#Authorinterview with Mark Jamilkowski

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr. is talking with Mark Jamilkowski, author of Mask of Romulus.

FQ: I can see you have a great deal of knowledge of ancient history. Can you provide readers with some autobiographical information, especially as it pertains to your interests in the subject matter of your novel? What research did you do for Mask of Romulus?

JAMILKOWSKI: For Mask of Romulus, the fascination with this particular era started with a report about an archeological find in Pompeii. Archeologists found a statue of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi in the ashes. My curiosity was piqued. How did these ancient cultures interact during ancient times? I began reading about other archeology sites, as well as published works regarding the civilizations, kingdoms and customs of those peoples. It became a puzzle, a complex one. I was energized by the challenge to try and wrestle the complexities underpinning these pieces into one coherent story. I was also challenged to not create another expected historical tale within the context of the Roman Empire, but rather expose more of the human nature elements driving the need for the civilizations to interact. The why became very important to me, as did the how. Why was that statue in Pompeii? How did these civilizations interact to such an extent that a religious artifact would be a household item during ancient times? In the end, I did a tremendous amount of research to fill in the gaps, to better understand the relationships, timing, and potential motivations of each character.

FQ: Much of your novel seems to speak of physical and emotional struggles with and for power. Do you see that as a contemporary issue, and is that why you think a work like yours can speak to a general audience? 

JAMILKOWSKI: Augustus as a young boy did not have “future Emperor of the Roman Empire” qualities, yet that is what happened. I like to explore the nuances of fate, destiny, and determination. The same rubric can be used for Kamala and her journey. The idea that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason is not readily apparent to us in the moment. It draws upon a larger, more mystical question as to how fate may be determined, by what force. The physical and emotional turmoil that came with realizing that destiny becomes a story of human will and determination. It becomes a story of good and bad decisions, perhaps a bit of good fortune, and the support of friends or team building. I do think that this is a timeless struggle. We are not always ready or willing to listen or accept the messages that we are being given. But we do not achieve our highest self without the assistance of others. That assistance takes on multiple forms, It may come from family, friends, those we surround ourselves with, but it may also include a personal spirituality that acts as a moral compass and guide. Understanding this, appreciating it, listening to it, being open to it, is all critical and pertinent for everyone.

FQ: Why not write a non-fiction work on ancient history? What compelled you to write this as a novel, as a historical novel?

JAMILKOWSKI: My objective was not to explore this ancient time with a scholarly lens, though I do weave in a lot of the actual history documented for that time. I wanted to spark the imagination of the reader to consider the lives being lived during that time. I wanted to demystify the overwhelming massiveness that comes with the Roman Empire. I wanted to introduce readers to the evolving understanding we have regarding life in the Red Sea region of that time, and the fascinating accomplishments in technology and capabilities that had been either lost to time or taken for granted. I also wanted to challenge the perspective that life in the Mediterranean was insular. I was awed to consider the ancient “global economy” that stretched from China to England, from Germany to the tip of India. As it was a surprise to me, maybe it will be fascinating and a surprise to readers as well.

FQ: Are there books you can recommend that one can read to get a better sense of the history surrounding this timeframe you wrote about? Apparently, you have a lot of information to work from…and on that note, how do you keep all the timeframes and names and places straight? How do you stop the work from being cluttered and disorganized? What is your process like?

JAMILKOWSKI: As I began reading into the relationship between Rome and India during ancient times, I relied initially on a few well regarded texts, such as Goldworthy’s “Augustus, First Emperor of Rome.” I went back to this time period because initial research into the commercial relations between Rome and India pointed to reforms and initiatives under Augustus that dramatically increased this trade-based relationship. As I read more about Augustus, a concept emerged related to the masks we wear. The facades we transition through as we journey through life. I was inspired by the image of a specific face plate that my research determined was a calvary helmet of the Augustan period. Researching Augustus and the ancient Roman civilization took on a focal point, yet with this focus in mind still was a bit like unraveling a ball of yarn, each footnote yielded a new resource to investigate, a new angle to consider. Keeping names, dates, and actions organized into some semblance of a timeline required a very comprehensive outline. I had to be critical about what to include or not given the tremendous amount of research and discussion regarding the time period and topic. I had to include enough to provide those familiar with the time period a satisfying sense of completeness or at least satisfaction that there was proper representation. At the same time, I had to make sure what was included added character development opportunities and nuance which I could delve into as a writer. The chapter about the still-born child is a good example of this. Augustus and Livia are topics of intense study and scrutiny, yet this moment in their lives receives very little attention if any mention at all. Drawing out the moment, and the impact it must have had on their relationship, was something I wanted to focus on, rather than dwell on battles or similar ideas that were already covered to great extent.

FQ: Your first book, The Road to Moresco, is very different than Mask of Romulus, at least in content. Why the sudden shift? In one of your bios, you claim to endeavor once again to write a story with "emotional depth, historical insight and a rhythmic narrative that resonates with intellectual rigor and vulnerability.” Can you explain that a bit more?

JAMILKOWSKI: The Road to Moresco was framed as historical fiction as a means to provide structure and context to the real-life stories of a woman and her daughter, who would herself grow up be a mother. The circumstances and trials of both mother and daughter were uncovered through interviews after I reunited with the daughter who, upon giving birth, had given me over to an adoptive family. Historical fiction felt comfortable, the time period and events already recorded and analyzed, available as landmarks to help guide the formation and unfolding of the story. As a consequence of the intense, personal nature of the story, The Road to Moresco is emotional and vulnerable.

When I discovered that Augustus was also adopted, raised and formed more by his grandmother and her brother, who just happened to be Julius Caesar, I felt an immediate commitment to tell this story from a different angle. An angle that explored the emotional drivers behind his ambition, the childhood traumas that formed his adult insecurities, and his purposeful efforts to overcome that which would hold him back while relying on that which would allow him to succeed. The oracle from India helps bridge the telling of the story of Augustus from a biography into something more, something spiritual and other-worldly. Consequences beyond his awareness are felt by his actions in Rome. The ripple effect we create through our decisions and actions cannot be fully appreciated. I am hopeful that Mask of Romulus succeeds in delivering an emotional and thought-provoking journey for the reader much the same way that The Road to Moresco did.

FQ: You seem to have a deep connection with both history and philosophy. Mask of Romulus is certainly an historical piece but can you provide more insights as to what makes this a philosophical piece as well?

JAMILKOWSKI: I attempt to bring philosophy into all my writing in order to better explain or understand the motivations of the characters I am exploring. If we exercise free will through our consciousness, purposeful action, morality and conscientiousness, the question that arises is where does this foundation start. What influences it? The guidance we seek, the decisions we make, the inspiration we receive and the passions we exercise have their roots in the fundamental philosophies and beliefs we aspire to. This morphs into psychology as well. In researching Augustus, I discovered he likely would have been exposed to or taught the teachings of Pythagoras, Epicurious and Plato, as well the teachings of Cato and Cicero. Romans worshiped in a polytheistic religious belief system that has many parallels to Buddhism and Hinduism, at a high level, in terms of messaging and morality. I have attempted to bring these theistic and philosophic principles into the story as well.

FQ: Oftentimes authors will feel connected to their characters in a multitude of ways. Do you feel connected to your characters, and in what ways do you feel that connection? Do you think that is harder to do when the characters are living in a much different era than ours?

JAMILKOWSKI: Part of the appeal of writing fiction for me is the ability to create the atmosphere and environment in which the characters are engaged, and then to also use artistic license through empathetic supposition to breathe life into the character themselves. I have to be connected to my characters to understand how they may have felt at a moment in time, in that specific circumstance, so as to better describe their motivation for a decision made, an action taken, a word spoken. Having a comprehensive understanding of their time period and the factual history unfolding around them requires exhaustive research in order for me to immerse myself and feel that connection, resulting in an attempt to communicate what the moment, the emotion, the scene means to the character. I am hopeful the reader will feel this connection in the same way through the use of my words, pacing, and atmospheric immersion.

FQ: I see you spend a lot of time and effort in producing videos and websites devoted to your works, and you are seemingly very good at self-promotion from your works. Can you provide the audience with some understanding of what it means to be an author in today’s publishing landscape, and do you have a philosophy devoted to your own marketing agenda? 

JAMILKOWSKI: I learned a lot about what being an author meant after I produced The Road to Moresco. Mostly, I learned what I did wrong. I did not realize, for example, how much effort has to go into marketing the book well in advance of its actual release. I think I canvased for reviewers six months after we published The Road to Moresco.

With Mask of Romulus, I have attempted to course correct and be more proactive. The promotional videos, one tailored for TikTok or Instagram, another more full length feature for YouTube, were meant to catch the eye of influencers and marketers. The idea was to build up expectation and anticipation for the release of Mask of Romulus and to drive engagement. It is still too early and difficult to determine how successful the effort was. I think I will categorize the video campaigns and promotional efforts a success if sales or e-book pages read exceed The Road to Moresco at the three-month and six-month marks.

The goal of one hundred reviews is still elusive. An independent author has very little chance at making it onto the Amazon or Barnes & Noble best seller lists and getting the attention of the most public book club recommendations or literary magazine coverage because of the way the online algorithms work. They favor publications with tens of thousands of reviews, which can appear almost overnight for works sponsored by the large, established publishing houses. This is a difficult process that requires a literary agent to choose to represent you. The effort to market yourself to agents, and then through agents to publishing houses, and then follow their marketing plan for six or nine months before publishing, is very time consuming and expensive. I don’t have that kind of time nor that level of funding. In the meantime I write because I enjoy the creative effort and the ability to share my prose with others, especially if even one person is touched emotionally. I will consider myself a true author when I see one hundred reviews for one of my books.

FQ: After reading your novel, what do you want audiences to get out of the narrative you presented to them? This is a form of writing and filmmaking that has been around for decades; what do readers and viewers get from this form of entertainment that they don’t get from others…and do you think you provide that to them?

JAMILKOWSKI: I am hopeful that readers will find the narrative thought provoking and emotional, perhaps in a way they did not expect. One reviewer said that he found himself rereading sentences not because he had to but because he wanted to, to dwell on the significance and profound insight he felt as a result. That may be one reader’s experience. Still, if it happened for one, maybe others will find other, similar kernels of joy and entertainment in Mask of Romulus. I want them to experience the unexpected, to feel the vitality of a time and place they may not be familiar with and yet recognize the people and challenges as something they themselves struggle with.

FQ: Are you currently writing another historical novel and, if so, can you tell us a bit about what your next writing project is? If not, are you planning more works in the future?

JAMILKOWSKI: I have started doing research for a third historical fiction novel. The work will be centered on the 1921 assassination of the first elected president of the post-WW I newly re-established Poland, the man who carried out the assassination, and the Polish diplomat working as a double agent for the Russians that groomed the assassin into carrying it out. The book will be telling the story of the double agent, exploring his life and motivations through the lenses of societal shifts, family drama, political ambitions, conspiracy theories, and a missing Fabergé egg. It will be another sweeping saga, spanning the century 1850 – 1950. I am targeting late 2027 for that release.

I am also working on a graphic novel adaptation of my first book, The Road to Moresco. I hope to have that available in late 2026.

 #Bookreview of Mask of Romulus

By: Mark Jamilkowski

Publisher: Treaty Oak Publishers

Publication Date: November 1, 2025

ISBN: 978-1959127499

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: November 13, 2025

On the heels of Gladiator II, and before Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey is unveiled in movie theaters on July 17, 2026, comes Mark Jamilkowski’s newest novel Mask of Romulus, a historical addition to a genre that never seems to lose its footing, whether it be represented on the silver screen or on the printed page. What makes this part of ancient history so popular and so marketable with the masses? Seemingly, there are multiple reasons, and Jamilkowski taps into this perpetual fascination by giving audiences what they desire: a coming-of-age travelogue that involves comedy and tragedy; love and hate; war and peace, all of which romanticize a time of great turmoil and bloodshed while telling the story of the beginnings of Western civilization.

Mask of Romulus, very much like The Odyssey, is about one young man’s physical, emotional, and spiritual journey into the annals of history. The book is the story of Julius Caesar’s successor Gaius Octavius (aka Caesar Augustus, aka Octavian), an extraordinary leader who was once a scrappy young boy fighting off bullies in Eretum, a village where Caesar’s sister and Gaius’s grandmother, Julia, would vacation. Much of Jamilkowski’s narrative is an attempt at reestablishing numerous notables as real human beings who not only shaped contemporary society, but led lives similar to ours prior to their historical significance. By using historical data and research, the writer gives voices to and fleshes out individuals who have almost become reduced to mythic figures of a long, forgotten era. Mask of Romulus is for readers who want to learn about Gaius Octavius’s rise to prominence as Rome’s ruler, a ruler who reconstructed and reformed the city in a peacefully productive way while also maintaining his power as the supreme leader. Much of this historical novel shows Gaius Octavius as a reasonable warrior and emperor who travelled the world to expand on his empire, which included a voyage to India. The stories about Kamala, an Indian oracle who becomes an advisor to Gaius Octavius, at first run parallel to Octavian’s trek, but eventually the two narratives come together, and lead to connection that changes the course of history and builds an alliance most significant to Gaius Octavius’s reign as emperor.

Mask of Romulus is most successful when Jamilkowski includes philosophy and religious lore into the narrative; he has a great deal of knowledge in both fields of study, so he carefully weaves with ease his understanding of the humanities and how it can be of great effect to those in powerful positions. He is also quite good at writing about the literal physical journey in and of itself; his debut novel The Road to Moresco is similar in construction, so Jamilkowski uses his past work to perfect his present one. With that said, at times, the work has a dizzying number of names and places that can leave casual readers exhausted and confused; and there are moments when the dialogue is too contemporary, a chronic issue for epic works. An index or appendix in lieu of a prologue would have been most helpful for those of us less familiar with Gaius Octavius’s reign. Otherwise, Mask of Romulus is a strong piece of writing and an equally as strong addition to the epic genre.

Quill says: In Mask of Romulus, Mark Jamilkowski successfully weaves ancient history with philosophical and religious thought to produce a strong narrative that is true to the genre and rich with information.

For more information about Mask of Romulus, please visit the author's website at: mark-jamilkowski-author.com/

 #Bookreview of Little Pink Elephants

By: Andrew W. Spanswick

Illustrated by: Poornima Madhushani

Publisher: Better Than Kittens Marketing, Inc.

Publication Date: October 24, 2025

ISBN: 979-8218846107

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: November 17, 2025

When three little pink elephants by the names Poppy, Petal, and Pip come to realize that they are different because they have small ears, they try everything they can to help them hear the sounds of the jungle in Little Pink Elephants by Andrew Spanswick.

They want to fit in with all the other elephants, but because they are pink and have such tiny ears, they worry that they will be made fun of by the grey elephants. When the grey elephants come to see them in the jungle, the pink elephants hope they can all get along. To everyone’s surprise, they learn that compassion and caring are the most important things to share with one another, rather than focusing on each other’s differences.

This colorful children’s story was such a delight to read because it teaches readers, young and old, that everyone should accept each other’s differences and not look upon these differences as faults. Being different makes each one of us, or in this case, each elephant, uniquely different. These differences help us all to work together as a team, bringing our own special talents to the forefront to help one another. Poppy, Petal, and Pip were the perfect example to learn that although they had small ears and were pink, it made them special and just as important as the grey elephants.

Another strong takeaway from this children’s story was to teach readers that kindness and empathy are extremely important traits to have and share with others around us. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and seeing how Poppy, Petal, and Pip needed help hearing the sounds of the jungle, allowed readers to learn the lesson that it’s a kind gesture to help others in need. Children will clearly see how the pink and grey elephants worked together in trying to solve Poppy, Petal, and Pip’s problem.

The illustrations provided by Poornima Madhushani were vibrantly colored and surely will be a pleasure for any reader to enjoy while reading the story. The pictures were found on every other page and were in full-page layout. They all perfectly complemented this wonderful children’s story.

Quill says: Little Pink Elephants by Andrew Spanswick will be enjoyed by readers young and old. It has adorable characters you fall in love with, great illustrations that complement the story as you read, and excellent lessons to be learned by the readers.

 #Bookreview of A Curse of Wings and Gems

By: S.D. Huston

Publisher: Literary Dawn Press LLC

Publication Date: January 20, 2026

ISBN: 978-1962761062

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: November 14, 2025

A Curse of Wings and Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance by S.D. Huston is a fantasy romance novel set in a richly built world called Agondray. The story is told through the alternating perspectives of its two protagonists, Edmar and Emira.

Edmar is one of the four immortal Dragon Kings. He is an Ice Dragon who rules the kingdom of Cyaneus. He and his brothers are, however, victims of a thousand-year-old curse linked to Snow Princess and the gods. The curse forces them into endless cycles of fate-bound marriages and to break it, one requires the Dragon's Kiss. However, no one can withstand a kiss from an Ice Dragon, which means one thing: finding the right bride may be next to impossible.

Elsewhere, Emira, a mermaid, is bound by an invisible tether to unquestionably follow her father's demand for her to marry the Seat of the Dwarf. The latter is not supposed to know what she is or what her magic can do. Emira’s father plans to use her uncontrolled magic on him which could lead to her death. Emira, however, becomes defiant and devises a way to rid herself of the painful magic. Her quest for freedom sends her directly to the Sea Witch, who offers her temporal but painful relief before sending her on a quest that is shrouded in danger and potential deception, to steal the God's Stones through which she believes she will be permanently free. This journey, however, leads her directly into the arms of the one man she once saved and whom she has longed for all her life. There, she finds herself torn between the terrifying knowledge that she must betray him to secure her own survival.

This story presents multiple, complex, and nuanced character motivations. Readers are shown what feels like a deal with the devil: a trope that is executed perfectly, fully immersing them into a dangerous game that has looming threats that undercut any glimmer of hope or satisfaction. Every tender moment in the plot carries a constant sense of anxiety that is laced with dramatic irony. The betrayal element strongly feels like the engine of the entire narrative and the "poison" that ensures that no moment of happiness is pure and that no victory comes without a cost.

A Curse of Wings and Gems is a story that questions whether true love can really bloom from a foundation of deception. It also questions what we would value more and where our loyalties would lie when forced into impossible situations. The characters are crafted with such profound depth that ensures that the reader is inescapably implicated in their central conflict. The character who is planning a betrayal is morally grey, and instead of pushing away the reader, the way she is written fosters profound empathy for her. This is all thanks to the author's masterful hand in creating characters that are deeply relatable and whom the reader finds themselves deeply caring for.

Quill says: A Curse of Wings and Gems, though deeply complex, is deeply rewarding. It is a book that respects its audience's intelligence by presenting a layered world, all while using clear narrative techniques that make sure that the reader's experience is totally immersive and comprehensible. It is a great read with a perfect blend of high-stakes fantasy and intense, slow-burning romance that those who enjoy fairy tale retellings will feel right at home with. It will also be enjoyed by those who believe that the most powerful magic is not in spells or curses, but in the often impossible choices we are forced to make.

For more information about A Curse of Wings and Gems, please visit the author's website at: sdhuston.com/

 #Bookreview of The Contessa's Triumph

By: Nora D'Ecclesis

Publisher: Renaissance Presentations LLC

Publication Date: September 20, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-733020176

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: October 30, 2025

An emotionally rich thread weaves through Nora D'Ecclesis' multi-generational saga, The Contessa's Triumph, a sequel to The Contessa's Legacy that continues its journey into Italian heritage, legacy, and personal identity.

The Contessa's Triumph begins with the matriarch figure of Contessa Angelina, who is strong, intelligent, and, above all, deeply in touch with the family’s traditions and roots. It is her charisma and vision that breathe life into the story, with her grace, courage, and resilience echoing through the present and future of her generations.

The central arc of the story boils down to Contessa's granddaughter, Sophia, and her French historian love interest, Jacques. They represent a modern couple whose journey goes beyond the trajectory of romance to become one of self-discovery, mutual respect, and the exploration of cross-cultural experiences. It is when Sophia’s independent and curious mind, with her zeal to decode her ancestral legacy, awakens in her the urge to journey to Sardinia and her familial locales to excavate long-buried secrets that the book truly finds its rhythm.

Suspense and intrigue lurk in the narrative as inheritance disputes, past criminal conspiracies, and the investigation into a mysterious death unfold. These elements pull the story beyond the boundaries of a typical family drama, adding layers of thriller and mystery to the development of a full-fledged tale.

Nora D'Ecclesis offers a prosaic piece that is vivid and cinematic, with Italian landscapes, festivals, and depictions of cuisine converging to offer a rich and immersive read. The vivid imagery and detailed observations of the streets of Pompeii, as well as Italian cuisine and culture, create an experience that feels fresh and real. Moreover, one could trace a blend of domestic realism and poetic expression: the lyrical passages and thoughtful reflections add to the layers of the narrative, making it both an emotionally and intellectually stimulating experience.

The work caters to lovers of intergenerational dramas, cultural settings, historical mysteries, and emotional depth. It’s a gateway to heritage, culture, mystery, and romance, a fulfilling venture for those who enjoy thoughtful and culturally rich narratives. A walk down the lane of old villas and along the haunting corridors of memory, it comes out as a mesmerizing blend of family secrets, Italian heritage, and timeless love.

Quill says: The Contessa's Triumph by Nora D'Ecclesis is an usher, from the aroma of pizza to the quiet ache of loss - a reminder of the enduring strength of tradition, and the power of love to heal across generations.

For more information about The Contessa's Triumph, please visit the author’s website at: noradecclesis.com/

 #Bookreview of Rainbow Kite

By: Kelly Bennett

Publisher: Young Dragons Press

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

ISBN: 978-1633739338

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: November 3, 2025

What can a simple, broken kite teach us about freedom? In Rainbow Kite, a joyfully imaginative and empowering picture book by Kelly Bennett, a young child named Lulu finds an answer that soars beyond the page. This vibrant book is a heartwarming celebration of the freedom that comes from being proudly, authentically yourself.

This story starts on a quiet, breezy day. Lulu wasn’t planning on any adventures but then she saw it- a lonely kite, dancing in the wind all by itself. Its string was broken and its tail was just a wisp. But the kite didn’t want to be saved, instead it wanted a friend! When Lulu reached out, the kite suddenly became her playful new pet, tugging and bouncing like a puppy. It wasn’t just a kite anymore, but a magic key that would unlock her imagination, where she could be anything she dared to visualize.

Soon, other kids noticed Lulu playing with her amazing kite. They had always heard there were rules about what to play and how. But when they asked Lulu questions, she didn’t argue. She just smiled and showed them a world where you could imagine anything! The plain kite was now transformed into a rainbow-feathered bird, buzzing with energy, ready to fly higher than ever. Lulu held the string tightly. She knew that letting it go would be the start of something brand new… but what would happen next?

This is a unique book that gently reveals the beauty and fun of being authentic. The writing is lyrical and playful, full of sounds and a rhythm that dances off the tongue. The art is vibrant and full of motions, beautifully mirroring the kite’s many transformations as well as the growing joy on the children’s faces. The kite feels like a silent, shape-shifting main character, from the time it sets the entire story into motion, to when it becomes a visual representation of Lulu’s changing emotions and thoughts. Its “character arc” goes from being lost and plain to being found and magnificent, a journey that is made possible by the freedom and love bestowed upon it by a child who dares to see its potential.

Quill says: Rainbow Kite is a unique book that young readers, especially those who have been silenced with ‘that’s for boys’ or ‘that’s for girls,’ will find as lovely as a warm hug. Its sounds are infectious and readers may likely chant along. It’s the kind they will want to revisit just to soak in its happy, bustling pictures. Their impression will be one of pure, uncomplicated joy, with the subconscious understanding that it’s more fun to be yourself than to fit into someone else’s box. The final feeling will undoubtedly be the one printed on the cover: a desire to “Be Bold. Be You. Fly Free.” This is a highly recommended addition to your child’s library.

For more information about Rainbow Kite, please visit the author's website at: kellybennett.com/

 #Authorinterview with A.M. Berkowitz

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Shrubaboti Bose is talking with A.M. Berkowitz, author of Welcome Baby Wigglet.

FQ: Tell us a little about your journey as a writer.

BERKOWITZ: My journey to becoming a children's book author was a detour, not a destination. For nearly 25 years, my focus has been firmly planted in corporate America, a career that forged my professional identity and provided stability. Yet, beneath the professional veneer, a long-dormant creative spirit was fighting to be heard/re-heard.

FQ: What motivated you to be a children’s book writer?

BERKOWITZ: As a child, I was defined by music and performance: a trained operatic mezzo-soprano who sang in ten+ languages, a dedicated instrumentalist (flute, piccolo, piano), and even a Mariachi singer. That constant flow of creative expression provided a strength I eventually sacrificed for the essential work of providing for me and my family. 

Author A.M. Berkowitz

FQ: What are some of the difficulties you face while writing a story?

BERKOWTIZ: A deep sense of burnout eventually led to a confusing creative depression. I realized the sadness wasn't about missing music; it was about the loss of imaginative thinking and dreaming. The feeling became heartbreaking, culminating in a night of tears and a desperate wish for change. When I awoke, the heavy heart was gone, replaced by a quiet, reassuring internal voice: "Amber, you're okay, there's nothing serious going on here, you've got this!"

FQ: What inspired you to write this story? Do you plan on writing a sequel?

BERKOWITZ: The new direction began with a random sign: a spam email whose subject line read, "Lit Gadget," I misread as "Gigglet." I was amused, but the word stuck. As I began to play with the idea of "Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet," the questions and answers flowed immediately. My pen moved with an almost frenzied calm, and in about seven minutes, the first draft of Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to School was complete. Though I had no experience writing children's books, the passion was undeniable—the writer I didn't know I was, had emerged.

What started as a seven-minute burst of inspiration has rapidly blossomed into a full creative enterprise: AMB Kids Books. The moment I realized I had written a book, the floodgates opened. I am now the author of four books in the Gigglet series, continuing the adventures of my happiest little piglet, along with three companion activity and coloring Books. The World of Gigglet has grown so real that it has leapt off the page and into the hands of readers with the creation of two plush characters. The most recent and exciting development is the reveal of my official mascot characters, Gigglet and Wigglet, bringing the joy of my stories to real life!

FQ: Is there a particular reason you chose the animal pig for your characters? Does this choice have any connection with the cartoon Peppa Pig or the classic fairy tale Three Little Pigs?

BERKOWITZ: I get this question often! The choice of a piglet for my character Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet, was purely serendipitous and had no ties to Peppa Pig or the Three Little Pigs.

In fact, the name Gigglet chose me when my brain accidentally read a spam email subject line as "Gigglet," I immediately started asking questions about her: What is a Gigglet? The answer that popped into my head was: Why, she's the happiest little piglet in all the land! The character developed entirely from that happy, chance inspiration and my very strong desire to be a deliberate creator.

While I know Peppa Pig is incredibly popular (especially in the UK), I don't actually know anything about her or her stories. But I do love the thought that maybe one day, the USA's Gigglet and the UK's Peppa could meet and become best friends!

FQ: Have you written any other stories? Tell us a little about them.

BERKOWITZ: Yes, I have! While I'm best known for the Gigglet series, my writing journey actually includes stories written purely for my family's legacy.

My very first book, Ladybug Kisses - Besos De Mariquita, was written just for them. Even more recently, I released my first children’s fiction chapter book, The Magical Farm Mysteries: Bubble Gum Rocks. Both of these were initially written with no real intention of publishing. They are deeply inspired by the incredible memories I have of growing up near my grandparents' 1800s Kansas farm with my huge family. I simply wanted to create a literary legacy—something that would encourage my own family to share and preserve their memories and stories for generations to come. It's a true labor of love that runs parallel to my published work.

For those curious about the future, I have several more books already lined up for the Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet series! Gigglet is getting ready to embark on some very fun and very exciting adventures with her new baby brother, Wigglet!

FQ: Who was/were your biggest source of support during your writing journey?

BERKOWITZ: My biggest source of support, without question, is my family. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people, especially my husband, my mom, dad, my siblings and extended family. They believe in me and my abilities wholeheartedly. Having that steadfast support has been absolutely critical, particularly when taking such a huge leap from corporate life to becoming a published author.

FQ: As an author where do you look to for inspiration for your stories?

BERKOWITZ: As an author, I find my inspiration in two key places:

1. Mindful Observation: I intentionally take time to meditate and calm my mind first. This isn't just about relaxation; it prepares me to be receptive. When I'm moving about my day, I'm inspired by my everyday comings and goings, and the interactions and dealings that stem from even the smallest tasks. I love to daydream and get lost in my imagination, allowing those observations to bloom into fun ideas.

2. Creative Partnership: I'm fortunate that my husband is also highly creative. He is a fantastic sounding board, and we are constantly playing off each other to come up with stories. He challenges me to think beyond the initial idea and always encourages me to take things a step further. It's a true collaborative spark that keeps the creativity flowing. He just makes life so fun!