Patricia M Osborne

It’s a pleasure to invite children’s author, Lynette Creswell, back to Patricia’s Pen to chat about the hoglets. Without further ado, it’s over to Lynette.

Hoglets’ Christmas Magic

Lynette Creswell

Hi, I’m Lynette and I’ve been writing for over thirty years. Having suffered a dysfunctional childhood, I was compelled from an early age to write stories which took me to another place. I created mythical realms and magical creatures influenced by stories such as the Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair, written by Enid Blyton.

Since moving to Lincolnshire in 2000 I’ve written six novels and a compilation of short stories. I’ve published four fantasy books and two romance novels although Hoglets’ Christmas Magic is my first ever children’s story.

I’ve always enjoyed writing for children. I used to write for my own children when they were small. It gave me such a buzz to see their eyes light up when they realised they were one of my characters. My husband could see how much joy writing gave me and bought a laptop.

I didn’t write the story about the hoglets with the intention of turning them into a book. I wrote Hoglets’ Christmas Magic as a free read a couple of years ago for my blog. I uploaded the Christmas freebie and the response was phenomenal. I received a mountain of messages and emails from parents and grandparents asking when the hoglets were due to be published. Overwhelmed by the response, (and a hard push from a dear friend) I took the plunge. It’s been no easy feat to publish Hoglets’ Christmas Magic. It’s taken blood, sweat and a pandemic to turn the hoglets into a beautifully illustrated paperback.

What can readers enjoy from the book?

Hoglets’ Christmas Magic is a heart-warming tale about two adorable hedgehogs who save Christmas for a little girl. It’s a book to read on Christmas Eve or when you’d like ‘special quality time’ with your little ones.

The book’s already a huge hit with parents and teachers. One primary school teacher tweeted… ‘Gather your children, curl up by the fire, sip hot chocolate and enjoy a story that will make your heart glow.’

A headmistress of another school emailed and said… ‘I wish my children were little again so I could read them such a delightful and uplifting story.’

Hoglets’ Christmas Magic video

Book Blurb

It’s Christmas Eve with the hoglets.

Prickles and Primrose are excited. That is until… As they decorate the Christmas tree they discover the star for the top has shattered. Not to be defeated – the brave hoglets set out into the wood to seek a substitute star but stumble across Santa instead.

What adventure will they encounter?

AND… what about the star?

If you love Winnie the Pooh you’ll fall in love with the hoglets, Prickles and Primrose, from Briar Wood

What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

Read books in the same genre you’re writing. This is key to success. Check out works by similar authors and note their style, motives, flow, and even their vocabulary. Look what’s current and what sells. Know your market and you’ll be one step ahead.

What do you enjoy most about writing and why?

Writing is escapism. The moment I put pen to paper I’m in another world, another time, another place. Writing is captivating and crafting something new is a wonderful feeling. I enjoy creating new characters and watching them grow. Writing is rewarding too.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

• Please tell your friends, family, schools, hairdresser, window cleaner … anyone who’s willing to listen. Word of mouth is still the best way to make a book successful.

• Buy Hoglets’ Christmas Magic as a gift.

• Leave a review on Amazon so others can see how much you enjoyed the hoglets. Hardly anyone buys a book without reading reviews. I know I don’t. Hoglets’ Christmas Magic

What is your next project?

If the hoglets are successful, I’ll write another story about them. Last summer I wrote three chapter books so if readers are keen to take the hedgehogs to their hearts, there’s more.

Order your copy of Hoglets’ Christmas Magic Here.

About Lynette Creswell

Lynette was born in London, but raised in Burnley, Lancashire. From the tender age of five she lived with her grandmother who gave her books to keep her quiet. Lynette found she had a passion for reading and started writing once she began school. Lynette’s inspiration came from childhood books written by Enid Blyton. The Enchanted Wood and The Faraway Tree were her first taste of fantasy. In adulthood, Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series captured her own vivid imagination. Her first novel Sinners of Magic won her acclaim and the story soon turned into a trilogy. With readers begging for more Lynette ended the series with a spin off story featuring a windigo.

Wishing to be a multi-genre author, Lynette turned her pen to romance. Her two novels: Cracks in the Glass and Two Kinds of Truth were a huge hit with readers.

Returning to her love of short story writing, Lynette entered the 2019 SWWJ (Society of Women Writers and Journalists) competition. A Slice of Cake – a light-hearted story about her five-year-old granddaughter came runner up.

Lynette lives in North East Lincolnshire with her husband. All her grandchildren are the apple of her eye.

Find out more about Lynette Creswell and all her books HERE

Links

Facebook
Twitter

Website