Meet Middle Grade Author C. L. Collar

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Middle Grade author C. L. (Cathy) Collar and The McCory Chronicles.

First, a bit about Cathy:

C. L. Collar is a down-to-earth country girl who has lived most of her life in small town America. She has a passion for laughter and a strong love of God and family. Cathy was introduced to the world of magic and poetry by her mother at a very young age through the book Silver Pennies, and she fell in love with fanciful writing. She shares much of her work on her blogs. She presently lives in Darrouzett, Texas, with her husband and a very extensive furry family.

Why did you pick to write books for Middle Grade Children?

I have always had the gift of rhyme. When my children were young I would write short rhyming stories and songs to entertain them. I love the way children's eyes light up when they read something that sparks their interest and imagination. As a child I loved reading fairy tales and poems, so it only made since for my first book to be a children's fairy tale.

What types of books do you like to read?

Poetry is my first love, but anything magical comes in a very close second. It amazes me how a fantasy writer can build a whole world out of nothing but their imagination. I can't wait to see what new and exciting things they come up with.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

When I am not writing, I am usually making jewelry. My daughters, sister, and I have founded an organization called Anna's legacy. This organization was formed in the memory of my youngest daughter who passed away from leukemia. We make jewelry to sell online and at local craft shows. A percentage of the profits go to help people who are fighting disabling diseases.

I also enjoy gardening, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Let's just say I am never bored.

Tell us about The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth and how the story came to be.

The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth is a middle grade, fairy tale, adventure and is the first book in The McCory Chronicles Series. In this book, Katie McCory, her twin Billy, and their two best friends are whisked away on a quest in the land of Fey to retrieve a stolen talisman, the Dagger of Truth. Along the way they meet many magical creatures and learn how to work together and listen to their inner spirits. This series is influenced by the fantastic writings of C. S. Lewis.

Here's a peek at The McCory Chronicles: Katie McCory and the Dagger of Truth:

 A mysterious golden chest in Grams’ attic, a stained-glass window that never ages, and a strange dream. What do these three things have in common? MAGIC. This magic sends twins, Katie and Billy, and their two best friends on a quest into Fey in pursuit of a stolen talisman, The Dagger of Truth. In the hands of dark magic, this mighty talisman can be transformed into The Dagger of Malice and possesses the power to destroy both Fey and mortal Earth. The friends are guided on their mission by four good fairies: a Brownie, Sun Fairy, Sphinx, and The Green Lady. Armed with magical weapons, gifted from the Dwarfs, they go in pursuit of the thief, a Soul Shrinker, and his mother the Queen of the Dark Fairies. Come along for the ride as “The Chosen Ones” step into an exotic land full of danger, magic and mystery.


Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

My latest publication is Finding Fey, a book of fairy tales and poems. I love reading the old fairy tales and wanted to bring back the fairies of lore and place them in stories to be shared by all. I want to bring the wonder of magic back into the family living room.

Here's a peek at Finding Fey:

Let’s take a trip into the Land of Enchantment where everything is magical and always unpredictable. The Land of Fey has both intrigued and inspired humans since the beginning of time. Finding Fey brings you a new breed of fairy tale. One that reintroduces you to old myths and legends in a family friendly way. These stories and poems are meant to be read, remembered, and shared for the pure enjoyment of Finding Fey. So let us begin. Look into the twilight at the end of day and find the lighted pathway into the Land of Fey.



What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Right now, I am working on the second book in The McCory Chronicles Series, Katie McCory and Destiny's Diamond. I plan to have this book published sometime later this year. I am also working on another anthology focusing on magical short stories and poems. I am looking at early 2015 for its publication. On my blog, www.creationsmystique.blogspot.com, I am posting poetry and short stories monthly.

What advice do you have for other authors?

The best advice I could give to other authors is to write what you love. Do not let anyone dictate what you should be writing. Only you and your muse know what is best for you. No matter how silly or simple or frightening the thoughts are inside your head, trust your muse and write them down. Who knows your break-through novel might come from nothing more than a silly thought.

Where can readers find you and your books?

Anyone who would like to follow my writing can find me at the links below. I love to get feedback from my readers.

BLOGS BY C. L COLLAR:

http://creationsmystique.blogspot.com/
http://annas-legacy.blogspot.com/
http://www.mccorychronicles.blogspot.com/

FRIEND C. L. COLLAR ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/cathy.collar
https://www.facebook.com/CLCollar


The McCory Chronicles:

Amazon Paperback 
Amazon eBook


Finding Fey:

Amazon Paperback
Amazon eBook

GoodReads
Smashwords