Get to Know the Creators of
So Many Secrets
In his youth, C. D. Koehler developed a deep love for fantasy and science fiction. He was captivated by the Tom Corbett, Space Cadet series and, as a pre-teen, eagerly followed television adventures such as Star Trek, One Step Beyond, and The Outer Limits. He immersed himself in the imaginative worlds of authors such as Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov and treasured the classic novels of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells—particularly The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds.
When his family relocated from New Jersey to Florida, his imagination expanded even further. Visits to the Gulf Stream reefs, the Bahamas, the Everglades, Walt Disney World, and Cape Canaveral deepened his fascination with exploration, wonder, and the extraordinary possibilities of other worlds.
Encouraged by his older daughter, Koehler began writing science fiction in 1996. He later launched a fantasy and adventure series for middle grade and young adult readers titled So Many Secrets. The first book, The Promise of Zandra, was released in April 2011. It was followed by The Jabezzan Box – Book Two (April 2012), The Shadows of Virtulon – Book Three (June 2014), Braving the Bunyip – Book Four (June 2018), Sea Without a Shore – Book Five (February 2021), Keeper of Another Sun – Book Six (publication in 2027-28). Seven books are planned in the series.
All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online booksellers.
Throughout most of his professional career, Dr. Koehler has served as a school administrator and a general supervisor for the Education Service Center within his county. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership from Kent State University and an Ed.S. in School Guidance and Counseling, along with two M.Ed. degrees.
In the series, the two main characters—known as the “Jersey girls” or Nina and Piper—are inspired by his daughters.
"Creating these stories has been such fun
—strange adventures that began with just one woven wish…"
In 2010, Koehler teamed up with art educator and illustrator Stacy M. Cislo, who has served as the art and concept designer for the book series. Cislo discovered her love for drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil. Some of her earliest memories include sitting at her grandparents' kitchen table, sketching on the backs of old inventory sheets that her grandfather brought home from work. Years later, she discovered that he had carefully dated each drawing and tucked them away in his desk drawer for safekeeping.
With the encouragement and support of her family, Cislo pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University and later earned a Master of Education degree from Ashland University. During her college years, she discovered a passion for teaching others—especially children—how to imagine, create, and believe in their own artistic abilities.
Today, Cislo works as a public school teacher, where she shares and demonstrates her love of drawing through illustration. She continues to explore new forms of artistic expression with her students, encouraging creativity and self-discovery. In working on this fantasy series, she particularly enjoys the collaboration between artist and author—transforming ideas into visual imagery and exploring concepts that stretch beyond her imagination alone.
“Each story that I help to tell through pictures and artwork
brings more challenge, adventure, and excitement…”
