DIARY OF A PHOENIX started as a short story (same title) about a boy cursed to be part fire bird and part boy. The concept began as a fun character that I EMAILED to a friend! Over a decade... yes, decade later, I ran across the short story again, and I loved how amusing the personality of Elbert was (the main character). Now the story has morphed into a Middle Grade novel with deeper themes about family relationships and identity, but there is still a good dose of humor and a whole lotta heart.