John Calicchia writes stories of fantasy, action and adventure. In the fall of 2015 his book Mirror World was released! It’s a story of two powerful young sisters and their epic battle against evil. But, this book has something in it most do not: hidden secrets. It’s a teen and young adult fiction book with a self-help book hidden inside. You see… after publishing in psychology books and journals for decades Dr. C. felt his writing was not helping the young people he loves to work with. So, he took famous psychology studies and put it in the characters and plots in Mirror World to help with real life issues. As you become part of the story you can learn about psychology or you can just enjoy the tale!
John Calicchia Ph.D. is a professor of psychology who also works with children and young adults as a licensed psychologist. He lives near Boston with his lovely wife and two amazing daughters. You can usually find him in the pool swimming with his two big dogs.
For More Information
- Visit John Calicchia’s website.
- Connect with John on Facebook and Twitter.
- Find out more about John at Goodreads.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rhode Island, the Ocean State.
When did you begin writing?
I wrote my first story in sixth grade, and the class loved it and laughed so hard, I was asked to be the first one to read my stories for the rest of the year – motivation for an aspiring writer?
Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?
Usually mornings are best, but when I am in the flow it can go on all day long. The rest of the time I’m writing this story in my head endlessly.
What is this book about?
What would you do if you saw the future apocalypse of the world in a mirror? Would you try to save the world and those you love, or die trying?
Welcome to my life, this is the vision of the future I’ve been cursed to see.
– Cailyssa Larkin
Cailyssa hates mirrors because someone evil is staring back at her from the other side. One day, she gazes into a mirror and sees a dark future that only she can change. With the future of her own world hanging in the balance, Cailyssa bravely enters the portal to the Mirror World. Here, the Dark Lord controls all the mirrors and bends reflections so all creatures see evil within themselves. With her sister Terry, her mysterious best friend Daemon, and a host of weird and wonderful creatures, Cailyssa embarks on an epic quest to overcome the evil forces trying to destroy her world. She can only defeat the Dark Lord by finding her true self and discovering the family secret that has led her to Mirror World.
What inspired you to write it?
I was always disappointed in science fiction and fantasy books because of a lack of strong female lead characters. Before Katniss Everdean and Tris Prior, few books or movies ever featured a strong female in the lead role. I love the fact that my book is told from the first-person perspective and has two exceptionally strong female lead characters, who of course also have their vulnerabilities. I also have two wonderful daughters that are exceptionally inspiring as I watch them continue on their way to developing into strong, young, and capable women.
Who is your favorite character from the book?
It depends on what day you ask me, but for today it’s Terry. She’s Cailyssa’s sister and a ton of crazy fun, with wings like an angel and 12 inch razor-sharp blades that come out of her knuckles she takes on any evil foe! But like all superheroes, she has hidden weaknesses.
Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?
Both. I was able to dictate the whole book using Dragon Naturally Speaking so the first draft went remarkably quickly. The revision process and the multiple levels of editing took a long time!
If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?
Use as many beta readers as possible, and get ARC’s out earlier.
Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Follow me and you can also get a free copy of the users guide to help you understand the psychology behind the book by joining my website www.johncalicchia.com
youtube: https://youtu.be/8ezO9nWm9UY
What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?
Time will tell. I’m hoping it’s the current book tour!
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?
Write what you love and you will love what you write ( and some other people will too)
What is up next for you?
The Users Guide for Mirror World is almost finished. It has the secrets to where the psychology studies are hidden in the book. You can get more information at my website or my blog.
There will be two more books in the Mirror World series. The next book Angelus starts literally in Hell with a dark angel being tortured for failing to destroy Cailyssa Larkin. Cailyssa has returned from Mirror World and is trying to finish her senior year in high school, when she discovers the war of the Angels she became involved in has followed her home. The Angels in this book are not what you think of in pictures or the Bible. Angels have been living among us and walking the earth for thousands of years – you probably even know a couple – hopefully they’re not the evil ones.
Here’s a biblical quote that starts off the book:
His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And Lucifer stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.
After the Mirror World Series I have plans for a psychological thriller PSYOPS which is a dystopian world in which the government and the military control dreams through neuroscience and psychology.
I better get writing!!!!!
Is there anything you would like to add?
I hope my book is a somewhat unique stamp. First of all I hope it’s a fun and exciting story that entertains you. But I know as a professor that the psychology studies hidden in the plot are very helpful for people’s lives. So I really hope it’s a wonderful tale, that has a free self-help book hidden in the narrative. Please get a copy of the users guide at my website after you read it and you’ll know what I’m talking about. In the meantime, read the book and keep guessing about the psychology behind it!
Warm Regards,
John
For More Information
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 
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