Returning to San Estevan for a Character Design Workshop

I recently returned to San Estevan to present my second book, The Lord of the Underworld, at their community library.

Among the audience were members of the local book club, who had read the first book and whom I’d met during my visit earlier this year, as well as many new faces discovering the world of The Jade Necklace for the first time.

After the presentation, I held a Character Design Workshop, where the children invented their own characters for the fantasy setting of the books, drew them, and wrote a short scene or backstory.

It was fun seeing what they came up with, especially those who hadn’t read the first book and had only my presentation to work from. Most of the papers were still blank for the first 15 minutes or so, but once the creativity started flowing, it didn’t stop. The result was a whole medley of amazing characters, ranging from a giant magical leaf that grants wishes and a speedy turtle to a monkey king (inspired by my little assistant, Mr Gibbon) and even Itzel’s evil doppelganger. But the award for most creative name definitely goes to the legendary “Snake/Crocodile Thing”.

A big thank you to the San Estevan Community Library for hosting the event. I’d love to run more workshops like this at libraries across Belize!

The Lord of the Underworld Officially Launches in Belize!

The second book of The Jade Necklace is now available in stores across Belize!

Last week, The Lord of the Underworld was officially launched in Belize as the opening event of the Belize National Library’s annual book fair.

We had a fantastic turnout (so much so that we ran out of chairs, oops). My apologies to anyone who had to stand, but it was wonderful to see so many people come out to celebrate the release.

I gave a presentation about The Jade Necklace series, with something for both newcomers and those who had already read the first book. It was also a great opportunity to talk about where Itzel’s journey is headed next.

I’m particularly glad I stayed for the rest of the book fair. So many children came up to me to ask questions about the story, share their thoughts, and even tell me a few jokes. One student remarked that the character of Chief Chat looks like Steve Harvey (must be the fantastic moustache).

I also had the chance to meet so many aspiring artists and writers, which was a real highlight. It’s always encouraging to see young people so enthusiastic about creating their own stories and artwork.

A huge thank you to the Belize National Library for helping arrange the launch and for all the support they have shown for my books. I’m incredibly grateful.

And now, on to the final book! I’m already looking forward to launching the third and final book in The Jade Necklace trilogy, hopefully next year. Fingers and eyes crossed!

And here’s Channel 7’s news coverage of the launch!

The Tree of Life Is Now Available!

A quest to save the greatest tree in the world.

While readers wait for the release of the second book in The Jade Necklace series, I’m excited to share a new story set in the same world:

The Tree of Life, a standalone prelude to The Jade Necklace trilogy, is now available!

Long before Itzel’s journey into Xibalba, there stood a great tree that connected the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. This is its story.

Set in the mythical past, The Tree of Life follows a new adventure inspired by Maya mythology, filled with strange creatures, ancient gods, and the wonder of the natural world (and especially trees, of course). Readers familiar with The Jade Necklace may recognise a few characters and legends woven throughout that story, while new readers can jump in here without needing to read the trilogy first.

Whether you’re returning to this world or discovering it for the first time, I hope this story feels like a fun ride down the rainbow into the sacred land of Tamoanchan.

If you’re interested in tagging along on the adventure, you can order a copy here!

You can also take a peek by watching the trailer (because no book release is complete without one).

A Visit to San Estevan

This week, I had the honour of visiting the San Estevan Community Library, where members of the library's book club had been reading The Jade Necklace: The Land of the Night Sun.

After finishing the book, the group invited me to attend a special event. I arrived not knowing quite what to expect, but I was completely taken aback by what they had prepared.

To my surprise, the book club members performed a skit based on the story, acting out key scenes and bringing many of the characters to life. It was clear that a tremendous amount of effort had gone into it. They even created props and costumes, including a feathered serpent crown for Kukulkan and a mask for Chaac (whose trademark frown was spot on!). And of course, Quashy made sure to keep his arms hidden, seeing as he doesn't have any. One of the highlights was Chichi's tragic passing, which was performed with such emotion that it deserved an Oscar.

I also gave a short talk about the book and shared the news that The Lord of the Underworld, the second book in The Jade Necklace series, will be released later this summer.

Words cannot express how honoured I felt to be invited. My heartfelt thanks go to the Belize National Library Service and Information System, the San Estevan Community Library, Ms Angelie Hernandez who was behind the book club, the children whose fantastic performances made the event so memorable, and the students of San Estevan R.C. School who attended.

It was my first time visiting the beautiful riverside village of San Estevan, and after such a warm welcome, I hope to return again soon!

Speaking at Book Week 2026

I attended this year’s Book Week in Belize City, where I had the chance to speak with students from St Catherine’s Academy about my fantasy series, The Jade Necklace. I walked them through the art and thought process behind the books and, of course, quickly slipped into full nerd mode. This included some amateur attempts at voice acting for a few of the characters, along with sharing city maps and even a floor plan of my villain’s evil lair. (My apologies to those students who were not expecting floor plans.)

The best part came right after the talk, when a student came up to me, excited to share her own story, and even showed me a drawing of her character. That’s exactly what I was hoping for: that young writers would feel encouraged to step forward and share their ideas, no matter how wacky they might be. In fact, all the better if they are.

And of course, Itzel and Quashy couldn’t resist a little tour of the House of Culture, taking in its beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea. We even spotted a big iguana wandering by the fair. Clearly an avid reader.

I’d like to thank the Belize Book Sector Network and the Belize National Library for organising the event. It was an honour to take part alongside other authors, both from Belize and abroad. Looking forward to the next one!

The Jade Necklace, if it were an RPG

Just a fun little animation I put together as a nod to the J-RPGs I grew up with, especially Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger.

Those games were definitely on my mind when I illustrated this moment of Itzel meeting Chaac.

Of course, in true RPG fashion, preparation is everything. Such a pity she didn’t stock up on more tamales…

New Coloured World Map of Xibalba

I finally got around to colouring that other map I drew of Xibalba, with north oriented at the top like most maps.

I went full steam ahead with the level of detail on this one, to the point that, while painting all those individual mountain shadows, my laptop was like, “Please stop, you’re hurting me.”

But the world of Xibalba in my books has never felt more alive (…well, for a Land of the Dead, anyway).

Book Week 2026: Author Talk at the House of Culture

I’m excited to be part of this year’s Book Week book fair at the House of Culture in Belize City.

I’ll be giving an author talk on The Jade Necklace series at 2:00 pm on 22 April, where I’ll share a bit about the story, what inspired it, and the world behind the books.

I’ll also have signed illustration prints and bookmarks available, and if you pick up a copy of the book (or already have one) you’ll get a free bookmark.

It should be a fun couple of days celebrating books and storytelling, especially as it’s the first Book Week in Belize City that I’ll have been to. More info about the event can be found here.

I hope to see you there!

Losing Little Pieces of Yourself

It happened years ago. One day, while loading my storage hard drive with artwork from my university days, I realised I could no longer access it. At the time, I just shrugged it off. I’ve always been pretty critical of my old work, so it didn’t feel like much of a loss.

But more recently, it’s hit me that it’s gone for good, and now I find myself looking back on that work with a kind of fondness. I might be a better artist now, but it was never just about craftsmanship. It was about the thought, the effort, and the mindset I had when creating those pieces.

Now all I have left are memories of the illustrations, posters, animations, and comics I made. I’m grateful, at least, that I still have Xander, a comic I was commissioned to illustrate shortly after graduating. It tells the story of a boy travelling through the world of dreams. It’s a project I’ve always held close, one that felt personal even though I didn’t write it. Some people have even said the main character looks like me, which might have been a semi-conscious decision after all. And there’s also, of course, a little book called Booby Trap, an illustrated children’s story about the booby birds of Half Moon Caye, which was later published in Belize and originally grew out of a university project.

But all the smaller projects are gone now, as if by some ruthless natural selection—or more accurately, self-selection. I could have done more to keep them, but whether consciously or not, I chose not to.

I suppose learning to cope with loss isn’t only about losing people. Sometimes, it’s about losing little pieces of yourself. It’s something I’ve only really started to understand as I’ve gotten older.

I shouldn’t have been so hard on my past self. A certain level of self-criticism is important for growth, but so is learning to appreciate what you’ve created, warts and all. Because those works were a part of me.

So I think I owe an apology to young Mr Gibson, the university student. You worked hard, and I owe you more than I realised for where I am today.

Thanks for creating what you did. I’ll always hold it close to my heart.

At FILEY 2026 in Mérida

I’m happy to be back at FILEY 2026 in Mérida, Yucatán this year. A few of my books are on display at the fair, including The Land of the Night Sun, along with some illustrations from the book—and even a cutout of Itzel, Quashy, and snake-stick keeping watch over the table.

It’s always a great experience to return to this event and meet readers, authors, and publishers from across the region. Being here has also given me extra motivation to get my books translated into Spanish so they can reach more readers.

And of course, a big gracias to the Yucatecos, who are always so warm and welcoming. Belize couldn’t ask for better neighbours!

Bringing The Land of the Night Sun to Life, Scene by Scene!

I put together a short video using different scenes from The Land of the Night Sun, and I may have had a little too much fun working on it.

It’s amazing what a bit of sound and a few visual effects can do to bring an illustration to life. Seeing those moments move and breathe in a new way has been such a joy.

Have a watch and step back into Itzel’s adventure!

A New Trailer for The Lord of the Underworld

I’ve just finished putting together a new trailer for the second book in The Jade Necklace series, The Lord of the Underworld, and I’m excited to finally share it!

Have a watch below and get ready to dive deeper into Xibalba.

Behind the Characters of The Jade Necklace: Kinich Ahau

This is the final instalment in my series of character spotlights in the lead-up to the release of my second book, The Lord of the Underworld.

Kinich Ahau

The Fatherly Sun God

Alongside Itzel and Quashy, I’d say Kinich Ahau has ended up being one of the most popular characters in The Jade Necklace series. Which is kind of funny, because compared to the others, he doesn’t actually get that much page time. But at the same time… I totally get it.

One of the biggest influences behind Kinich Ahau was Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a kid and was hooked on Aslan the moment he showed up. He has that strong, fatherly presence—calm, wise, steady—but also powerful in a way that doesn’t need to shout. And he’s a giant talking lion. I mean, that’s automatically cool.

Another influence was Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus has that same kind of presence—firm, principled, sometimes stern, but always loving. His relationship with Scout really stuck with me. Kinich Ahau’s stern love draws from that dynamic. He believes in Itzel and admires her courage and persistence, but his concern for her safety often takes priority.

Who’s a cute little kitty?

Now, Kinich Ahau doesn’t technically have the same official kingly status that Aslan does—but in practice, he carries it. With Kukulkan distant and out of touch, Kinich Ahau is the only god really trying to keep things from falling apart. He’s doing his best to hold the peace together, at least as much as he’s allowed to. But that kind of responsibility takes a toll. It’s too much for one person—or one god—to handle alone. And being separated from his twin sister, the Moon Goddess, leaves him carrying a quiet sadness and a bit of self-doubt that Aslan never really had.

Maybe that’s part of why readers connect with him. He’s powerful, yes—but he’s also burdened. He’s trying. He struggles. And that makes him feel more real.

Then there’s the fact that we meet him through Itzel’s eyes. And she is instantly in awe. He’s a jaguar sun god whose roar breathes fire and cuts through clouds like a beam of sunlight. In her words:

“He’s … so … cool!”

And honestly? She’s not wrong.

At the end of the day, I think readers like Kinich Ahau because he balances strength with vulnerability. He’s commanding but caring. Radiant but a little lonely. A god—but still relatable.

And yes, let’s be honest—being a fire-breathing jaguar sun god doesn’t hurt either.

See You at FILEY 2026!

I’m happy to announce that I’ll be attending the Feria Internacional de la Lectura Yucatán (FILEY) 2026 in Mérida, taking place from 14–22 March.

Itzel and the gang from The Jade Necklace series are very much looking forward to returning this year—Xibalba passports ready (I hope they’re prepared for the long wait at the Belize-Mexico border). This will be my second time attending FILEY, and I’m excited to be part of it again.

You’ll find me at the shared booth for Cubola Publishers and the Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN), featuring books from Belize.

If you’ll be at FILEY, feel free to stop by and say hola!

 

Mapping Xibalba

I put together a short video showing the world map of Xibalba and its regions, and had a lot of fun working on it. I’ve loved maps for as long as I can remember, so this kind of thing is always a treat.

I added a bit of movement and sound to the video to make the world feel alive.
Did you see the macaw?
And catch the drumming of a woodpecker?

Hope you enjoy taking a look around Xibalba as much as I enjoyed mapping it!

Spanish Translations in the Works

I’m happy to finally share that I’m starting work on translating my books into Spanish, beginning with The Land of the Night Sun (La tierra del sol nocturno). As a bit of a head start, I’ve already translated all the covers, which has made the whole project feel much more real and achievable.

This is something I’ve been hoping to do from the very beginning. The stories are inspired by Maya heritage, mythology, and the land itself, so it feels especially important to make them available to readers across Central America and Mexico, not just little Belize. My hope is that Spanish-speaking readers will be able to enjoy these books and connect with them just as much as those who read them in English.

It’s going to be challenging in parts, though—there are plenty of puns, songs, poems, and (most challenging of all) tongue-twisters! Still, it’s exciting to finally be taking this step and bringing these worlds to a whole new audience.

A Christmas Surprise for the Benque Viejo Public Library

I recently painted a wooden cutout of Itzel and Quashy (snake-stick included, of course!) and gave it to the Benque Viejo Public Library as a little Christmas gift to thank them for all their support for my books.

They’ve been so enthusiastic about The Land of the Night Sun and have welcomed me so warmly this year that I wanted to create something special just for them. And they surprised me with this wonderful photo of the heroes proudly posing beside their Christmas tree!

I’d also like to thank Isaiah Gillett in Belize City for crafting these fantastic wooden cutouts of my characters. He’s really helped bring them to life.

Here’s to more stories, more creativity, and more wonderful moments with our libraries in the new year!

 

Returning to the Benque Viejo Public Library: An Author’s Talk

I recently had the pleasure of returning to the Benque Viejo Public Library to give an author’s talk for the members of their new book club, who are reading my book, The Land of the Night Sun, as well as other children from the community who were curious to join in.

During the session, I shared my inspirations for the story, discussed my writing process, explored the themes woven into the narrative, and talked about the influences I drew from other books, films, and even video games.

My illustrations from the book were also on display, and it was especially fun to watch the book club members excitedly pointing out the scenes they remembered best—and even identifying the places on the world map they’d explored in the story. I also gave them a little teaser by showing a copy of the upcoming second book in the series, The Lord of the Underworld. This was met with many gasps, and of course, everyone wanted to peek inside—but no spoilers, I’m afraid!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Benque Viejo Public Library for hosting this talk. I look forward to future collaborations, including workshops and other events for readers of my books, and to sharing the joy of storytelling with even more young readers in the community.

A Visit from Yo Creek Compassion School

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming students from Yo Creek Compassion School in Orange Walk to the Cubola office as part of their wider educational tour. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm made the morning one to remember.

I had the opportunity to share the inspirations behind my novel, The Land of the Night Sun, and did a live reading from one of the chapters. The selection featured Itzel’s first encounter with the howler monkeys—so of course, it required a full performance. There was shouting. There was howling. There may have been a few annoyed neighbours. The students, thankfully, were amused.

We also had a small exhibition of illustrations from the book on display. This turned into a lively Q&A session filled with the kind of wonderfully unfiltered questions only children can produce:

“I have no idea what’s going on.”
“Who’s the woman with the tattoos?”
”What monster is that? She looks like my sister when she gets up in the morning.”
And a recurring favourite:
“Why does he have no legs?” (Poor Quashy…)

Before heading back to Orange Walk, some of the students picked up signed copies of the book to take home as souvenirs of the day.

A heartfelt thank you to the teachers, parents, and especially the students of Yo Creek Compassion School for visiting. I hope they returned home with a spark of inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the joy of reading.

An Ode to Benque Viejo

In a slight departure from usual blog posts, I wrote an ode to the small town of Benque Viejo in western Belize, my home for the past two years. Hopefully it will give you an idea of la vida benqueña!

Benquecito

A little republic tucked inside Belize,
Benquecito, at the foot of Guatemalan hills,
where two lands meet in the mist
and the river moves slow and jade green.

Born of Maya farmers, Mestizo chicleros, German nuns,
you grew from calloused hands and prayer,
from machete-cleared earth and incense.
Your leafcutter ants still walk old trade routes
as if nothing has changed.

Benqueños speak and laugh in Spanglish,
cooling off with chocobanana,
marimba music drifting from verandas.
Every other car is a taxi beeping for a fare,
and your dogs rule the streets,
refusing to move even for headlights.

Butterflies are big, hummingbirds small,
and patchwork houses lean together
like Lego from different sets,
shoulder to shoulder, swapping gossip.

Children kick footballs through haunted cemeteries,
swing beside ancient ruins,
grow up beneath the ghosts of temples,
old stones holding older stories.

At night, fireworks and explosions
beat through the dark,
blending with laughter and radios,
echoing off the hills.
But on Sundays you fall silent,
a ghost town because everyone is at church.

Benquecito, little treasure hidden in the bush,
small, stubborn, full of heart.
Those who pass through you
carry a piece of you with them
long after they’ve gone.