Author: myromichaels

Title: Otherworldly Beasts - Finding the Royals (ONC shortlist 2019)

Genre: Fantasy

Logline: 

A story of a girl and her dyslexic younger brother who accidentally discover a magical world filled with Otherworldly Beasts and go on a journey to save their land from destruction. 

Review:

Sarah is ten, level headed, mature and thinks she's too old for fairy tales. Lucas is seven and a dreamer. He still believes in magical lands. Though he's dyslexic, he's good with making things using his hand. One night when they read one of their grandmother's old tales together, a strange creature pops out of the pages. They discover an amazing magical world inside the book. Initially, Sarah is skeptical but decides to help nevertheless. Together with creatures like Floufli the Amazing, Laplap the Crankiest and DI, the invisible dragon, they set out to prevent the Crits from destroying the 'Lambi' which is a machine to choose the next Queen of the magical land. Will they be able to do it before time? 

Technicalities 

The story is neatly woven and is apt for children from 6 to 12. The word building is accurate, colourful, vibrant and easy to understand. Bright imagery appeals to the visual, olfactory and gustatory senses of the readers intended. The values of friendship, teamwork and courage along with compassion, kindness, and a helping attitude is inculcated in young minds through this story. It makes children believe in themselves. It shows how the child's world is so much more diverse and colourful than an adult's. 

The story has a good hook grade and is able to keep the interest of the readers through the chapters. There aren't many cliffhangers. The dialogues are relevant, well paced and there's no unnecessary elements. The dialogues are important for taking the plot forward.The main characters and the side characters blend in well with the story and give a sense of purpose. The setting is magical and the environment interacts with the reader, which is a positive quality of the story. It is well edited with simple and good grammar and is a funny and a quick read. 

Impression 

Overall it's a well executed story with a hooking beginning and a satisfying ending and a magical journey that you'll want to read again and again. 

INTERVIEW

What do you think makes Children's Fiction different from every other genre?

Each genre is different, Children's Fiction has the power to shape, to teach the young audiences. A plethora of messages can be transmitted through stories and children are sponges, not yet set in their ways as adults are, making this genre more exciting.

How did you get started with writing stories for children?

With great hesitation...I saw the prompt in the ONC 2019 and I wanted to write a story that I would later be able to read to my child.

 I always enjoyed watching cartoons and children's movies. I enjoyed the fantastic worlds and messages and wanted to give it a try.

Do you think that understanding a child's world and a child's psychology helps you to build a believable story for your young audience?

100% yes. Understanding their world and psychology, being able to place yourself in their shoes. Remembering what it was like when you were at that age. Letting your imagination run wild with no restrictions of what is deemed logical. To be able to see the joy they feel with small things that as an adult you 'grow' out of helps a lot.

What was the inspiration behind 'Otherworldly Beasts: Finding the Royals'?

The prompt helped a lot!! 

What inspired me the most was thinking about how individuality and being different is a good thing. So I wanted to write characters that conveyed this message.

What are the hardest things you've experienced when writing your children's fiction story?

Being able to communicate the messages I wanted throughout the story and keep it interesting, write simply but not to dumb it down.

What do you think makes a good story?

The characters in the story and the pictures you paint for the readers.

What advice will you give to other writers who want to begin writing for the youngest of our audiences?

Maybe it sounds a bit cliche, but write the story you would have wanted to have read as a child or the story you want your children to read. Remove from your mind what should be, as per societal norms, and let it roam in the world of what if.

Which authors on or off Wattpad inspired you to start writing stories for children?

Georgios Trivizas is a great children's author.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Wattpad gave me the opportunity to be able to write and receive feedback which I am grateful for. 

Thanks for taking part in this interview. Continue writing and continue inspiring.

To read this amazing story, click here 'Otherworldly Beasts: Finding the Royals'?

Review and interview by Shreya_VA