Q & A with Becca Chopra

Is Star Child a fantasy tale, a metaphor for the magic living inside us all, a wise lesson in how to accept and love ourselves and our unique gifts? I'd say it's all three. I was entranced by Terra and Marius, two mystical and mysterious children, who try to fit into the "real world" after crashing on earth, soul-seeds of a dying star. They meet briefly as young children, recognize their similarity, but then spend the rest of their tale searching for each other, and their true selves, which become hidden by trying to blend in with those around them. Is it safe to be different? That's a question many, especially youth, have to ask these days. Their beautiful story, wrapped in the beautiful cover of this hardcover keepsake, shows how letting your light, your gifts, shine brightly in the world is the way to happiness and peace.

Wise elders and nature spirits and animals guide the two Star Children on their path. The Ancient Mother, deemed a witch by townsfolk, advises Terra, "Finding ourselves is the only journey that matters." And later, "A human being who knows herself has great power. She can use that for the good of others. Always surrender to your heart, your guide, even if others don't understand."

If you want to bask, to bathe, in the beauty of Kay Goldstein's words, dive into this book with an open heart and mind. You will surface feeling that you were given the gift of unconditional love. Share it with young and old; it is a story for all ages.

Becca: What is the underlying message of your book?

Kay: The underlying message of the book is that we are all spiritual beings on a human path and that with love, compassion and acceptance of who we are we can appreciate our unique gifts and use them to fulfill our purpose on earth. It is not that we won't fail to honor our own hearts or make "mistakes,' it is only important that we return again to who we are  and what we intuitively know. Faith and courage are often needed to do this.

Becca: What inspired you to write it?

Kay: I had just finished a writing workshop and was driving along the coast seeing meadows and cliffs near the ocean. I was musing about what I would write about if I ever wrote fiction. The idea for the book came to me in a "flash" and I spent 15 years learning about the characters, their journey and about myself in the  process. I kept returning to the book because I loved writing it and being in the beautiful world that was created there.

Becca: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Kay: I hope readers will find inspiration, comfort, recognition of the common themes of our humanity, and a sense of possibilities in their life. I hope they find affirmation and kindness for who they are.

Becca: Where do you find your inspiration?

Kay: Many things inspire me. I am always uplifted by nature and try to spend as much time being outdoors as possible. My meditation practice, my meditation teachers and reading about spiritual teaching are always inspiring to me. I love all kinds of creative work including cooking, gardening, photography. I am often inspired by film, theater and other books.

Becca: What is the best thing anyone has said about your book?

Kay: So many readers have commented that they didn't want it to end. One reader said this: "I don't want it to end. Star Child captured my heart and mind from its first pages with a wondrous fable told with exquisite language, with gentle restraint, with love in its voice. This book is a gift of such generosity I scarcely know where to begin to praise it or how to thank its author for sharing her vision...."