Daniella Rushton - Believe in Your Work to Be Patient With It, Not Rush It, and Give It Time to Develop and to Trust the Process (Author)

The Watchers and the Gifted Ones is the first book in The Panther Tales series. It follows the story of Hannah, a teenage girl, who befriends a panther whilst discovering she possesses an extraordinary imaginative gift. 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I started writing in 2017 at our home in California after my son had challenged me to write a book! 

Previously, I have a creative background in marketing, acting, and fashion.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a book author?

Once I had written the story and had it edited many times, I decided I wanted to share The Panther Tales with the world along with my incredible journey of belief and becoming a published author. 

3. Is it a financially stable career?

I am only at the very beginning of my literary career so NO, not yet! To me, the true riches from my work will be in being able to inspire all minds, hopefully, young minds, to believe in their gifts. After all, we are all gifted and it takes patience and courage to find and believe in one's gift.

4. Who is your favorite writer and why?

CS Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia. I admire the style and being a Christian warm to these particular elements of the book

5. Could you please tell us about your book The Watchers and the Gifted Ones?

I would be delighted. Thank you.

The Watchers and the Gifted Ones is the first book in The Panther Tales series. It follows the story of Hannah, a teenage girl, who befriends a panther whilst discovering she possesses an extraordinary imaginative gift. 

Dark forces are waiting and watching to destroy her happiness. All she needs to do is to believe in herself and a panther called Parky.

6. Where does your inspiration lie?

In our home in California, we have an ornamental panther on a shelf. I knew the story hinged upon this.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to a future aspiring book author?

To believe in your work to be patient with it, not rush it, and give it time to develop and to trust the process.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

Probably one of the Chronicles of Narnia. Either The Voyager of the Dawn Treader or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Because I associate Parky the Panther with Aslan and in the former and the writing upon the seas, was so rich in description.

Daniella Rushton | Author | The Panther Tales

Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar