This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the talented author behind The Wolf of Cape Fen, a captivating tale that explores the magic of sibling bonds through an enchanting blend of adventure and imagination. We had the pleasure of delving into her inspirations, creative process, and experiences as a middle grade author. Her insights offer a wonderful glimpse into the heart of storytelling, especially for young readers and aspiring writers. Here’s our Q&A with her, shedding light on the journey behind her book!
What was your first inspiration for writing this book?
There were many inspirations for Wolf! The very first inspiration point I drew from was my relationship with my sister. Growing up, my big sister made me feel like I was her whole world. She loved me for exactly who I was, even when I believed I was weird and different from everyone else! When I started writing Wolf, I set out to create a story about two sisters. I imagined a big sister who cherished her little sister just like mine did. From this foundation, I began weaving in other elements I adored: lighthouses, fairy tales, wolves, and dreams... and before I knew it, they all merged into the beautiful narrative of The Wolf of Cape Fen.
Without giving anything away, do you have a favorite character or one that you relate to the most?
Oh gosh, this is a fun question! I absolutely love the "bad guy" in Wolf! I can’t say too much without spoiling it, but I really enjoyed creating his character and exploring the reasons behind his choices. As for who I relate to the most, that would definitely be Winnie—the little sister. A lot of her personality mirrors my own childhood memories and experiences.
Are you currently writing any books right now?
Yes! I'm currently working on a project titled The Monster Never Dies! It's an intriguing story about a twelve-year-old girl who relives the same terrifying day over and over again during an overnight campout at a Wildlife Center with her classmates—and perhaps a deadly cryptid as well. She must find a way to break the loop and keep everyone alive.
What advice would you have for kids who want to write a book?
The best advice I can give is to play and imagine! This is, by far, the most important practice for me as an author. I spend a lot of time daydreaming and letting my imagination run wild. The stories I enjoy the most—and the ones that come out best—are those that I’ve had fun conjuring up in my mind.
When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I’ve loved stories since I was young. I devoured books in elementary and middle school, but I lost that passion during high school. After college, I rekindled my love for reading and discovered that I not only adored reading books but also wanted to write them! I started crafting stories just for the joy of storytelling before trying to figure out how to publish them.
What is your favorite experience you've had as a middle grade author?
As a second grade teacher, I have the incredible opportunity to work in an elementary school where kids are reading my books! It’s unbelievably rewarding when students stop me in the hallway, eager to share updates about what they’re reading and what parts they’re enjoying. I truly feel fortunate to have that connection with young readers.
As we conclude this illuminating conversation, it’s clear that the magic of storytelling is deeply rooted in personal experiences and imaginative play. The author behind The Wolf of Cape Fen not only crafts captivating tales for young readers but also inspires them to explore their creativity. We look forward to seeing where her writing journey takes her next, and we hope you pick up her book and rediscover the joy that stories bring!