Christine Kohler

Oct 02, 2015 4:57 PM EDT

This was a great post, Christine. I am an author and I write middle grade fantasy. I write with a bit of a twist in that I also aim to educate as I entertain. Some of the animals in my stories are endangered animals of Australia. At the back of the books there is a glossary that provided tidbits of information about the flora and fauna mentioned within the story.

My inspiration comes from the land down under, but such wonderful authors as, Kipling, Beatrix Potter, and Brian Jacques, also played an important part.
http://bit.ly/TGoSprint

Thanks again! I enjoyed your post.
Jeanne

- Jeanne E. Rogers

Oct 02, 2015 5:21 PM EDT

Thank you, Jeanne! I looked at your website http://warriorechidna.blogspot.com and Facebook book page https://www.facebook.com/AustralianFantasyAdventures/ and you have stunning photos and illustrations of Australian creatures. Are you the illustrator, too? Marvelous artwork!

I have never written stories with non-humans as the main characters; it must be quite challenging. When I used to teach writing for the Institute of Children's Literature (ICL) I advised students writing animal characters to still use behaviors inherent to those animals/birds/creatures. So I hope my article is helpful to all who write non-human characters.

- Christine Kohler

Oct 04, 2015 4:18 AM EDT

Hi, Christine, my illustrator is located in London, England. His Name is Guy Atherfold, and he is brilliant. He knows exactly what I'm envisioning for my animals, and depicts them in personality flawlessly. http://www.guyatherfold.co.uk
My animals are very 'human.' They have human flaws and strengths just like people.

- Jeanne E. Rogers