Interview with Jacquitta McManus, Author of Talee and the Fallen Object

Joining us today is Jacquitta A. McManus, author of Talee and the Fallen Object. This is a children’s book geared toward ages 4-8.

Thank you for joining us today, Jacquitta. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Thank you Cheryl!

I’m the author of two fantasy adventure children’s books, Labyrinth’s Door – Anyia: Dream of a Warrior and Talee and the Fallen Object. I have always been drawn to fantasy stories and I love to be completely immersed in them. 

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

I guess it’s been about 3 years now that I decided that I wanted to write children’s books. Before that I had written some scripts but not for children.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

One of the reasons was to write something I thought would excite my daughter’s imagination when she went to sleep at night. I used to read to her every night before bed and I was looking for fantasy adventure books with a female protagonist but couldn’t find any in her age group that intrigued me. The second reason was I really love the genre of fantasy adventure and I think there’s nothing better than writing for children. I believe fantasy adventure stories are a doorway to the imagination. It allows the impossible to happen and dreams to be realized. That enchants me! And who better to go on that journey with than kids.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

I’m not sure if it’s harder or easier since I haven’t attempted to write for adults yet. But I do know that I’m having fun writing for children.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

Creating the worlds and the magic for them to experience.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

Talee and the Fallen Object is about an 8-year-old curious girl, Talee, who loves purple, yellow and big puffy muffins. She lives on the planet Gala, which has two moons, and landmasses that float. And yes I said float. And because the landmasses float the only way for the people to get around is by flying on friendly flying animals called Calpas.

Talee and the Fallen Object is a great elementary school-aged children’s book, as it will transport kids to another world through Talee’s telling of her adventure. She creates vivid images from beginning to end, as her curiosity piques when she sees an object fall from the backpack of a mail flyer and journeys out to see what it is.

Excerpt from Chapter 1

Hello everyone. My name is Talee. It’s spelled T-A-L-E-E and it is pronounced (TAH-Lee).

I just came in from outside. The sun is out and the air feels warm. Can you feel it?

Today, I want to tell you a story I wrote about one of my GREAT adventures.

It’s a real story. Really!

It happened a couple of weeks ago.

Oh, but first I should tell you about me.

The first thing you should know is that I’m eight.

Yep! Eight and I love to read and write—especially about great adventures. My favorites are treasure hunts.

My favorite colors are purple and yellow and I wear them every day. Right now I’m wearing my purple jumpsuit, yellow socks and purple boots with yellow on them. I love my boots.

My favorite food is wild puffy muffins–the yellow ones with the pink tops as big as my hand.

The puffier, the pinker, the bigger, the better is what I always say.

My mom makes them for me every weekend and they’re the best.

Mm-mmm! 

What inspired you to write it?

Well, the story actually started out as a coloring book adventure. It wasn’t going to be a written book. But while I was working on the coloring book I had several people tell me that it would be great to also have a written story about the adventure. That led me to write out the adventure and I’m very glad I did. Talee really comes to life in the book.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

The paperback edition is available on my website: www.WorldsToDiscover.com and the ebook can be purchased on Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Yes. Everyone can come an visit me at my website, WorldsToDiscover.com or the can find me on my Blog or on my Worlds To Discover Facebook Fan Page or my Talee  Faceook Fan Page or Twitter or GoodReads.

What is up next for you?

I’m currently working on my first full-length novel that I hope to have out in a couple of years. I’m also working on some short stories that I hope to have out soon.

Do you have anything else to add?

Yes! First I want to say thank you for the interview. And I would like to share one of my favorite quotes.

People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances within our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive. (Joseph Campbell)

Let the adventure begin …

Thank you for spending time with us today, Jacquitta. We wish you much success.