A Conversation with Salem Wolf Heart

Our authors are one-of-a-kind. Salem Wolf Heart is author of Benny Moon: Racing the Medicine Wheel, a middle-grade chapter book published by IngramElliott. Salem's unique story follows Benny, who comes from a long line of champion racers. Benny faces the challenges of becoming a teenager--loneliness, bullies, and competition--and finds his way through a magical journey around the Native American Medicine Wheel. Themes of problem-solving and family dynamics aren't foreign to the author. In her work as a Shamanic Practitioner and Reiki Master, she's a natural healer. She hopes that Benny will introduce kids of all backgrounds to the magic of the Medicine Wheel and give them some tools for facing today's problems. 

We sat down with Salem for a conversation about Benny. 

IE: How did you become a writer?
Salem: The desire to write has always been inside me, but the true inspiration came from a dear friend and mentor, when she offered a year-long writing workshop. 

IE: Tell us a little about what Benny Moon represents to you.
Salem: Benny Moon is hopefully a character all pre-teen and teens will be able to relate to. He combines his motocross racing with the magical journey he takes discovering the Native American Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is a great resource to help us all with our life's journey. 

IE: Is there a special place you prefer when you write?
Salem: Near water is the best location for me to write. It has a calming effect and the words seem to flow with little effort. I try to commit to writing at least one sentence per day, which usually leads to more. 

IE: What do you do when you're not writing?
Salem: I enjoy working with various alternative healing methods. I especially enjoy working with 4-legged animals. 

IE: What do you want readers to take away from Benny Moon?
Salem: That a journey around the Native American Medicine Wheel and it's direction can help take advantage of opportunities that life presents to us. 

Salem is currently working on the next book in the Benny Moon series. You can learn more about Benny and Salem Wolf Heart at www.bennymoon.com. 

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