On "versus"... In the Oak Branch Woods™ series, I have illustrated both the good and bad in both the people and animals present in my stories. The challenges they face and the decisions they make determine their roles, not whether they are rabbits, squirrels, or humans. In the beginning, I credited my stories as having no heroes and no villains. I have since learned how to include both traits, without segregating characters, groups, or species.
On human characters... All too often, the human characters present in such stories are considered secondary by readers, creating the question of whether this was the intent of the author. Not so in Oak Branch Woods™, as the people in my stories were never purposely repressed, being not only essential to the overall plots, but with challenges of their own to face, and are as devotedly-developed as the animals and their situations. A good writer does not give less than one hundred percent to any character or storyline.
On parallels... Its is often assumed of animal stories that the characters and their situations are meant to subtly represent aspects of human society. To answer the question, there were no such intentions when writing the Oak Branch Woods™ novels. In my books, rabbits represent rabbits, squirrels represent squirrels, etc., and the circumstances they face are unique to each species and individual character. Both my human and animal characters do however possess the same basic emotions, allowing those who read my books to be able to relate, varying with each individual reader.
On age ranges... I invite readers of all ages to enjoy my work; the presence of animal characters is not meant to appeal only to children. My stories would not be the same had any of the books' more mature/graphic content been left out. For all practical purposes, I would recommend my stories to readers ages 14 and above, not just because of the content, but also because of the painstakingly-detailed storylines.
On "the issues"... In the excerpts telling of my books' summaries, the characters, and even the author, the awareness of animal issues is always present, and rightfully so. Those addressed in the Oak Branch Woods™ books illustrate the life-and-death struggles the animal inhabitants face, but do not stop there. As the novels develop, the deeper issues become the relationships between the characters, both human and animal, in response to the changing world, resulting in stories that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all, without having to choose sides.
"My Marissa: Home Again in Oak Branch Woods"™ is available direct from AuthorHouse. For story summary, author info, excerpts, and how to order online, please click on the book cover...OR order by phone from AuthorHouse TOLL FREE @ 888-519-5121
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