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Sincerity and Authenticity
The False Queen follows a young fairy who arrives on an island and is thought to be royalty due to her appearance and she does her best to give back to the islanders. Where did the idea for this fantasy story come from?
The answer to this question takes place at an inspiring moment. I’m just now writing a story for a fantasy anthology, which includes the same protagonist, Viola. In the book The False Queen, I didn’t reveal why Viola left her former life behind and arrived at Swing Island. My separate story goes back in time and shows the background of the escape – but it is a story of its own and may now remain a secret. My novel involves many real-life events, modified, of course. I know people who have gone through the same situations. They have failed, left the old life behind, and tried to make a fresh start elsewhere. Depending on the person, the results have been different. For some, a new beginning allows correcting past mistakes, but others become even more entangled in the same sorrows. In The False Queen, Viola is an ambitious and stubborn fairy girl. Initially, she is just looking for possibilities to benefit from others’ trust and faith and enjoys the opportunities and attention brought by misunderstandings. Even after her deception is revealed, the essential motivation in her actions is still realizing her dreams—to some degree, surviving in a difficult situation, making up for the fraud, and finding a place in this Swing Island fairy society.
What creative element about this story inspired your imagination the most?
The book’s other crucial main character, the fairy boy writing a play in the treetop hut, is close to me. I sometimes feel like a similar observer of life. It was nice to write about how he saw much more from his viewpoint than others and was then able to influence the course of events in his gentle way.
I can relate well to this quiet playwright’s passion for writing down and expressing, through art, everything he saw and experienced. He also gets to live those moments when the results of his work come out and bring joy to others. I feel happy thinking about the fairy boy’s play becoming—under the drama director Viola—an event that finally unites the entire fairy community. This play is like life itself. It can accommodate various types, and the best result is achieved if everybody flourishes in their role.
As a source of inspiration, I would like to mention the old villa at the center of the events of The False Queen. It has its counterpart in reality. In a small town on the west coast of Finland, there is a beautiful yellow villa where I’ve had my summer bookstore for the eighth summer. I’ve imagined many stories to take place in that old building and the surrounding garden. Some of them I have written as separate books or short stories in children’s magazines; some are still waiting, ready in my head.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most essential theme in this story is sincerity and authenticity. People should learn to be honest with themselves and others. Lies and pretense do not create a sustainable result. Cooperation should be based on mutual trust. That is, it must extend to both one’s own and others’ abilities, and it must not be deceived. Patching the losses is difficult and takes a lot of time!
Many of us desire and aspire to achieve something bigger and better. Still, the goal should be more than one’s personal interests, reputation, and honor. And the means used should not be exploitative or unfair.
The False Queen is yet another story about the power of collaboration. It is valuable that we learn to function as part of different communities and to respect the contributions and goals of others. A well-functioning group needs various members. The community becomes even more vital when we learn to tolerate, understand, and appreciate differences.
In a way, this book also praises art in its various forms. It shows multiple opportunities for self-expression. Using them awakens new sides in people or brings back to the surface previous skills and abilities. The enthusiasm of former amateur actors in my story makes me happy, too!
Do you enjoy writing longer fairy tales, or do you prefer writing picture books?
I have to admit right away that I’m happy with both! The main thing is that I get to write for different target groups to whom I have something to say.
Writing longer texts allows me to express my thoughts more efficiently and in detail because the book’s scope does not set strict limits. Also, thinking about and coordinating the illustration with the story’s narration does not cause an extra headache.
On the other hand, the challenge of a short fairy tale is fascinating. It is rewarding to notice that even a small story can fit a whole world. Even a text that is short in terms of words can convey essential and significant questions for the reader to think about. I often talk about the space between the words and the lines. That is truly important because it carries tremendous emotion and energy – messages that travel directly between the hearts of the writer and the reader.
Cooperation with my network of international illustrators has also given me a lot of joy. I appreciate the work of skilled visual artists. The enthusiasm and effort of young and novice illustrators are refreshing. More experienced artists bring their expertise and, sometimes, more independent interpretations. I recognize when the illustrators are involved with their hearts. Such cooperation creates incendiary moments both for the book’s author and later for the readers.
I write stories with motifs from many countries or cultures, or they are set worldwide. I also like to work with artists from various countries to illustrate my stories. I trust that we all have much in common, wherever we come from.
A new way of combining authors and illustrators from different cultures also stimulates fresh thoughts in the readership. Building cultural bridges is essential in children’s literature, and a certain amount of open-mindedness is an asset. Both the longer stories for children and lovely picture books can equally cherish and develop our lives worldwide!
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Loss and Acceptance
The Reaper’s Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! follows a new reaper going out on her first solo assignment who runs into some complications with a soul and now has to figure out how to put him back in his body. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea actually stemmed from a dream I had. The day before, I had been brainstorming ideas for a new story but was hitting a creative block. That night, I dreamt of venturing into the underworld, battling ghosts and monsters to find my way back to the land of the living. The excitement I felt upon waking was palpable, prompting me to quickly jot down as much of the dream as I could remember. From there, the story began to take shape almost effortlessly.
One of the highlights of this story is the depth of the characters and readers’ ability to relate to them, young and old. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The two main characters, Lyra and Casper, presented both a fun and challenging writing experience.
Casper came more naturally to me because he resembled my own experiences at his age. However, the real challenge with Casper was ensuring he didn’t come across as one-dimensional. While he serves as the typical sidekick archetype and a catalyst for the story, I aimed to give him depth beyond that role.
On the other hand, we have Lyra whose spirited personality and compelling character arc were so much fun to write. Yet, the toughest part was capturing her emotional moments authentically. I understand the struggle of opening up to others, so I empathized with her journey. As the story’s climax approached, I wanted her emotional walls to gradually break down, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level and care for her more intensely.
At the start, we’re drawn to Casper, and by the end, we’re cheering for Lyra. That was always my goal with this story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Exploring the theme of death was a significant aspect I wanted to delve into. It’s a complex topic, especially in children’s media, as it intersects with various cultural beliefs. My aim was to strike a balance between crafting an engaging fantasy adventure while also respecting diverse cultural perspectives on death.
Loss and acceptance are central themes that drive the narrative. The villain’s motivations (without giving away spoilers) are rooted in a profound experience of loss. In contrast, Lyra’s journey towards accepting her past is instrumental in her growth and ability to navigate challenges.
These themes resonate profoundly with both young readers and adults. Loss is a universal human experience that can shape our lives in profound ways, while acceptance is key to resilience and personal development. I believe these themes lie at the core of the story, offering relatable and meaningful insights for readers of all ages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
At this moment, I’m uncertain whether this book will kick off a new series. On one hand, I’m excited about delving deeper into the world I’ve crafted. However, I’m also content with how it concludes, and I fear that extending it might detract from its impact. If fans clamor for a sequel, though, I’m open to exploring that possibility.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Best Chapter Book (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 (American Writing Awards)
Best Fantasy (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 (American Writing Awards)
Best Children’s Literature (FINALIST) – Children Book International 2024 ( American Writing Awards)
Ever since she can remember, Lyra Corvin has dreamed of becoming a Grim Reaper. So, when her mentor presents her with her first solo reaping, the young girl eagerly accepts, determined to prove she has what it takes to join the agency. Until everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Now, she’s stuck with an (understandably) furious Casper William, a young boy whose soul is caught between the realms of life and death. To put Casper back into his body, the unlikely pair must journey into the Underworld to search for answers. But monstrous creatures and sinister secrets lurk within the land of the deceased that could forever alter the lives of our heroes.Will Lyra and Casper have the strength to thwart the looming threat, or will a long-forgotten secret come back to haunt them?
We Can Achieve Remarkable Feats
The Girl and Her Noble Steed follows a young orphan with a talent for animal riding who sets out to save her orphanage by winning a challenging race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to create The Girl and Her Noble Steed to give young readers an exciting adventure in a quirky world. I’ve always loved underdog stories, and I wanted to tell one that entertains while teaching kids important values. This story reminds us that, with God by our side, we can overcome any challenge. No matter where we come from or what talents we have, God sees us and answers our prayers in ways we might not expect.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
The concept of family, defined not by blood but by love and the unwavering support they offer one another, was another essential element. I aimed to convey to children that the bonds we form with those who care about us are incredibly valuable, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats.
My love for animals played a significant role in shaping the narrative. Through this story, I wanted to inspire children to be compassionate towards animals, highlighting that while animals may not comprehend our words, they do feel our emotions. This lesson in empathy and kindness towards all living creatures is an important one.
Ultimately, The Girl and Her Noble Steed is a tale of triumph against all odds. I wanted both children and adults to recognize that they do not have to face their battles alone. The story underscores the comforting belief that God is always with us and that help will come when it is needed most. It is my hope that this story will resonate with readers, offering them inspiration, faith, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and unity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story revolves around the themes of perseverance, unwavering faith, and the constant presence of God’s guidance. It aims to show young readers the strength found in hard work and determination, emphasizing that they can conquer even the most formidable obstacles.
Throughout the narrative, faith and trust in God play a central role, with characters relying on divine guidance when confronted with challenges. The protagonist’s journey exemplifies courage and perseverance, while the bonds of friendship and loyalty shine brightly among the characters. The recurring motif of divine guidance underscores God’s active involvement in the story.
Adventure abounds within the tale, encouraging young readers to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery. Important moral lessons promote kindness and compassion, foster a belief in the possibility of miracles, and highlight the boundless power of God.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
My Kickstarter campaign is set to go live on the 5th, and I have exciting plans. With the support of backers, I aim to create and print the second book while also securing the first print run for Book 1. I’m hopeful that people will rally behind this project, helping bring Book 2 to life and enabling it to reach readers worldwide.
Here’s the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kirthanajfanning/the-girl-and-her-noble-steed
If all goes well, Book 2 will be ready for release in May 2024.
For those who have read Book 1, you know how it ends. Book 2 picks up from there and promises an exhilarating journey. Within its pages, you can expect a thrilling voyage from one land to another, mysterious quests, detective work, moments of heartbreak, the introduction of new friends, and the unveiling of names and character arcs for some of Ofe’s companions. This sequel is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover what happens next.
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Together, they defy the odds, showcasing the strength of faith, courage, and friendship.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired and wanting more in…
The Girl and Her Noble Steed, the first book in this series.
A tale of resilience, hope, triumph, and answered prayers.
I Love Mysteries
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues is a collection of engaging mysteries for children featuring Natty and her invisible friend Doggy Dale. What was the inspiration behind this children’s book?
My inspiration for writing this mystery book series was my love of mysteries. I have always loved reading mysteries from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie and enjoyed reading mystery books with my kids. These books included Cam Jansen, Encyclopedia Brown, and The Baby-Sitters Club. Scooby-Doo has always been a favorite of mine and makes an appearance in one of the mini mystery books. As I worked through the various iterations of the book the idea of a ghost dog and how he helped Detective Natty’s famous great-grandparents solve mysteries.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues?
I have always loved reading and writing and have been writing for most of my life. Throughout the years I have taken many writing courses and belong to several writing groups to continue to develop my skills as a writer. I have published several award-winning children’s books in addition to four nursing books.
The art in this book really meshes well with the storyline and adds to each mystery. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
Ashleigh Heyns (illustrator) is a talented and creative illustrator. We collaborated on one of my picture books No Dinosaurs Allowed and she was a delight to work with. The illustration process for Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues was a collaborative effort between Ashleigh, Callie (Editor and Publisher from Clear Fork Press) and me. I shared my vision for the book and then Ashleigh did her magic and we all reviewed and agreed upon the illustrations. I am blessed to be a part of this “Dream Team” and look forward to creating the future books in this fun new mystery series.
Can you give readers a hint as to what Natty and Doggy Dale will be up to in book two of the series?
I am excited to share some hints about the next book in the series. Readers will also find some clues
about the next book at the back of the current book.
Book two takes place at the amusement park and will include the main characters and a cast of diverse supporting characters. Detective Natty and Doggy Dale will be on the case as they follow the clues to help their friends find their missing items.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Roles of Greater Responsibility
Dane Thorburn and the Stanthorpe Rebellion follows Dane and Princess Vanessa as they investigate who the unknown raiders are that are striking out across their land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As this is the fourth installment in the series, I wanted to progress the evolution of Dane, Vanessa, and others. Having dealt with mystical creatures in the previous book, I wanted this one to focus more on dealing with people, and to show how Dane and Vanessa would deal with a major tragedy that thrusts them into roles of greater responsibility, at a time when they’re not expecting it. In terms of the story arc of the entire series, it was also important to show Raegan recovering from his injuries and how Dane deals with the realisation that Raegan is still alive.
Is there anything about Dane that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Like everyone, I have had times when things haven’t turned out as I wanted and have had to adjust and adapt to that, and sometimes my initial reaction isn’t the right one. I’m also a determined person, like Dane. One thing I did put in directly from my own life was the scar on his chin, which happens in the first and third books – I split my chin open twice when I was a young boy.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
Right from the beginning I wanted a powerful and evil wizard as the main villain. The real change that occurred as I’ve written the books is when Dane unwittingly almost kills him in Dane Thorburn and the City of Lost Souls (Book 2) when Raegan is disguised as a wolf. This created a whole new development for both Dane, dealing with the uncertainty and guilt that he nearly killed him (and would have killed him had he known Raegan was the wolf), and Raegan’s disappearance and loss of almost all of his power and how the journey he takes while he recovers.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
There will be more books. With Raegan’s recovery, he is now ready to return and unleash himself on the land once more, and knowing it was Dane who almost killed him, he has a special hatred for Dane that will be explored in future books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
But when it appears everything is returning to normal once more, a series of attacks by a group of unknown raiders strikes fear across the Stanthorpe region and beyond.
Who are they – and where did they come from?
Are they connected to Candahorn and the rebel forces – or is exiled wizard Raegan, despite his mysterious disappearance, somehow behind it?
Dane is trying to piece everything together alongside Vanessa, Will, and Lord Frederick, when a tragedy of epic proportions changes the land forever, thrusting Vanessa into a role she’s not ready for, where she has to make a fateful decision.
Can they find out who is behind the attacks and save the lives of many, or will they be too late?
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues
Natty and her friend Doggy Dale are skilled detectives. The duo has been practicing solving mysteries for quite some time now, and they have a new case on their hands. Harry’s shoe has gone missing. If he doesn’t find it soon, his mom won’t allow him to go to football practice. Natty and Dale soon get to work, finding clues and taking notes. Natty is eager and Doggy Dale, who learned his detective skills from Natty’s great-grandparents, is right by her side. Will they be able to solve the case in time?
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues, by Deborah Hunt, is an engaging children’s book featuring Natty and her invisible friend, Doggy Dale. Natty and Doggy Dale make a wonderful pair. Natty pays attention to details and takes her work seriously, while Doggy Dale is good at finding clues. The book is filled with exciting adventures, and each mystery is its own unique story. This easy-to-read book is ideal for younger readers. The illustrations throughout Natty and Doggy Dale’s story are expressive and detailed, drawing readers further into each mystery. I like that the author includes a summary following each mystery. This aspect of the book enhances comprehension for young readers.
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues, by Deborah Hunt, is a fantastic gift for any child. Teachers in elementary grades will find Hunt’s book to be the perfect length for a fun read-aloud. I recommend it to all parents, guardians, and teachers who are looking for interesting children’s books to add to their libraries.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0CCR9V6T4
The Silly Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm
Ever seen a worm with two arms, two hands, and a smiling face? Herman the worm is a unique creature, to say the least, and sadly, not many people are friendly towards this little guy. After scaring Ms. Walker so badly that she passes out and drives her car off the road, Herman is about to give up on humankind when he meets sweet Petunia and her father. The Silly Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm by Sam Baker follows an unlikely duo that come up with all sorts of shenanigans and have lots of laughs along the way.
This heartwarming story is absolutely wonderful. There are so many important messages in this book and life lessons that kids can learn from. Acceptance is the main message in this charming book. Many people try to get rid of Herman the moment they see him. Mr. and Mrs. James scream when Herman lands on their windshield, and they try whatever they can to get rid of him. Ms. Walker faints at the sight of Herman even though he smiles and waves, trying to look as friendly as possible. Only sweet and kind Petunia, who is not deterred by his appearance or strangeness, accepts him for who he is.
Another really amazing message in this book is change. Change is inevitable and scary. For kids, this is a lesson that’s learned the hard way. Herman goes through a big change and this scares Petunia, her father and their family friend, Emma. But it soon becomes clear that this is just a natural part of Herman’s lifecycle.
The illustrations by Ann Hess in the book remind me of classic children’s books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? The style is akin to realism using chalk or acrylic paints, and the grainy texture gives the pictures a more cartoony look. I like this style best when there is a lot of detail and focus on the subject of the illustration. A great example of this is the first illustration of Mr. Wilson, whose expression of admiration for his prize green tomato is very apparent in his raised eyebrows and pursed lips. I found it funny that Herman starts calling Emma’s Daddy, “Daddy” because that is what Emma refers to him as.
The Silly Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm is a light-hearted and well-meaning book. There are many life lessons for kids to learn through reading about Herman and his adventures.
Pages: 108 | ASIN : B07CRYXRRH
Peeps in Bloom
Isaac is in a new school, making new friends, and carrying an old secret. As he is trying to settle into his role as the boy trying to get noticed on the first day, he makes a couple of discoveries. First, there could actually be a witch living in his new neighborhood, second, he just might have made friends with the school activist. Meg, intent on saving the school’s courtyard, has enlisted the help of her friends, including Issac, and is determined to preserve her favorite part of their school environment. Isaac, willing to help but fighting his own battle, must figure out what is going on with himself before he can help anyone else.
Peeps in Bloom, by J.D. Suhre, is the story of two friends both facing their own very different obstacles but simultaneously solving their own little mystery. Suhre has included several parallel plot lines to capture young readers’ attention and keep them guessing throughout the book. Told in chapters that alternate between the first-person points of view of the two main characters, Suhre’s story offers two unique perspectives of the same plot.
Isaac’s problem is a tricky one. While it is difficult as a parent to watch him face his own health issue virtually alone, I am sure this is a dilemma experienced by many children daily, especially at this upper elementary/middle school age. In fact, his apprehension in telling anyone about his strange episodes reminds me of the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. There is a great lesson to be learned from both stories, and Suhre touches on a hard reality with Isaac’s storyline.
I was pleasantly surprised at the turn the story takes when it comes to rumors of the witch in the neighborhood. There are so many ways a plot like this one can take; it was refreshing to see the way Suhre incorporated Mrs. Peekers into Meg and Isaac’s stories. As an adult reader, if I had an aha moment, young readers are sure to experience a thrill when they realize the truth.
Peeps in Bloom is a short creative novel geared for upper elementary and tweens. It carries within its pages some difficult lessons and wonderful examples of what strength, determination, and courage can do. Young readers will benefit from taking this journey with Issac and Meg.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B09R1ZDN46
