Tinsel Murphy and the Faery Hill

Today is a lazy day. I just can't be bothered to do much, but I'll get this post written and then be lazy. I wanted to share what inspired me to write my first children's chapter book, "Tinsel Murphy and the Faery Hill." My very talented friend, Patience, drew this a long time ago. It always amazes me how she can pull these sorts of scenes out of her head. I'm an artist too, but I usually need a photo to reference.

About 9 months ago, I found out I was going to lose my job. For almost 10 years I had worked at a wonderful used bookstore and the thought of doing something different terrified me. I had no clue what to do, no direction, nothing. In fact, I've felt this way most of my life. The two constants, however, have been my writing and my art. Those have always been around in one form or another. So I took a chance on them. I worked my last day at the end of August and September 1st I began four months of writing kid's books.

I wrote 3 picture books during the first month then started a fourth. The main character was a young girl who finds out her grandmother (her best friend) is sick. Armed with her teddy bear, Mallomar and a thimbleful of faery blood running through her veins, this brave little girl sets out on her own. Determined to find medicine that will cure her grandmother, Tinsel approaches the woods in her backyard and finds an entrance to the world of Faery. Along the way, she gathers a very rude Raven, a feisty faery warrior and a solemn but well-spoken mouse named Master Goodman. I started writing this as a short picture book, but couldn't STOP writing. Tinsel had more to tell than I thought! So it became a chapter book and I love the characters that popped their heads up in this story. It still needs some editing, but I'm proud of it. And it all came from my friend's illustration. Keep your eyes open. You never know what your next source of inspiration will be.

While you have a moment, please go visit my friend's website: Tumblesome Illustrations