Interview with Michelle Marie McNiff, Author of Pedro Pan

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Pedro Pan: One Boy’s Journey to America?

The book showcases an important part of Cuban history. More than 14,000 children left Cuba without their parents to take freedom flights to escape oppression and tyranny. In my book, the vivid imagination of one boy, flying away like Peter Pan to a rural farm in Iowa. Pedro Pan: One Boy’s Journey to America, is a story of country, culture, and the resilience of an immigrant boy and his family. The book is dedicated to my Cuban family who took freedom flights to the United States of America.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Pedro Pan: One Boy’s Journey to America, what would they be?

“America” Neil Diamond

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Historical Fiction and, yes this is my favorite genre to write as it allows me to travel back in time.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

World Travel (Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever) The Stranger in the Lifeboat (Mitch Albom) The House of Love (Adriana Trigiani)

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The farm scenes when the animals talk as they befriend Pedro, the new farm boy.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Well, like most writers: drinking coffee, coffee, and more coffee. But I have interesting mugs with inspirational quotes for my writing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls. (Joesph Campbell)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Always hold on to your dreams and never lose hope like Young Pedro.

Michelle Marie McNiff is the author of the new book Pedro Pan: One Boy’s Journey to America

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