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The Penny Predicament
A Coin Chronicles Novel book 2
by Veola Vazquez
What would a 12-year-old boy do to help save his family from financial ruin? In Jake King’s case, he’d do just about anything. But uncertainty sets in as his plans go awry, his friendships start to fail and his faith takes a few hits. Finding a rare coin worth a fortune might be the answer. But what if it’s not real? Will Jake lose his best friend and his family’s future at the same time? Only God knows and, hopefully, he’ll let Jake in on it.
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Book Interview with Veola Vazquez
featuring The Penny Predicament
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
When my oldest son was younger, he was an avid coin collector. He would search for coins everywhere we went–under vending machines, along the sidewalk, under cars, etc. He inspired me to create a character, Jake King, who was so consumed by coins that he could even learn some of life’s lessons from the history of the coins he found. Once I had the idea in mind, I imagined what would happen if a kid like Jake suddenly had to deal with various life issues. In The Penny Predicament, he deals with his father losing his job and trying to figure out who his real friends are. He learns how to deal with these struggles while going on some exciting journeys and finding a rare coin with an interesting history.
When my oldest son was younger, he was an avid coin collector. He would search for coins everywhere we went–under vending machines, along the sidewalk, under cars, etc. He inspired me to create a character, Jake King, who was so consumed by coins that he could even learn some of life’s lessons from the history of the coins he found. Once I had the idea in mind, I imagined what would happen if a kid like Jake suddenly had to deal with various life issues. In The Penny Predicament, he deals with his father losing his job and trying to figure out who his real friends are. He learns how to deal with these struggles while going on some exciting journeys and finding a rare coin with an interesting history.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This particular book, The Penny Predicament, took about five years to finish. The Coin Chronicles series is a three book series. I wrote The Penny Predicament first but later realized I needed to make a few changes to it. As I worked on those changes, the idea for The Nickel Nuisance came to me–Jake faces a bully while struggling with feeling like a loser at sports. I wrote The Nickel Nuisance after The Penny Predicament but published it as Book 1 in the series.
This particular book, The Penny Predicament, took about five years to finish. The Coin Chronicles series is a three book series. I wrote The Penny Predicament first but later realized I needed to make a few changes to it. As I worked on those changes, the idea for The Nickel Nuisance came to me–Jake faces a bully while struggling with feeling like a loser at sports. I wrote The Nickel Nuisance after The Penny Predicament but published it as Book 1 in the series.
#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I think the main character, Jake, would be my favorite. Both Jake and his brother, Alex, are loosely based upon my two sons. Both characters have unique, fun characteristics. I love to write from both of their points of view.
I think the main character, Jake, would be my favorite. Both Jake and his brother, Alex, are loosely based upon my two sons. Both characters have unique, fun characteristics. I love to write from both of their points of view.
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope the reader will learn a few of the life lessons that Jake has to learn. I hope readers get a great laugh from some of Jake’s antics while also having some solid ideas about how to find hope in the midst of difficult times.
I hope the reader will learn a few of the life lessons that Jake has to learn. I hope readers get a great laugh from some of Jake’s antics while also having some solid ideas about how to find hope in the midst of difficult times.
#5. What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
The books in The Coin Chronicles series are all set in San Francisco with a few trips to Sacramento. I’m a native Californian myself and have spent time in both of these cities. San Francisco in particular has some great landmarks that make it a unique and fun city. I also like to throw in a little bit of the amazing histories of these cities to add a bit of an educational piece for my readers.
The books in The Coin Chronicles series are all set in San Francisco with a few trips to Sacramento. I’m a native Californian myself and have spent time in both of these cities. San Francisco in particular has some great landmarks that make it a unique and fun city. I also like to throw in a little bit of the amazing histories of these cities to add a bit of an educational piece for my readers.
#6. How did you name your characters?
I wanted a typical, everyday name for my main character, Jake. I wanted him to be a character that all kids could identify with while also making him unique, with some distinct characteristics (he’s a mixed race junior higher). Jake’s last name represents my love for Christ, the King of the universe. Thus, you have Jake King.
I wanted a typical, everyday name for my main character, Jake. I wanted him to be a character that all kids could identify with while also making him unique, with some distinct characteristics (he’s a mixed race junior higher). Jake’s last name represents my love for Christ, the King of the universe. Thus, you have Jake King.
#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
The Coin Chronicles series has been such fun to write. I’ve worked with an illustrator who has taken my ideas and brought them to life. One of my favorite drawings is from The Penny Predicament. It is a scene in which Jake imagines his brother, Alex, with the body of a squirrel. Here it is:
The Coin Chronicles series has been such fun to write. I’ve worked with an illustrator who has taken my ideas and brought them to life. One of my favorite drawings is from The Penny Predicament. It is a scene in which Jake imagines his brother, Alex, with the body of a squirrel. Here it is:
Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Finally, I’ll leave you with this, one of my favorite Bible verses:
Finally, I’ll leave you with this, one of my favorite Bible verses:
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name trust in you, for you,
Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you,
Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Veola Vazquez
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Dr. Veola Vazquez, the mother of two boys, uses humor, personal experience and insight to captivate young readers. As a Christian psychologist, she approaches the difficult issues of young life in a way that encourages and instructs the children who read her books. Her witty and fun stories build on real life issues to teach lessons about faith, friendship and family.
In addition to her works for children, Dr. Vazquez maintains a website and blog where she provides tools for parenting and devotionals to encourage Godly living. With a specialty in childhood issues such as AD/HD and childhood depression, anxiety and trauma, she has special insight into the ways parents can be most helpful to their children. Also, as a mother herself and a wife of over 20 years, she uses her personal wisdom in conjunction with her professional experience to guide and inspire families. |
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With a passion for helping both children and families, Dr. Vazquez is also a Bible teacher and inspirational speaker for women's events and mom's groups. In addition to her inspirational teaching, she is also a professor at a Christian university in Southern California where she teaches both graduate and undergraduate psychology courses.
Finally, Dr. Vazquez loves to spend her time reading and taking walks with her family and wiener dog, Paco. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
Veola has graciously offered to giveaway
a copy of The Penny Predicament
a copy of The Penny Predicament
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