By Riya Aarini (Guest Blogger)
Lisabet:
Today I’m hosting author Riya Aarini, who is touring with her new novel Licensed to Rear. The basic premise is a world in which you need to be officially qualified in order to become a parent. I asked Riya to tell us about the inspiration for this original tale.
Riya:
Many children are fortunate to have supportive parents who build them up, encourage their growth, allow them to flourish and, in short, help them become happy, productive human beings. No parent is perfect, but quite a large number of parents are well-intentioned.
But that’s not the case for all parents.
With books like A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive by Dave Pelzer and stories like the Turpin case that make national news headlines, it’s clear that some people ought to be screened before becoming parents. In the interest of kids’ welfare, what if would-be parents are screened?
That’s what I explore in my novel, Licensed to Rear.
Over 355,000 kids are in foster care as of 2024 in the US. The Health and Human Services estimates that anywhere from 1.6 to 2.8 million children run away from home every year. These kids don’t run away for no good reason. Oftentimes, something’s amiss at home, causing them to flee.
In Licensed to Rear, I create a fictional world where children are almost guaranteed happy childhoods. A good upbringing is largely influenced by the quality of parenting. My novel puts forth the idea that parenting is a privilege—not a right. And it is a privilege that is earned through obtaining a parental license. Although unnerving and “inconvenient,” it is in the best interests of children everywhere.
Earning a parental license can be likened to earning any other license: to practice law or medicine or to operate a vehicle. When would-be parents invest incredible time and energy into earning a license, as presented in my novel, they are more intentional about giving their kids a decent upbringing. No child is unwanted. It’s all theory but a thought-provoking one at best, and I hope people read and enjoy this satirical story.
Blurb
Mila Winston aspires to earn a professional license to practice parenthood. It’s all she needs to start her family in the happiest micronation on Earth. Newcomers flock to Coolbeensia to fulfill their dreams of raising children here, where kids are guaranteed loving—as opposed to horrible—parents.
But mighty obstacles test Mila’s grit. Peter Losor, a chap with an annoying air of bravado, questionable parenting skills, and a defiant personality, stirs up trouble, eventually challenging the very law that defines Coolbeensia—that licensure is mandatory to enjoy the privilege of raising children.
Will Mila survive her trying ordeal and achieve her ambitions of being a licensed parent in the quirky yet revolutionary micronation? Find out in this satirical, contemporary family fiction novel that will leave you second-guessing the ideals surrounding the prestigious job of parenthood!
Excerpt
“He’s seven, barely getting started,” Jason retorted. “And for life? Are you kidding me?”
“Well, we have to look closely at the defendant’s conduct and determine if it unequivocally led to a violation of the plaintiff’s Fifth Amendment rights.”
“What was that right again?”
With a heavy sigh, Mila shook her head. “Jason, you should know it by now. It’s Friday, and you had three days to memorize the entire Bill of Rights.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, but—”
“No excuses, Jace. We’ve got to prepare if we’re going to be licensed parents.” She put her hand on his thigh and gave it a light push. “Anyway, the Fifth Amendment states that kids have the right to live in a make-believe world for as long as they wish.” She dropped her tablet onto her lap. “For sure, per Coolbeensian law, this kid’s right was violated.”
Jason jerked his head back. “How so? Kids at some point realize there’s no Santa Claus.”
“But at age seven, he had the right to be inspired by the magical world of Santa and other legendary beings. I mean, it’s just plain wrong that the father’s irresponsible blurt led him to no longer believe in the Tooth Fairy too. These figures add so much joy and wonder to a child’s life. The father had no right to take that joy away from his son so soon.”
She crossed her arms. “It’s just not sensitive parenting.”
“Eh, I disagree,” Jason argued, cocking his head. “In a couple years’ time he’d have learned the truth anyway, from friends and even teachers.”
Mila flung her neck back. “Ugh, I’d never tell my fourth graders that Santa doesn’t exist.” Her eyes grew big. “Some still believe.”
About the Author
Riya Aarini entered her small part of the world one summer day in the Pacific Northwest. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, including humor and contemporary fiction. If you enjoy quirkiness with a pinch of whimsy, you’ll have an appetite for her books.
Author Website: http://www.riyapresents.com
Social Media:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aarinibooks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aarinibooks
Buy Links:
Book is available everywhere books are sold, including
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Licensed-Rear-Novel-Riya-Aarini-ebook/dp/B0DGFGDZYT
The author will be awarding a book-themed T-shirt to a randomly drawn winner.
3 comments:
Thank you so much for featuring LICENSE TO BEAR.
This looks like a fun book. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a very interesting book.
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