Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas trilogy author interview
Welcome to a very special interview with T.E. Milburn and her delightful Christmas trilogy. A special thank you to The Children’s Book Review for this tour and connecting me to T.E. It’s an exciting time when children move to the next level of books and these chapter books are the perfect read!
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Tell us about this book.
Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy is an action-packed series that follows the adventures of two brothers, Alex and Noah James, as they embark on a mission to save Christmas from a mysterious dark shadow that has settled over the North Pole. This beautifully illustrated 3-in-1 edition includes A Christmas Adventure, The Jewel of the Yeti, and Curse of the Crystal. Each story is filled with heartwarming themes of family, friendship, and bravery, transporting readers to a delightful winter wonderland bursting with magic, warmth, and all the joy of the holiday season. It is perfect for shared family reading or independent reading for children ages 7 to 12.
What inspired this story?
On the surface, the Trilogy was inspired by a creative writing lesson I had with my sons. We brainstormed some story ideas, and I found the process so enjoyable that I decided to develop the first book in the series. On a deeper level, though, I would say that Narnia significantly influenced my writing. The Chronicles of Narnia were the first books that truly transported me to another world, and the idea of children becoming heroes captivated me. These stories shaped my love of reading, but it wasn’t until we recently listened to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe during a road trip that I realized just how much Narnia had impacted my writing. I hadn’t read the books since childhood, but the influence was undeniable.
Who is the ideal reader for this story?
The target audience for my book is adventure lovers aged 7 to 10. I initially wrote it to match my oldest son’s reading level when he was in third grade. I was a bit worried that I might have missed the mark, but since publishing, I have received numerous messages from teachers of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades who have expressed that the book is a great fit for their classrooms. I've also heard from many families who have shared that the series has become their go-to read-aloud during the holiday season. These messages truly make my week!
What is your writing process like?
I wish I could say I have a structured writing process, but I’m currently a busy homeschooling mom who fits in writing whenever I can. For instance, I often find myself writing or editing in my car while my boys attend a class. I actually get a lot of writing done in the summer when we’re not in school. I can’t tell you how much work I got done this summer at our local Urban Air or at the neighborhood pool. With that said, I don’t typically make time for outlines or brainstorming. I prefer to let my thoughts flow when I finally sit down to write, and I’m often surprised by how things turn out.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I'm still not sure I want to be an author 😊. It’s a tough (but fun) road. My first book, Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Adventure, experienced some unexpected success, which led me to mistakenly believe that subsequent books would also be easy to promote. The truth is that getting new books noticed requires a full-time commitment, and right now, it feels pretty overwhelming. I know I will continue writing for fun, but I’ll likely take things slower from here.
What are some of your favorite genres to read?
I read a lot of middle-grade fiction with my boys. Even though they are now 8 and 11, we still enjoy reading together most nights. We also listen to many middle-grade audiobooks since we spend a lot of time out and about, and I’ve found that I really enjoy this genre. It’s usually fast-paced and light-hearted.
As for my own personal reading, I’m not entirely sure what my favorite genres are anymore. I used to love dark thrillers—the darker, the better. However, as I've grown older, those types of stories don't sit as well. I still enjoy fantasy and humor, though. David Sedaris is one of my favorites; he always makes me laugh out loud.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next book in the Nessa Knightly and the Gnomes chapter book series. I refer to these books as “STEM-sprinkled adventures” because they blend science with fun and exciting stories. I have started two different projects: one focuses on states of matter, while the other explores animal classification.
PURCHASE LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T.E. Milburn is a children’s book author who weaves tales filled with adventure, whimsy, and a sprinkle of magic. Her books transport young readers to fantastical worlds where they can make friends with talking animals, embark on daring quests, and discover the beauty of friendship and the power of courage. With each story, T.E. Milburn hopes to inspire children to dream big and explore the limitless possibilities of their own imaginations.
For more information, visit https://temilburn.com.
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