Welcome
I'm writing and illustrating June and the Star, a YA fantasy novel about navigating deception in a magical world. Here you'll find posts on:
Writing craft (character arcs, discovery writing, story structure)
Illustration process and style development
Children's literature philosophy (moral clarity, earnest heroes)
Creative life (finding time, overcoming perfectionism)
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Don’t tell me what to think
Why do modern movies prefer to lecture audiences instead of letting stories speak for themselves? Comparing Salem's Lot 1979 vs 2024 reveals what's been lost when writers stop trusting viewers to think.
In defence of earnest heroes
Between sympathetic villains and ironic humor, moral clarity is disappearing from children's stories. Here's why sincere heroes and clear villains aren't outdated—they're essential for developing morality and meaning.
How scary is too scary?
As a horror fan, I'm often asked why I enjoy being scared. The answer matters for children's literature: scary stories serve crucial purposes. Here's why kids need to encounter frightening moments—and what CS Lewis said about brave knights and cruel enemies.
Why write a book?
I never planned to write a novel. But kids today grow up in an unprecedented information landscape — social media, algorithmic echo chambers, monetized attention. Here's why I believe fiction can teach media literacy better than lectures ever could.