Author Interview – Christine Skippins

Author of the children’s book The Magic of Misty Nook: Santa in a Camper.

I am very pleased to welcome Christine Skippins to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her children’s book series, The Magic of Misty Nook.

Helen: Welcome Christine. I am very excited to learn more about your series of children’s books set in Misty Nook. Tell us about the lastest, Santa in a Camper

Christine: The Magic of Misty Nook, Santa in a Camper is a fun romp through a Christmas party with current and past residents of the Misty Nook animal haven. Dogs and cats abound, and much fun is had by all! Each year, the elves that run Misty Nook (including Santa, himself and managed by Woody the Staffy dog) animal rescue throw a lavish party and invite past residents of Misty Nook to show they have not forgotten those alumni dogs and cats that have gone on to forever homes. I love that all the animals have such diverse personalities in the way they enjoy the festivities, and the separate feasts for dogs and for cats that allow their particular preferences to shine through. This book is a cute read, and would be great for a child with a bit longer attention span than other, pure illustration books with a line of text for each picture. The lovingly crafted portraits of the animals are great, though I would have liked to have seen some depictions of the party space. The book closes with Santa taking off in his camper van to deliver presents all over the world, after handing out gifts to the cats and dogs at the party. It’s a great, simple story for Christmas.

Helen: Your characters are bright and with lovable animal characters. Who is on the cover of Santa in a Camper?

Christine: So why shouldn’t our pets have a Fabulous Christmas party? The cover depicts Woody one of the main characters in his Santa outfit.

Helen: What made you write this particular book?

Christine: The book is inspired by volunteering at a local animal rescue centre and showcases the ways in which the staff enrich the lives of the animals that stay there. It also highlights how they stay in touch with their animal family even after they are rehomed.

Helen: How wonderful. That is a lovely message to remind children of the work that goes on behind the scenes in an animal rescue center. Who is your protagonist and why did you write her/him?

Christine: My Misty Nook stories all revolve around a Magical Animal Centre run by Woody, a Staffordshire Terrier who is the chief elf. He’s inspired by a real-life dog called Woody, who sits at the reception of the animal centre where I volunteered checking everyone in and out, and nothing happens without him knowing!

Helen: My Mum had a staffie. They are the most adorable dogs and so affectionate. I can imagine Woody running the centre. How do you get the ideas for a new book?

Christine: Inspiration is everywhere, and I have a head full of story ideas for both Adult and Children’s stories, so watch this space!

Helen: Typically you write and illustrate children’s book. Have you ever thought about writing in other genres?

Christine: So far, I have been focusing on writing children’s fiction about animals because it combines my passions and skill set. However, as my writing style has developed, I am also writing some adult fiction short stories to explore that genre as well.

Helen: Now Santa in a Camper is out, what are you working on next?

Christine: I’ve just completed a science fiction short story for a writing challenge, and now I’m going to work on my mother’s story. Born in 1937 in London, her early years were lived through the horrors of WW2. It’s my aim to bring her memories of dodging the bombs and being evacuated to the countryside alive. This story, based on fact, will preserve her memories for subsequent generations.

Helen: That is so exciting. I imagine that project, enshrining your mother’s memories in print will be so special. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

Christine: I have always enjoyed drawing and writing, and creating children’s books has allowed me to develop as both an author and an artist.

Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?

Christine: My first draft is always a sensory word dump, and its from that that my story evolves.

Helen: Which element of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

Christine: With a creative mind, my biggest challenge is checking and rechecking my text, as I have an emotive rather than a detail-oriented eye. I also struggle with knowing when the text is ready for publishing because every time I read and reread, I always find a way to tweak it!

Helen: Do you listen to music when you write, if so, what do you listen to and why?

Christine: I love music and listen to the radio when I am working. Writing is a lonely business, and it helps me to have real life in the background.

Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?

Christine: I have a small group of amazing advisors, friends and family, who constantly remind me that I am good enough to put myself and my work out there with the best.

Helen: It’s so good to have a support system. Writing can be an emotional rollercoaster. What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom? And what advice would you give aspiring writers?

Christine: “Show, don’t tell when you write” is the best advice a retired literary agent gave me. Believe in yourself, and put your best work out there, but be open to feedback, your first book is the start of your journey, where each one will be better than the one before.

Helen: I know most writers are great readers as well. What is your favourite book and why do you like it so much?

Christine: My Reading Choices vary, but I like reading books where I can relate to the location. For example, a rom-com set on a Greek Island or in a French town with markets and cafes or a detective story set in Brighton, the city near where I grew up.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. Just to close us out, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Christine: On publication, my Grandson Harry proudly takes each one of my books to school and shows off my picture on the back of the book to anyone who will listen. To me, that is a priceless pride and memory.

About the Author

Christine Skippins

Christine (Chris) Skippins enjoyed a lengthy career in finance before she turned her attention to writing and illustrating. It wasn’t long before she discovered her niche.

Her involvement with a local animal rescue centre, which she joined to contribute to a community charity, sparked her inspiration. The animals she encountered and the dedicated team that rehabilitated them motivated her to create “The Magic of Misty Nook” series.

Now, Chris animates delightful animal characters through her stories, showcasing how frightened and lonely creatures find love and compassion at Misty Nook.

As a teenager, Chris worked at a pet store and often attempted to take in rabbits, guinea pigs, and even puppies that needed homes—much to her father’s initial reluctance. Eventually, her father relented, and Whiskey the Collie was welcomed into their family. Over time, Whiskey and many other pets became an integral part of Chris’s life.

Born in Chichester, England, Chris is a mother to an adult son and daughter, as well as Rizzo the Spaniel. She’s also a grandmother to Harry and Sienna—her wonderful grandchildren—and Ivy and Rolo—her ‘granddogs’.

Amazon Author page

Purchase Christine’s book, Santa in a Camper

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

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If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

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Author Interview – Julie Pike

Author of the children’s fantasy book, Flame Chasers.

I was thrilled to meet children’s fantasy author, Julie Pike, at a local book fair in Bracknell, and I am so happy to be chatting to her on my blog this week.

Helen: Welcome Julie. It’s great to speak to you again. I am excited to talk to you abour your books. Tell us about your latest book, Flame Chasers.

Julie: Flame Chasers is a magical children’s adventure about flamebirds, family and friendship. The flamebirds crackle through the night sky like fireworks. Once every year they stop at Bright Beacon to rest before continuing their journey – where to, exactly, no one knows. Anyone lucky enough to touch a golden tail feather will be granted a wish, so their fiery arrival has become the start of a strange race. Boats full of Flame Chasers gather in the harbour, ready to dash across the ocean in hot pursuit of the Phoenix-like flock. Ember is desperate to join the chase but is devastated when Pa leaves without her. She’s not the only one left behind: on the rocks there is a beleaguered little bird, a cinderling, a flamebird unable to return home to recharge its magic. Ember is determined to find a boat so she can look for the flamebirds secret home, and in so doing, find her Pa and save the cinderling.

Helen: Oh, that sounds amazing. What a wonderful story. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Julie: The beautiful cover for my story was designed by children’s book illustrator David Dean. He was commissioned by my publisher, Firefly Press to create a bold, colourful and action-packed cover.

To help David envisage my story world, I developed a mood board of images that I’d used myself to inspire the adventure. These included pictures of ‘Bright Beacon’, images of my flamebirds, my characters, and the story’s squash buckling settings. David’s concept took my breath away. I love its rich colours and swirls of magic as he seamlessly combines these elements to create a whirlpool effect, cleverly mirroring in design the action of the story itself.

Helen: I love learning the detail behind the covers. I think titles are sometimes even harder to think up! How did you come up with your title?

Julie: For a long time, the draft title of the story was called Feather Flame, but as I worked through the drafts, I realised the story was about so much more than the magic in the birds flaming feathers. It was about the characters that chased the flamebirds tails and what they hoped to do with the wishes they yearned for. I also wanted a more action-led adventurous sounding title to appeal to children, and a shorter title than that of my first book. Shorter titles are easier to remember and work better for hashtags. I played around with a long list of title ideas, but once I’d combined the noun and verb, I knew I had the perfect title. Luckily my publisher agreed, otherwise we’d have all gone back to the drawing board!

Helen: I love the title you chose, as you say it works really well. Which genre do you typically write?

Julie: All my stories have a fantasy twist to them. I’ve tried writing contemporary tales, but as I write each scene my brain always offers up a delicious magical ‘what if’ which I find impossible to resist!

Helen: Most writers are great readers as well. What is your favourite book and how did it inspire you write fantasy?

Julie: Gosh, I have soooo many favourite books, but if I had to pick one, then I’d cheat and say The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix. It’s not really a cheat because the three books are part of the same story arc. For a long time, I knew I wanted to write stories, but I didn’t get serious about it until my 40s – partly because I didn’t think a kid from a council estate was ‘allowed’ to be an author, and partly because I didn’t know what stories I wanted to write. All that changed when a friend gave me the first book of the trilogy, Sabriel, and said, ‘Read this, you’ll love it!’ She was right. That story lit my imagination like nothing else. I didn’t want to leave Garth’s magical worlds, so I resolved to create my own. If not for Sabriel’s and Lirael’s stories, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be a writer today.

Helen: I’m so glad your friend gave you the book. I loved Sabriel as well! It’s been fun chatting but before we finish, could you share one of the best things that has happened to you since you began writing?

Julie: Garth Nix has a saying, which I cleaved to when I was an aspiring author. He said (and I think he’s also quoting another here, but I’m not sure who) ‘nothing can happen until you finish it’. It took me six years to write my first story and five years to write my next. Finishing both stories was a major achievement and filled me with life affirming confidence. Many wonderful things have happened since the first time I wrote ‘The End.’

It’s hard to choose just one, but I think it would have to be an early book signing in Waterstones Bournemouth. I met a young girl, who’d read my story and was eager to meet me. So much so she ran into the bookshop and hovered shyly by my signing table. Her parents said she’d run across the car park to meet me. Wow! I’d never expected that! I knew of course it wasn’t ‘me’ she was desperate to meet. She wanted to meet the part of me who’d written an adventure that had made her soul sing. She reminded me of the person I’d been at the age of eleven, eyes shining like stars as I read new worlds filled with adventure. The day I met that young reader, I knew then, regardless of whether my story was a commercial success, I’d achieved something more important, I’d made eleven-year-old me proud.

About the Author

Julie Pike

Growing up on a council estate in Neath, nestled in the Welsh Valleys, Julie developed a love of stories at the town’s fine Victorian library; so much so, she included it in her children’s fantasy-adventure debut, The Last Spell Breather.

Published by Oxford University Press in 2019, the book was translated into Polish, Indonesian and Russian. It was longlisted for Waterstones Children’s book of the year.

Her second children’s novel, Flame Chasers published in 2024 by Firefly Press was translated into German and was named Children’s Book of the Week in The Times.

Julie has an MA (with distinction) in Creative Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and gave the valedictorian speech at her graduation ceremony. She lives in the Forest of Dean, on the border between England and Wales, where she adventures under the canopy with her Border Collie, Spock.

She is passionate about adventure stories, volunteering in schools and libraries, helping children find stories that excite them.

The stories she read as a child inspired her to have real-life adventures as an adult. She has trekked to Everest Base Camp and the peak of Kilimanjaro, tandem skydived over the great lake of New Zealand, and camped on the Great Wall of China in a lightning storm!

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Author Interview – Eleanor Dixon

Author of the middle grade series, Tally and the Angel.

I am very pleased to welcome Eleanor Dixon to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her fourth book in the Tally and the Angel series, The Sands of Time.

Helen: Welcome Eleanor. Congratulations on your new release. I am very excited to learn more about your series. Tell us a little about it.

Eleanor: Tally and the Angel: The Sands of Time is a middle-grade (8 to 13 yrs) adventure that whisks readers to a sun-drenched Greek island where Tally faces her most thrilling quest yet. As the fourth book in the series, this standalone story blends fantasy and everyday life, letting readers explore Greece through Tally’s eyes. Having lived there for twenty years, I’ve infused the book with authentic details, making readers feel like they’re right alongside Tally.

Helen: What a wonderful way to introduce history to young readers. Your cover has a flavour of the mediterranean. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Eleanor: The cover of The Sands of Time captures the book’s essence: a churning sea mirroring Tally’s inner turmoil as the mighty Poseidon looms. It’s a visual invitation to join Tally on a high-stakes adventure. I wanted to evoke a sense of wonder and danger, enticing readers to dive into Tally’s world. It’s also great for a summer launch!

Helen: When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

Eleanor: The spark ignited young. School essays were my escape, where my imagination could run wild. I remember crafting stories at five, and by nine, I’d penned a full-length play (though sadly, never performed). My father was a superb storyteller and maybe I got some of those genes. It was many years before that passion turned into writing novels, but I always wrote a daily journal (and still do) and, from age ten, wrote weekly letters to my mother until she passed away when I was in my late thirties. Mum kept and catalogued all my letters and I still have them. They are sometimes a great source of inspiration for plots.

Helen: It’s wonderful to see your series going from strength to strength. They do look great together. Who inspired you to write?

Eleanor: Authors such as Tolkein, C S Lewis, Enid Blyton and J K Rowling all inspired me to write, but the person who kick-started me on my writing career is my best friend Phillipa. We danced, and lived, in Greece at the same time. One day I was telling her about a story I had made up in which I wreaked vengeance on someone who had wronged me. She persuaded me to ‘write it down’ and her encouragement led me to a creative writing course, where I discovered a talent I didn’t know I possessed. However, life and love briefly sidetracked me when I came back to England, and my writing was pushed aside. Eventually, it was my husband who encouraged me to take it up again. And I have never looked back. It was as if he had opened a floodgate. Ideas that had lain dormant for many years tumbled so fast out of my head, I couldn’t keep up. I am so grateful that he saw what was missing in my life and for his unwavering support ever since.

Helen: How do you get the ideas for a new book?

Eleanor: Ideas are like unexpected guests—they burst into my mind uninvited! A single word, a fleeting image, can spark a world. If I am starting a new book with no clear idea, I surf the internet and random phrases seem to ignite something in my brain. The curse that threatens the Yukon village in Tally’s second adventure was born from a trailer for a movie. One word in the movie’s title was the eureka moment for me, but I can’t tell what it was because it would be a huge spoiler! Other times, I lie down in a quiet place, close my eyes and visualise characters and settings until one captures my imagination. I also swim a lot and this is a brilliant time for examining my brain for themes. The time just whizzes by while I’m working out glitches or plot twists.

Helen: Ideas come from all over the place. With so many ideas, what are you working on next?

Eleanor: I’m currently weaving enchantment into the fifth book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School series, which I write alternately with Tally and the Angel. Blending my ballet background with the supernatural means that Amberwood is not just any ballet school: it has ghosts! The idea for the first book came from an event that happened to me when I was ten years old and was a boarder in a girls’ school at the spookiest old house in the country. The fantasy element, which I love, is a big part of the series and readers don’t need to be ballet fans to enjoy Amberwood any more than one must be a wizard to enjoy Hogwarts.

Helen: What a wonderful combination, boarding school and ghosts!! With all these ideas flowing, do you find you plan your books upfront, or are you more of a pantser?

Eleanor: I started out as a pantser, but my editor has moulded me into a planner. She insisted she couldn’t work with me unless I write out the storyline, which we then discuss, and then a complete chapter breakdown before I write the actual novel. At first I really struggled! I toyed with the idea of writing the book, then going back and summarising it for her, subsequently wowing her with how quickly I finished it! But I never did that. I soon realised that I write much better for plotting the entire novel in advance. Of course, things change along the way and nine times out of ten, a character turns out to be totally different from the original idea. But having a frame to work to means I work much more efficiently. Plus, I don’t get sleepless nights wondering where it’s all going to end. It’s a wonderful preventative to writers’ block.

Helen: It sounds like you have an excellent editor! Have you ever experienced self-doubt as a writer, and if so, how have you dealt with it?

Eleanor: Self-doubt is a constant companion, but I’ve learned to channel it into motivation. Positive feedback from my editor and readers is a powerful antidote, reminding me of the joy writing brings. I always read the reviews for my books and this can be so uplifting.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. It has been lovely learning about you and your books. Just to close us out, if you didn’t write middle grade what genre would tempt you?

Eleanor: The allure of adult fiction beckons. With a wealth of experiences as a young dancer, I have a world of stories to explore. So, I would like to write an adult novel using some of the events that happened to me. It is something I think about a lot. It would be a daunting task after Middle-grade literature because adult novels are so much longer. I’m used to wrapping everything up in about 40 to 50,000 words. I would enjoy the challenge of finding enough material and complexities of plot to fill 80,000 to 120,00 words.

About the Author

Eleanor Dixon

Eleanor Dixon writes exciting, page-turning, high-stakes books for young people (though many adults enjoy her books too!). Her Tally and the Angel series (recipient of Mom’s Choice and Literary Titan Gold Awards) are travel adventures with each book taking place in a different country. The series takes its inspiration from Eleanor’s extensive global travels. Visit different countries with Tally from the comfort of your seat. And help her and Jophiel, the angel, foil dastardly plots.

Eleanor used to be a ballerina and taught in her own school in Athens, Greece (she speaks Greek fluently!) and is well qualified to write her Amberwood Hall Ballet School series, about a ballet school with a difference: it has ghosts! The first two books have been shortlisted in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards and The Graceful Ghost, the first, has also been shortlisted in the UKSelfies2020 awards. If you want a free taster, download The Ghosts of Amberwood onto your Kindle for nothing! It is the prequel and tells how Grace and Rodney became… the ghosts of Amberwood.

Eleanor adores animals and always has dogs, cats, hens, sheep and an abundance of wildlife at her UK home.

And… she loves birthday cake!

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Author Interview – Michelle M. Pillow

Author of the Merely Mortal series

This week I am chatting to Michelle M. Pillow about her new Merely Mortal series, and the first book, Merely Mortal.

Helen: Welcome Michelle. Congratulations on your new series. I am very excited to learn more about your books. Tell us a little about them.

Michelle: My new release is an urban fantasy, Merely Mortal. It features a young woman, Tamara, a mortal who is born into a supernatural family. Being the odd one out, she’s been raised like a delicate little butterfly who needs to be protected. Everyone expected her to die first, as her natural lifespan is human. The story begins with her attending her family’s funerals. The police suspect her as the one responsible for the fire that killed them, and she’s forced to go on the run. That is when she meets Paul and his five-year-old daughter, who are dealing with their own loss. Things unravel from there.

I am especially excited to share that it marks the beginning of a brand new series and is my first venture into writing in the first person POV. This fresh perspective allows you to dive deeper into Tamara’s world, experiencing her emotions, conflicts, and victories firsthand. It’s been exciting to explore this new writing style, and I believe it adds an intimate layer to the storytelling. I can’t wait for you to join Tamara on her journey and experience the magic and mystery from her unique viewpoint.

Helen: I love the sound of your books, more to add to the TBR list! Your covers are beautiful. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Michelle: A big theme in Merely Mortal is Tamara’s transformational arc as she tries to find her place in the world. As a mortal, she’s been told by her supernatural family that she is not special and has an expiration date. The butterfly represents her change and coming into her own. There are also other symbolic meanings in the book, but I don’t want to give away spoilers.

Helen: Is there any special meaning behind the title?

Michelle: The title Merely Mortal reflects Tamara’s struggle with her human limitations while being born into a powerful supernatural family. It underscores her journey of self-discovery and the realization that her humanity is both a vulnerability and a strength. The phrase merely mortal challenges the notion of mortality as a weakness, instead highlighting the resilience and depth of the human spirit.

Helen: A bit of reverse psychology, maybe? What made you write this particular book?

Michelle: The themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery are universal, and I wanted to explore them through the lens of urban fantasy. I liked amplifying these themes by showing how an ordinary human would navigate a world filled with extraordinary circumstances, and what it means to find one’s place in such a setting.

Helen: I love creating my own worlds, and I agree, fantasy gives you plenty of opportunity for unusual situations. The Merely Mortal series is urban fantasy, do you write in any other genres?

Michelle: I am a multi-genre author. Over my career, I’ve published everything from historical to futuristic, contemporary to fantasy to mystery to gothic. However, I primarily write paranormal and sci-fi romance, as well as urban fantasy. These genres allow me to blend elements of romance, adventure, and the supernatural, creating rich, unique worlds. The flexibility enables me to explore complex themes and characters.

Helen: Who is your protagonist and why did write him/her?

Michelle: Tamara, the protagonist, is a complex and relatable character—just like we all are. I wrote her to explore the theme of self-discovery in a world that constantly challenges her sense of identity. This is something I feel many can relate to. Her journey is one of growth and resilience, reflecting the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world, especially when you don’t feel like you belong in your own family.

Helen: If Tamara could answer this question, why would she say we should read your book?

Michelle: LOL, she’d probably beg you to read it because she doesn’t want it to be over. She’d probably beg someone to take over for me since I haven’t been the nicest to her.

Helen: We are so mean to our characters!! But we have to keep our readers hooked, so we don’t have much choice. How do you find new ideas for your books?

Michelle: Ideas for new books often come from a mix of personal experiences, random observations, and what if scenarios. Sometimes, a single image or a snippet of conversation can spark an entire story. I also draw inspiration from history, mythology, and various cultures, weaving these elements into my fictional worlds.

Helen: I’m one for the ‘what if’ questions. They do lead you down interesting paths. With all these ideas bubbling, what are you working on next?

Michelle: My current work-in-progress is Mostly Shattered, the second book in the Merely Mortal series. This installment will delve deeper into Tamara’s journey, uncovering new threats and alliances in the supernatural realm. The themes of mortality and belonging will continue to play a central role as Tamara grapples with her evolving identity and the responsibilities that come with it.

Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?

Michelle: I remind myself of the reasons I started writing in the first place, and I rely on the support of my writing community and family. I also remind myself to take breaks. Burnout can lead to negativity and doubt.

Helen: Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, what do you do to overcome it?

Michelle: Switching gears and working on admin or marketing before returning to the book with fresh eyes helps. Sometimes you just need to step away and let it breathe.

Helen: I find that the most difficult, leaving the book to stand for a while, but you are right, a fresh pair of eyes will make all the difference. What is the best thing that’s happened since you began writing?

Michelle: The best thing has been the connection with readers. Their support and enthusiasm for my stories are incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my books have touched their lives and provided escape and inspiration is the most fulfilling aspect of my career.

Helen: Most authors are great readers. What is your favourite book?

Michelle: One of my favorites is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I love it for its witty dialogue, stubborn characters, and observations of human nature. Also, Mr. Darcy’s first botched proposal. It never fails to make me sigh and laugh at the same time. Austen’s ability to weave romance and strength within the confines of the social norms of her time is something I greatly admire.

Helen: It has been wonderful chatting to you. Thank you so much for joining me today. Before we close was there anything else you’d like to add?

Michelle: The camaraderie and support of the writing and reading communities are invaluable. These are friendships I cherish. I truly believe rising tides can lift all boats.

Thank you for having me.

About the Author

Michelle M. Pillow

Michelle M. Pillow is a prolific NY Times & USA TODAY bestselling author with over a million books sold. Though she writes in many genres, she is best known for romance and mystery. Her rich world building creates portals for the imagination. She is a winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. Fan favorites include the Qurilixen World (a multi-series collection), Order of Magic series, and Warlocks MacGregor series. She loves to interact with readers. Visit her at MichellePillow.com.

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Purchase Michelle’s book, Merely Mortal

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

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Author Interview – Ben Schenkman

Author of The Devil You Know series

This week I am chatting to Ben Schenkman about his latest release in the The Devil You Know series, Dueling Shoulder Angels.

Helen: Welcome Ben. Congratulations on your new release. I am very excited to learn more about your series. Tell us a little about it.

Ben: My current books are the first two in my series, The Devil You Know.

The first, My Boss is the Devil, focuses on a barista named Nick who is stuck in a dead-end job and dissatisfied with his life. He goes to work for the Devil and has to grapple with the concepts of good and evil. It subverts expectations, because the Devil isn’t what you expect in this story. He has to decide if the ends justify the means, and if it’s worth his soul to make a difference in the world.

The second, Dueling Shoulder Angels, which is just being released now, is a continuation of the story. No spoilers on the first book, but where the first book focused on the Devil, the second introduces God. It also expands the role of Amy, the goth witch/love interest from the first book, and has a redemption arc for another.

Helen: Your covers are very distinct. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Ben: I adore my cover(s)! The first book focuses on Lucifer, so has a devilish silhouette behind a faceless man in a suit. I always intended for the main character to be a bit of a mirror for the reader and let them put themselves in his shoes. The cover is a bit of a play on that, with the lack of physical details. There are also coffee icons throughout, which is one of the through-threads of the story. The color is perfect, it was always going to be red and fits with the Devil motif.

The second, introducing a secondary main character and God Themself, adds similar figures for those characters. We add occult symbols to the icons floating around, and change the imagery a bit. The green color is a nod to the “millennial green velvet couch” that appears in the book. My partner, in real life, has that couch.

Helen: You have chosen unusual book titles. Is there a special meaning behind the title?

Ben: My Boss is the Devil is a double entendre. It’s a colloquialism, but in this case it’s also literal. I started writing this book back in 2006, finished the first draft during NaNoWriMo in 2014, and shelved it until 2023. It’s always had the same title, I was very fond of it. I’ve had to reassure bosses of mine that the book is fiction, and not about them.

The second book, Dueling Shoulder Angels, is a play on the trope of the angel and the devil sitting on someone’s shoulders, whispering in their ears. Except Lucifer is a fallen angel, right? So it’s actually two angels, dueling for influence and control.

Helen: Sometimes the title just leaps out at you, and others it is hard work trying to find the right name. I have a new series and I am struggling to find the right titles! What made you write this particular book?

Ben: I was Nick, to an extent, when I started writing the first book. I was working a job with little prospects, and wasn’t sure about my future. I took some of that inspiration and asked, “What if someone like that got a chance to work for the Devil? What would happen?”

Helen: Writers are such curious folk. We are always asking question, which is why we come up with such great stories! When did you first realise that you had a passion for writing?

Ben: I’ve been writing off and on since I was a child. I remember writing stories in elementary school instead of playing outside with the other kids. I even won an award for a short story I wrote in middle school. I wrote poetry all through high school and into college, but then it sort of faded as a hobby with time. Getting back into writing in the past year has really been eye opening, reminding me that I still have stories to tell.

Helen: I’m glad you rediscovered your love of writing. Which genre do you typically write?

Ben: I write primarily contemporary/urban fantasy. I love the genre because there are so many interesting and magical things about the real world. It’s a way to blend mythology and magic with the intricacies of city life. All of my stories, so far, are set in New Haven, Connecticut. I went to college there, and it’s still one of my favorite stomping grounds. Urban fantasy is also one of my favorite genres to read, so I’ve read a lot of work in the genre.

Helen: How do you find the ideas behind your stories?

Ben: A lot of ideas just come to me when I’m not paying attention to anything in particular. I’ve got two new concepts in the background to work on that just came out of nowhere. I had a big document that I keep my ideas in, because otherwise I’d forget them just as quickly as they came. I love talking these things through with my partner, and my friends, and the best way to get ideas for stories is to just talk about them sometimes.

Helen: I agree, a friend of mine is my sounding board. She always gets to hear about my ideas first. Now you have caught the writing bug, what are you working on next?

Ben: My current WIP is the third book in my series. The current working title has been “The Devil’s in the Details” but I’m expecting to rename it before publication. It’s another continuation of the story, but adding in even more mythology. It’s the last book in the current series, but it leaves it open enough that I could write more in the same world later.

Helen: So you are busy writing, how do you fit it in to your daily routine?

Ben: I have a full-time job, a son at home (my eldest is engaged and lives with his fiance), a partner, a fire performance troupe, and other hobbies. The best thing I can do is to carve out a little time most days to write, even if it’s just thirty minutes. I mostly write when my son is asleep, after I’ve done all my other chores and exercise. But I also carve out time where I can. My partner and I do “coffee shop time” where we each bring a hobby (she’s an artist, knits, and is an avid reader) to a coffee shop and use that time for our creative pursuits. It’s a delight.

Helen: It sounds wonderful. Do you find you have to do much research for your books?

Ben: It really depends on the book, but I tend to do research in the moment. There are some things I need to work out ahead of time, but a lot of my research ends up being open Chrome tabs while I’m writing. If I’m hitting a part of a scene that I’m not sure of, that’s the time I’m going to take a quick break and do just enough research to make sure I’ve got it going in the right direction. My next book concept is going to take more up front research, though, and I’ve got a couple books on the specific culture/mythology I’m going to be working with.

Helen: It’s funny how we are constantly learning new things in order to write our books. Do you plan your books in advance?

Ben: I call myself a pantser with an outline, so I don’t know if that’s called a plantser? I tend to write linearly, with the story evolving in my head and making its way onto the page. The outline is ever-evolving, and I make notes throughout the writing of the book. But I don’t do a lot of pre-plotting, other than trying to map out rough word count beats. I like the “save the cat” story beats, and use at least a rough version of that in my writing process.

Helen: I think you have to use the method that works for you. Everyone is different, and as long as you are writing, that is all that matters. If you didn’t write urban fantasy is there another genre you would like to try?

Ben: If I didn’t write urban fantasy, I think I’d try and write epic fantasy or speculative fiction. My books would be much shorter than the chonks that a lot of authors seem to be putting out though. I’ve got an idea brewing in the back of my mind for a more epic style fantasy, but it’s going to be a minute before I get to that one.

Helen: I love world building so I tend to write epic fanatsy. Like you, I write what I love to read. What books have you read recently?

Ben: I’m currently reading the Debt Collection series by Andrew Givler, starting with Soul Fraud. He’s another contemporary/urban fantasy indie author. I would definitely recommend them, and it’s been really great seeing another author’s take on similar subject matter as my own books. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and the narrator he has is very good.

Helen: Hmmm … More books to add to the tbr list! Thank you so much for joining me today. It has been lovely learning about you and your books. Just to close us out, do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Ben: First, just keep writing. Words on the page are what matter. Second, decide why you want to write. If it’s about getting your story out there, and you don’t care about making money doing it, then your strategy is going to be different than if you’re trying to be a full-time author. You have to make a lot of choices in this business. Do you pursue traditional publishing vs self publishing? What genre you write in matters if you want to write books that “sell.” Considerations like these are important. You’ll save yourself some disappointment if you figure out what you want, to help guide you on how to do it.

About the Author

Ben Schenkman

Ben Schenkman likes many things in life: his 20-pound Maine coon cat, his family, his coffee, and his eclectic hobbies—not necessarily in that order.

Ben also likes to play devil’s advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers’ conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas.

As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he’s a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—you know, the basics. No big deal.

Learn more about his work, or talk about coffee and cats, at his website.

Follow Ben:

Author Website

Social media links

Purchase Ben’s book, My Boss is the Devil:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

Purchase Book 2: Dueling Shoulder Angels

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Kimly Hoang-Nakata

Author of Bringing in Tết

This week I am chatting to fellow BookFest Gold medal winner Kimly Hoang-Nakata, about her children’s picture book, Bringing in the Tết.

Helen: Welcome Kimly. Congratulations on your gold medal. I am very excited to learn more about your book. Tell us a little about it.

Kimly: My current book is an award-winning bilingual children’s book written in English and Vietnamese. The book describes a cultural experience through a narration with beautiful illustrations that bring joy to our young readers while helping them understand the traditional meanings of Tết, the festive Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The book received two awards within two months of release in 2024! It won First Place Award at the BookFest Awards for children’s picture books and it was featured on the Nasdaq billboard at Times Square, New York City. The other award is the “International Impact Book Awards” for children’s education.

Helen: It was so exciting to see our books up in Times Square. One of those special moments. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Kimly: The cover of this book uniquely captures the essence of the story and highlights the festive symbols of the Tết holiday with the happy characters from two generations.

Helen: It is a happy cover and looks great up in Times Square. Is there a special meaning behind the title?

Kimly: It’s my intention to call this book “Bringing in Tết” because I hope it brings in the festive joy and feeling to every reader who reads the book.

Helen: What made you write this particular book?

Kimly: I was born in Central Vietnam and lived there for 9 years prior to immigrating to the U.S. with my family. Despite the economic challenges throughout my childhood, Tết is a time when everyone in the family paused their work to come together to celebrate. When I was a little girl, I remember getting really excited because it was the only time in the year that I got to wear new clothes and new shoes! Through this experience, I learned to appreciate the hard work and the value of family bonding more than anything. After moving to the U.S, my parents continue to keep the tradition of celebrating Tết every year. Now I want to share this cultural experience with children through a children’s picture book. When I was a newcomer in the U.S., I didn’t have culturally relevant books at school to support my learning. Now as an educator, I teach kids from all walks of life and it’s important to have multicultural books to educate them about different cultures. I also hope to inspire others to embrace their own cultures. I believe that sharing cultural experiences can foster compassion, appreciation, empathy, and joy that can enrich our lives.

Helen: That is such a lovely sentiment. I hope your book helps others experience your joy of Tết. When did you first realise that you wanted to write a children’s book?

Kimly: Writing allows me to unwind and reflect on my day so it became an important part in my daily routine since I was a teenager, but I never thought I could publish a book until I took the courage to do it. While in quarantine mode during the pandemic, I thought of my story ideas and that was how my first children’s picture book called “Mama Get Well Soon” was published. It was based on a true personal experience depicting a family life that shows support to one another during a challenging time. Writing brings a sense of clarity and comfort to me. My first set of ten children’s picture books were published because I wanted to inspire my students to write. Having their teacher as a published author really got them to lift up their pencils and started writing. Seeing my students enjoy writing and doing their best work brought me a lot of joy!

Helen: Sharing the joy of writing is so fulfilling. I am glad your students are inspired by your writing success. How do you come up with the ideas for your books?

Kimly: My work and life involve around my children and my students at school, so my ideas and inspirations came from my daily interactions with them. I enjoy capturing life’s moments through writing.

Helen: Being an educator, when do you find the time to fit in your writing?

Kimly: I try to fit writing into my everyday life as much as I can, but I find the most productive time for me to write is when the night calms down, I enjoy the quiet atmosphere to relax, reflect, and write.

Helen: What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Kimly: Besides the recognitions and awards, I got to know more wonderful people beyond my social circle. It’s the joy that increased in volume for the opportunity to share my stories with others. Thank you for the support.

Helen: It’s been lovely to meet you. Kimly. Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Last question! What advice would you give to aspiriing authors?

Kimly: For new writers out there, I encourage you to make writing part of your daily routine and write about everything and anything that you are passionate about. Just let your thoughts flow out without worrying about the grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. because all that can be edited once you finish your drafts.

About the Author

Kimly Hoang-Nakata

Kimly Hoang-Nakata is passionate about educating children and inspiring them to
love learning. Kimly is the founder of Achieve Education, an exceptional
coaching service specializing in holistic learning success for K-12 students.
Together with her husband (who is an award-winning pediatrician), Achieve
Education empowers growth and confidence by providing personalized learning to
help students reach their full potential. For a free consultation and a 45-minute
lesson, please e-mail support@achieve.education or visit website
https://www.achieve.education. Kimly’s work earned her the recognitions on NBC
7 News, SBTN (Saigon Broadcasting Network), and Global Thought Leaders
Network air on ABC15.

Follow Kimly:

Amazon Author Page

Ingram book page

Barnes and Noble

Purchase Kimly’s book, Bringing in Tết:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Amber Gabriel

Author of I & the Scaredy Cat

Today, I am thrilled to be spending time with Fantasy and Children’s book author Amber Gabriel. She is joining me to talk to us about her children’s book, I & The Scaredy Cat whihc relesed May 11th, 2024.

Helen: Welcome Amber. Congratulations on your new release. I love the title of your book, I & the Scaredy Cat. Tell us all about your book.

Amber: I & the Scaredy Cat is my second children’s book. Before I began this series, I had published five books in my low-heat medieval romance/ kingdom adventure series The Edge of the Sword. When my 4th grade students kept pestering me to write a book for them, I decided to write a first-person story that would appeal to all my students regardless of race or gender. In each installment, the MC uses a magical device to help solve a problem. In this case, a stray cat ends up in the garage needing food and shelter. Magical earbuds enable the MC to hear the cat’s thoughts. This leads to the MC having to make a difficult decision in a crisis that could affect the outcome of an important school tournament.

Helen: How wonderful that your students’ were eager for you to write for them. I hope they all enjoy it. What were your thoughts behind the cover?

Amber: Since this book is for my students, I asked a former student to design the cover. The MC’s parents are deployed, and boxes of the family’s belongings are stored in Aunt Mysti’s garage. The cover shows a cat’s eyes peering through a cardboard box with the title and author written in sharpie. The cover of I & the Magic Pen, the first book in the series, shows ink drawings on a sheet of notebook paper.

Helen: What a great idea and a clever cover. Why did you give your book that title? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?

Amber: First off, the incorrect grammar is intentional. The protagonist is anonymous and never referred to by name or gender. By structuring the title this way, it draws attention to the fact that the main character is unnamed. It also lends itself easily to serialization. Although there is a magical item in this book like there was in the previous one, I & the Scaredy Cat aligns better with the themes than I & the Magic Earbuds

Helen: I have also been asked about the spelling of my book titles. I deliberately changed the spelling of Sentinel to Sentinal. I wanted the idea of a guardian, but not the reference to technology, so we writer’s adapt! Why did you decide to write this particular story?

Amber: Actually, it was inspired by a real life incident. We live out in the country, and a feral cat took up residence in our garage for about a month. During that time, I fed it and provided a litter box and water dish. I saw it three times, barely. It was orange and tailless. When the weather warmed up, it disappeared. The themes from the book arise from years of interactions with students and children of military families. Parents are a child’s primary role model, and children can be very heroic as they attempt to live up to their parents’ examples.

Helen: When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

Amber: I’ve been writing stories in my head for as long as I can remember. As a child, I told myself stories to fall asleep once I had to turn the lights out and stop reading. My family would make storytelling into a game on long car rides. However, I didn’t start writing these stories down until a few years ago. I’d been having trouble with insomnia and started typing out my ideas during bouts of sleeplessness. I eventually discovered I had narcolepsy, but in the meantime, I finished a complete novel and decided I loved writing.

Helen: Who inspired you to write? Was there someone specific in your life who set you on the writing path?

Amber: I was homeschooled for most of my elementary years, and my mom modeled the writing process for me. She wrote stories for me and my siblings and bound them together for us to read. Then she would make my stories into a “book.” I still have one I must have written when I was six or seven. My dad self-published a book, and I helped him bind them on a mechanical binder. My grandmother wrote books and drove her motorhome all over the United States selling them. I come from a family of avid readers and writers, so I suppose it was inevitable.

Helen: Congratulations on picking up that pen and writing your own stories and on the release of your latest book. It’s been wonderful chatting with you. Just to finish, could you share with us what the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Amber: The absolutely best thing that has happened since I started writing is that my students have become inspired to write. Getting students to read and write can be difficult, but when I read to them from my children’s book and explained my process, they couldn’t wait to write their own stories. In the beginning, their work emulated mine, but by the end of the year, they had found their own voices. One of my nine-year-old students wrote a ten thousand word book called If a Zombie Apocalypse Happened at School. I “published” it for her and gave all my students a copy. Then everyone’s stories started to sound like hers. It was so great.

About the Author

Amber Gabriel

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. One of the first books I remember reading was a Wonder Book version of Cinderella. It was in the reading station in my kindergarten class, and I loved the illustrations. I would pick that book out every time, so my teacher finally removed it from the shelf to force me to expand my horizons. Now I have my own copy.

Another book that influenced me very early on was Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World. It told a story of two creative painters who painted a mural of a large sun inside someone’s house. I thought the idea was genius, so I drew a large sunshine on my wall with crayon. It was scrubbed off, but I continued to have a desire to express myself artistically.

In middle school, I enjoyed writing, and my English teacher told me I would write a book someday. I loved to read, sometimes reading late into the night. When I was not reading, I was making up stories in my head for my own amusement, but I never wrote them down. I was more interested in drawing and painting than writing. I have since painted numerous works of art, including some very large outdoor murals. You can see some of them if you do an internet search of Paint by Amber.

Over the years, I have had a lot of trouble with insomnia. I had heard that if you write down your ideas, it will help you to be able to go to sleep. That didn’t help, but I did end up writing some complete novels. Recently, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy, and understanding my sleep patterns, along with scheduling at least one nap during the day, has greatly improved my quality of life. The line between dreaming and wakefulness for me is sometimes blurred, and some of my ideas come straight from my dreams. Others are worked out while I’m lying in bed unable to sleep. It was fun to type them out, and I am planning to continue writing. My goal as an author is to write the type of books that I would like to read. My favorite genre is fantasy fiction, and I read and write books that tackle difficult issues but resolve themselves into a happy ending. I hope you enjoy my stories and characters as much as I do. If you search my name and the word ‘author,’ you should be able to find my social media site. I look forward to hearing from you!

Follow Amber:

Author Website

Purchase Amber’s book: I & the Scaredy Cat via Amazon

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Danielle Hughes

Author of the Mystica Trilogy

I’m very happy to be chatting to middle grade/YA author, Danielle Hughes, about her YA fantasy Mystica trilogy.

Helen: Welcome Danielle, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about Mystica.

Danielle: I’m really proud to have my completed Mystica Trilogy out in the world now. I began writing the first book many, many years ago, always knowing it would be a trilogy. And it’s been quite a journey to have all three books complete and published.

Mystica is a fast-paced, fantasy adventure series full of magic and mystery. When Adelle and her foster brother, Jack, are stranded on a mysterious island they have no idea of the secrets they will uncover. When Jack is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler, Adelle must unlock the hidden magic and secrets to reawaken the lost power of the island and rescue him, discovering much about her unknown past.

Helen: Congratulations on completing the trilogy. Your covers are so vibrant. What can you tell us about your thoughts when designing them?

Danielle: I love my covers. I had a really clear vision of how I wanted them to look. Each one depicts the main character, Adelle, and indicates where she is on her journey as the Empress of Mystica. The first shows her looking apprehensively at the castle in the distance. The second shows her inside the castle, looking out from a balcony. The third cover shows her ready to use her power and looking more like a warrior ready to defend her title.

I chose to have her back to the reader so its almost as though we are seeing what Adelle is seeing, and also so the reader can imagine her face the way they envisage her.

Helen: The covers are gorgeous. I love the colours! Tell us about your protagonist, Adelle, and how you came to write her.

Danielle: In Mystica, the protagonist is Adelle, a fourteen-year-old foster child who finds herself trapped on a mysterious magical island. She needs to rescue her foster brother who is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler of Mystica. Adelle is someone who struggles with relinquishing control and has very little belief in what she is capable of. I wrote her to highlight how important it is to believe in yourself, because we are always capable of more than what we think. I hope she inspires young people to dig deep when needed, and rise above whatever they thing is holding them down.

Helen: Now that you have finished the Mystica trilogy, what are you working on next?

Danielle: I’m currently working on a young adult fantasy which is a retelling of a Grimm’s Brothers fairy tale. It’s a lesser-known, very short Grimms tale called the Brother and Sister, but I’ve elaborated into a complete story. I’m still in the writing phase so I don’t want to give too many details away, but I’m really happy with how it’s progressing. It promises to be full of intrigue, complete with an evil step-mother, a fight for the Kingdom, dark magic and a dash of romance.

Helen: Let’s talk about your writing process. Do you listen to music while you write?

Danielle: Not while I’m writing, but as a way to get in the mood for what I’m working on. I have different playlists for each book and listen to them in the car or around the house before I sit down to write. Here is a sample of one of my Mystica playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cEJOYsc71ZxxZKX7AYsNq?si=XTai0TA0Rh-rau-lz_-00g

Helen: That is such a great idea. Music is very inspirational. I tend to listen to classical, as there typically aren’t any words! Are you a full time writer? How do you fit writing into your daily life?

Danielle: It’s a struggle! I have four kids in primary school who all do different activities, plus I work part-time. I write on the few afternoons I have at home before pick up and try to be disciplined to make sure I use that free time to write and not do other things like housework etc.

Helen: Goodness, you have your hands full. Well done for being disciplined enough to carve out your writing time. How do you manage those seeds of self doubt that always creep in.

Danielle: I go back and read things I’ve written in the past. It helps me to realise that I can write, that I love writing and I love the stories I write. It helps me remember its important to do the things we love, if for no one else, but for ourselves.

Helen: Great advice. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share the best piece of writing advice you have received?

Danielle: I was lucky enough to attend a writing retreat where John Marsden was presenting. He was brilliant and full of excellent advice. But the best thing he told me is how important it is to just get the story down, in draft form, no matter how terrible it seems. Just write it out from start to finish before you even consider going back and editing or changing anything. Just get that first draft written!

About the Author

Danielle Hughes

Busy mum of four, Danielle loves writing fantasy, adventure and supernatural stories for middle-grade and young adult readers. Danielle is the author of The Mystica Trilogy and The Lost Unicorn, brought to life by Four Moons Publishing. She also has several short-stories published in various anthologies. The complete Mystica trilogy is now available in all formats. To keep up to date on new projects, see website and sign up to the newsletter: http://www.fourmoonspublishing.com

Follow Danielle:

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Website

Purchase Mystica Book One via Amazon

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – R.K. Nixon

Author of the children’s book Nani Gets Lost

Join me as I chat to children’s fantasy author RK Nixon about her latest children’s book and how she got into writing.

Helen: Welcome Rosemary, please tell us about your new book.

Rosemary: Nani Gets Lost was released in December 2021. It is about Nani and her friends, Doggy and Gnome, they go to the supermarket to get food for a picnic. Nani loses her friends at the supermarket. The story teaches children what to do if they get lost.

Helen: The cover is so cute. I suppose it was quite easy to decide on the cover and the title?

Rosemary: The front cover is Nani, Doggy and Gnome together. The book is about the three friends so I wanted the front cover to show them all together. It was designed by my illustrator, Carla Vize-Martin.

As a children’s book, the title needed to be simple, easy to say and describe the story. ‘Nani Gets Lost’ explains what the story is about and is appealing to children. It’s a simple sentence but it took a lot of attempts to find the right words in the right order.

Helen: It is quite amazing how sometimes the simplest things take the longest to create. What inspired you write this book?

Rosemary: I wrote this book for my youngest daughter. It is about her toy Rabbit, Nani. Emily takes Nani everywhere, they get up to a lot of adventures together; so I wrote one of those adventures down for her. I’ve always loved making up stories. I started writing one for my oldest daughter when she was born. I wanted to write her a story that I could read to her and it snowballed from there. It was wonderful feeling being able to hand her her very own book that was written for her. I enjoy writing children’s fantasy, although one day I would like to write an adult historical drama.

Helen: What a great feeling that must be. Congratulations on publishing your book! It must be so exciting introducing children to the wonderful world of reading. Where do you get the ideas for your books? What are you working on now?

Rosemary: I get my inspiration from my daughters and husband. They are always playing imaginary games and creating new worlds, they often come out with something that sparks my imagination. Usually I write around my children’s hobbys; whilst I’m sat waiting for them to finish. Sometimes ideas come to me when I least expect it so I have a page on my phone where I can write them down so I don’t forget them. My current WIP is the second book in The Alexander Adventures. It is about a mischievous pixie that causes havoc in Orchantia, the realm of the fairies.

Helen: Tell us about your writing space. Do you listen to music while you write, or is silence your preferred environment?

Rosemary: I often have music playing in the background. I have an eclectic taste in music, so it can be anything from classical to rock but often I pick calm music if I am writing.

Helen: And do you have a writing nook? Somewhere you can squirrel away and focus on your writing?

Rosemary: I like writing on my couch, next to the window so I can look at the view to give me a bit of inspiration. It gets the most sun, so it’s always warm and it looks out over the fields, if I’m lucky I get to see a family of deer walking along.

Helen: Sounds lovely! Do you have the chance to read much? Who is your favorite author?

Rosemary: I love reading historical novels, I would love to write a story like that one day. I have to confess I have got out of the habit of reading (there’s just not enough time in the day!) so I haven’t read anything for a while. I really enjoyed the Cousins Series by Philippa Gregory.

My favourite author would have to be Roald Dahl, I grew up reading his books and now my children are reading them. There are a few authors that inspire me; Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, J. R. R. Tolkien, but it is my family that keeps encouraging me to keep going.

Helen: We are drawing to a close now, please tell us something random about yourself.

Rosemary: I have a cookie bite hearing loss. I’ve had it since I was born but only found out about it when I was 30. I now have fancy hearing aids which I can play music on which is amazing.

Helen: Technology is so clever these days. You have a built in radio! It’s been lovely meeting you, Rosemary. Just to finish with, what advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Rosemary: ‘Don’t give up. If you believe in your work it will happen.’ Indie Author, Lee Hall. Just write. Put your ideas down on paper, worry about the editing once your story is written.

For more information:

Author Website

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About the Author:

R.K Nixon has written two books; The Aquarius Stone (published, 2020) and Nani Gets Lost (Published, 2021). She grew up loving books, especially fantasy and now writes her own. Up until December she worked as a Speech and Language Therapist, so she understands the importance of stories for developing children’s language skills and imagination. She lives with her two very energetic girls, Emily and Charlotte and her husband, Mel, who is a child at heart. It can be a very noisy house at times but they are always giving her lots of fun ideas for new stories.

You can purchase Nani Gets Lost from Amazon:

UK: eBook | Paperback

USA: eBook

As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my books which are available in eBook, paperback or hardcover: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Book Three: Sentinals Justice. Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next book releases.

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