The Magic Every Month series idea
Exploring the magical worlds and cherished characters that have inspired 17 years of storytelling for children.
Magic Series
I found a piece of paper in my room that listed the names of six fairies and pixies along with the powers they possessed. I eventually dropped the powers aspect, made them represent the months of the year, and built the stories from there. They didn't really have specific races or ethnicities at first. In my mind, they were simply magical beings.
The stories and scenarios are loosely based on my own childhood and life experiences, with Strawberry Pink and Violet Champagne being much like my sister and me. As the younger sister, it was easy for me to write about some of the other characters who also had younger siblings.
These past 17 years have been a lot of fun. Along the way, I've added shirts, bookmarks, water bottle stickers, Book Buddies, and even discovered National Fairy Day on June 24. I also have dolls in different forms featured on my books' Facebook page, where I enjoy creating miniature scenes for book-related events and holidays. I've put together gift baskets, Halloween Boo Baskets, and much more.
I hope more people discover and enjoy my books so they can be read in schools throughout the United States.
Native Adrenaline Books
After the first Magic book was published, many people I knew had sons. Being young and inexperienced, I panicked and quickly felt the need to write books that would appeal to boys as well.
I found inspiration in a photograph of nature. It featured mountains, a river, trees, and yellow tulips. Later, I changed the setting to Kentucky, and the tulips became goldenrods. Interestingly, three of the characters in this book were ones I had created years before the books were published. It was exciting to bring them to life beyond my imagination and onto the page.
Over time, I've come to realize that books are for all children. Girls and boys can read whichever stories they choose and find meaning in them.
I've always wanted to learn more about my Native American heritage, but I was not raised around family members or community members who could teach me about it. Through my own research, I do my best to approach the culture with respect, while remaining open and eager to learn more.
