new book or story. There is always elements of myself within my tales, no matter how minor but I was genuinely surprised that Joshua N'Gon : Last Prince of Alkebulahn drew on so much of my past, that it was a bit scary. You learn when you begin writing that all the things that have happened in your life, the stories, the memories, the visions, the songs are your truth and make up your voice. The Last Prince had me vividly remembering growing up in Jamaica and the UK. .

I think maybe it was the combination of recalling the memories of my kids growing up, my teenage years and my talent for recalling my feelings and emotions of the time that was so potent. It had me wondering why I didn't try writing Young Adult fiction before. I found dipping into my past and telling my story was so much easier than trying to extricate myself from the process.

And the insights and lessons I learned were crazy.

These five points resonated with me immediately. I started to feel better as soon as I Included them in my life again. You try them and see how they make you feel.

• Friends - Growing up the UK and Jamaica, I  remember how fundamentally important my friends were to my life. What massive life changes did not include them? I couldn't think of any. My character Joshua  certainly agrees with me. Every faucet of my life involved my good friends in one way or another and I wouldn't be what I am now without them. My level of happiness even today is a direct result of having them in my life. Don't believe me? Google it. They add years to your life. Nurture your friendships they're important.

• Food - My passion and In the Last Prince I talk about it in loving detail. Why? Because some of my best memories revolved around cooking and eating. In Jamaica we have a tradition of spontaneously getting together and cooking. Everyone would bring an ingredient or cough up some money to hit the corner shops. Passerby would come off the street eat. In no time you would have a get together. When was the last time you planned a dinner party for your friends?

• Music - This I may not have to remind anybody of. But I'm still surprised when people look at me when I'm nodding my head with a big smile plastered on my face as A tune or a song triggers a memory., If there is one thing that can transform your mood and transport you to familiar or new places, music can. I cannot imagine not having access to music especially on my phone. It's always a common feature in my work, life and will always remain that way. Young Adults have figured it out that we don't need a specific location to enjoy music. We could do well to emulate them.

• Adventure - Embracing adventure was actually what my life was like in the Caribbean and not out of a sense of purpose but that was how it was.. The things my friends and I got up to ranged from swamp expeditions, cave exploration, dynamite production to building a one seater turbo prop from scavenged aircraft parts. Joshua N'Gon is the boy I'd love to be, the one I'm sharing with my readers.Try something new and at every turn interrupt your usual rituals with something different and exciting especially with a friend. It will make a big difference.

• Play - I didn't know it at the time and I'm sure I wouldn't have cared a jot but play enhances creativity. I grew up in a time when computer games were basic and affordable to only a few. Sports was a big part of my life and the more traditional games that could be played at home using playing cards or boards. I love science so that became play for me too. My character Joshua, is all about play, whether he's  inventing something or solving a problem. It's time you start believing play is as important to adults as it is to children. Anything that can sharpen your  mind, strengthen your body, raises self-confidence, improves connections with family and friends, while relaxing you, is worth your attention.

Peace, Love and Power

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