Interview with Storyheart
author of 'Across the Pond'

What inspired you to write about teenagers?

I have been the last few years writing short romance stories, however, I wanted to go back to writing for children. I joined the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and basically learned how to write, write for a different age group, in a different style from my short stories. The book just grew from that.
They say write about what you know. I moved from England to the U.S. in 2000 so I know all about the issues that Fred (the hero of the book) runs into during his visit "across the pond." The age just sort of followed. Having nieces around the same sort of age I had some form of guideline, and they had to be old enough to add the romance slant of first love.


What draws the reader to your protagonist, an unhappy British teen? Why is he so miserable?

Fred's parents win a trip to Australia; however it is just for two. Fred has a choice of either staying with his grandparents in Scotland or traveling to America to stay with family friends. He would much rather be going to Australia. Not only that, but his English teacher gives him a project to do while away, that of comparing the difference between the English and American language, a theme that runs through the book

Why do they think sending him to the US will make a difference?

They know Fred does not like the thought of staying with his grandparents and hope that staying with their friends, who have a daughter about Fred's age, might be something to make up for him not being able to go to Australia with them. That, and the promise of a new X-Box… if his project is any good.

How does he meet Brittany? What attracts him to her and how does she brighten his life?

He is worried about meeting Brittany, or Brit, as she asks him to call her; the normal American girls he's seen on TV are tanned and live in places like California. He is presently shocked when he does meet her, and from the first they hit it off together.

This relationship grows throughout the book, and he becomes her 'white knight."


What trouble follows?

There are many issues, not just between Fred and Brit. Fred has numerous "run-ins" with the local bully called Steve Harris. When Fred hears about how Harris had attacked not only Brit, but her friends as well, it builds up to a final confrontation


If anything, what did you want this book to say? Did you achieve your goal?

I wanted it to be a book that all ages could read, not just teens and the young, but the young-at-heart as well. Also to have romance, humor and perhaps even a moral. Judging by the wonderful feedback  I have received on Amazon like…

"Across the pond is a great coming of age story and it explores cultural differences."

"Great escape and fun."

"I'd highly recommend this book for tweens, teens and up. It's a story that will make you smile."

"Across the Pond can help parents close gaps with their young teen girls and help guide them as to their own reactions and communication to similar situations with boys."

"Across the Pond" by Storyheart is a book that has a nice love story intertwined with a message. I loved this book and it's recommended to everyone."

What are you currently writing?

As several people have spotted, there are a possible two openings for follow up novels, one of which is in the planning stage.

What other books have you written and how long have you been writing?

Funny I don't really count myself as a writer, more a storyteller. I have been telling stories in one format or another for a long time.  I have written a book of my short romance stories in the past, but to be honest it was not a very good book, perhaps I will re-write it some day.

Tell us about yourself.

Born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, my name is Barry, but I write as "Storyheart". I left my beloved England in 2000, moving to the USA to be with the woman I'd met and fallen in love with on the Internet.I'm better known for my short romance stories on the net, and in my book "Stories from the Heart."
I am popular for narrating stories on local TV or as a guest on other media stations, where my whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm make me a popular interviewee.
At present, I live in Connecticut, with my wife and two children.
Loved talking to you. Best of luck with future books!

c Denise Fleischer, gottawritenetwork.com