Ask the Author: Angela Ferrari
Answered Questions (4)
Angela Ferrari
Fairies mean many things to many people. For me, fairies can be a way to understand the indescribable qualities of nature. Particularly the Maine woods. The woods can feel serene or haunting, playful, or romantic. All of these sensations can pulse through your body and then change on a dime.
Growing up in the Maine woods, I lived my whole childhood outside. You could get into the perfect amount of trouble out there. I could be brave, sentimental, I could be loud, quiet. But mostly I could just be my weird self! I still feel the same way. I think it’s the smell that gets me the most. That familiar scent of evergreen trees brings me back into my body and allows me to take in my fullest breaths. Nowadays when I feel myself going astray, whether it's from the city or the growing pains of becoming an adult, it's the woods that I want to run to first. So that’s what I did.
Six years ago I was sitting in my cramped studio apartment feeling anxious and restless. I decided to clear my head, get off the peninsula and go for a run in the woods. There are several lovely trails in the Portland area. But Mackworth Island has an indescribable quality that makes it my go-to. I get a rush from the drive over the long causeway, to the gatehouse that houses the gatekeeper, who then determines if there is a parking spot available for you, or if your fate is to turn around and do the drive of shame back over the causeway in hopes of finding another place to take your run. It’s like entering another realm, a place of curiosity, whimsy, and of course MISCHIEF.
On this day, the sun was out but the temps were cool and breezy. Days like this, parking is next to impossible. As I was driving over the bridge I began thinking of my plan B spot for running and scolded myself for wasting time to driving out here in a feeble attempt to get a coveted parking spot. As I approached the gatekeeper I braced myself for his denial to enter but then came the words in a strong Down East accent, “Theyahs' a spot that just opened up for ya! Good timin’!” It’s funny how little things like getting a parking spot can have such a profound effect on your day. The second I stepped out of my car and took in a breath of truly fresh air, I felt a sea change. “Let's do this!!!” I thought as I commenced my workout.
Okay. . . At this point, I should note that normally, I HATE RUNNING!!! I think it's boring and painful, I’m SUPER slow, I get super red and sweaty instantly. IT’S THE WORST!!! That being said, I do my best running on Mackworth Island. There is something about the soft ground and the stimulating landscape that gives me stamina. It distracts me from the agony that’s occurring in my body. There are familiar landmarks that dot the island and they are constantly changing. The tides shift, new flowers come into bloom, and there is always a newly constructed fairy house to discover.
Oh and also... I LOVE dogs! Mackworth Island is a go-to spot for dog walkers. Sometimes I start my run with a quota: “No stopping until you pass at least nine dogs.” I play other games too. Every time I run past a designated flower like a tiger lily or a daisy or an aster, I decide that the flower has instilled in me a boost of “flower power” and I am temporarily able to pick up speed and run in full sprint... for a dozen yards or so.
On that particular day, I was feeling light on my feet. After spending weeks in the swelteringly hot city weather my mind began to clear and my eyes came into focus like it was the first time that I had been fully awake and present in a long long time.
Then it came to me. A story in rhyming verse. Just a few lines at first, but as I continued my run down the path the entire picture came into view. I would take all of the things I loved about this place and tell a story. A story of nature. It’s identity personified through fairies. Fairies can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people and they were never anything I took particular notice of before that day, but then... I did.
The picture book version of this story will be coming soon! Until then I hope kids and adults enjoy the podcast episode "The Mischievous Fairy Island:)
Growing up in the Maine woods, I lived my whole childhood outside. You could get into the perfect amount of trouble out there. I could be brave, sentimental, I could be loud, quiet. But mostly I could just be my weird self! I still feel the same way. I think it’s the smell that gets me the most. That familiar scent of evergreen trees brings me back into my body and allows me to take in my fullest breaths. Nowadays when I feel myself going astray, whether it's from the city or the growing pains of becoming an adult, it's the woods that I want to run to first. So that’s what I did.
Six years ago I was sitting in my cramped studio apartment feeling anxious and restless. I decided to clear my head, get off the peninsula and go for a run in the woods. There are several lovely trails in the Portland area. But Mackworth Island has an indescribable quality that makes it my go-to. I get a rush from the drive over the long causeway, to the gatehouse that houses the gatekeeper, who then determines if there is a parking spot available for you, or if your fate is to turn around and do the drive of shame back over the causeway in hopes of finding another place to take your run. It’s like entering another realm, a place of curiosity, whimsy, and of course MISCHIEF.
On this day, the sun was out but the temps were cool and breezy. Days like this, parking is next to impossible. As I was driving over the bridge I began thinking of my plan B spot for running and scolded myself for wasting time to driving out here in a feeble attempt to get a coveted parking spot. As I approached the gatekeeper I braced myself for his denial to enter but then came the words in a strong Down East accent, “Theyahs' a spot that just opened up for ya! Good timin’!” It’s funny how little things like getting a parking spot can have such a profound effect on your day. The second I stepped out of my car and took in a breath of truly fresh air, I felt a sea change. “Let's do this!!!” I thought as I commenced my workout.
Okay. . . At this point, I should note that normally, I HATE RUNNING!!! I think it's boring and painful, I’m SUPER slow, I get super red and sweaty instantly. IT’S THE WORST!!! That being said, I do my best running on Mackworth Island. There is something about the soft ground and the stimulating landscape that gives me stamina. It distracts me from the agony that’s occurring in my body. There are familiar landmarks that dot the island and they are constantly changing. The tides shift, new flowers come into bloom, and there is always a newly constructed fairy house to discover.
Oh and also... I LOVE dogs! Mackworth Island is a go-to spot for dog walkers. Sometimes I start my run with a quota: “No stopping until you pass at least nine dogs.” I play other games too. Every time I run past a designated flower like a tiger lily or a daisy or an aster, I decide that the flower has instilled in me a boost of “flower power” and I am temporarily able to pick up speed and run in full sprint... for a dozen yards or so.
On that particular day, I was feeling light on my feet. After spending weeks in the swelteringly hot city weather my mind began to clear and my eyes came into focus like it was the first time that I had been fully awake and present in a long long time.
Then it came to me. A story in rhyming verse. Just a few lines at first, but as I continued my run down the path the entire picture came into view. I would take all of the things I loved about this place and tell a story. A story of nature. It’s identity personified through fairies. Fairies can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people and they were never anything I took particular notice of before that day, but then... I did.
The picture book version of this story will be coming soon! Until then I hope kids and adults enjoy the podcast episode "The Mischievous Fairy Island:)
Angela Ferrari
I’m assuming if you are here reading these words then you LOVE stories. Guess what? Me too!!! It is important before we embark on or storytelling venture that we think about our big “Why.” Why do it? What is our message? Who is our audience? Why tell this story? Set goals and intentions for yourself that go beyond writing words on a page…
Whether you are a parent, an educator or just a lover of language, storytelling is a great way to convey a powerful message in a simple form. You can take a theme or lesson and create a dynamic narrative that will leave a lasting impression on your audience!bicycle-built-for-8-png.png
Stories teach us about the world
Think about your favorite books as a child. What were they about? Did they ignite any passions or interests that you have carried beyond childhood and into adulthood?
For me, I just had so many favorite childhood books that it is safe to say that if you asked me what my favorite book was I would probably reply with whatever title was in front of me at that time. But one book, in particular, stands out to me. It is the classic Miss Rumphius (The Lupine Lady) by Barbara Cooney. I grew up in Maine and every June I would see lupines blossoming on the side every country road we drove along. After reading Miss Rumphius I would never quite see those lupines the same again. I would always think of the story behind those lovely plants. Who put the seeds in the ground? How long have they been there? Did someone plant them to make the world a more beautiful place like Miss Rumphius? This book imprinted on me. It gave me glimpses of history and far away places and fostered a love of plants that has stayed with me throughout my life.
Stories allow us to bond and feel empathy towards one another
Is there anything more comforting than the thought of sitting on grandma’s lap and having a book being read to you? Even if I were to fly all over the world and go luxurious spas and retreats but I can’t think of a more calming or relaxing feeling than sitting in on my Nana’s lap under the glow of a lantern, wrapped in a blanket and hearing her soft words as my tired eyes dreamily gaze at the pages of a storybook. I wish I could go back…
Stories give us a glimpse into the minds of other characters and therefore teach us to think from other’s perspectives. A good story has well-rounded protagonists and memorable antagonists. When I think about the Berenstain Bear books, I fondly remember them as light and fun childhood entertainment. But now I can look back and see what great tools these stories were for teaching relationship lessons. Especially how to navigate complex sibling and family dynamics.
Stories have the power to transport us to exciting new places:
Some of my earliest memories are of Winne the Pooh. Those stories came alive to me. My own backyard felt like the Hundred Acre Wood. I would build secret forts and collect all kinds of treasures. My brother and I would play “Pooh Sticks” where we would throw a stick into a brook then race to the other side of the culvert to see who’s came out first. So much of our childhood play, our lands of make-believe can come from great stories.
So before you begin writing… take a step back and think about your why. You only have so much time on this earth, to share love, to share ideas, so make something beautiful.
Whether you are a parent, an educator or just a lover of language, storytelling is a great way to convey a powerful message in a simple form. You can take a theme or lesson and create a dynamic narrative that will leave a lasting impression on your audience!bicycle-built-for-8-png.png
Stories teach us about the world
Think about your favorite books as a child. What were they about? Did they ignite any passions or interests that you have carried beyond childhood and into adulthood?
For me, I just had so many favorite childhood books that it is safe to say that if you asked me what my favorite book was I would probably reply with whatever title was in front of me at that time. But one book, in particular, stands out to me. It is the classic Miss Rumphius (The Lupine Lady) by Barbara Cooney. I grew up in Maine and every June I would see lupines blossoming on the side every country road we drove along. After reading Miss Rumphius I would never quite see those lupines the same again. I would always think of the story behind those lovely plants. Who put the seeds in the ground? How long have they been there? Did someone plant them to make the world a more beautiful place like Miss Rumphius? This book imprinted on me. It gave me glimpses of history and far away places and fostered a love of plants that has stayed with me throughout my life.
Stories allow us to bond and feel empathy towards one another
Is there anything more comforting than the thought of sitting on grandma’s lap and having a book being read to you? Even if I were to fly all over the world and go luxurious spas and retreats but I can’t think of a more calming or relaxing feeling than sitting in on my Nana’s lap under the glow of a lantern, wrapped in a blanket and hearing her soft words as my tired eyes dreamily gaze at the pages of a storybook. I wish I could go back…
Stories give us a glimpse into the minds of other characters and therefore teach us to think from other’s perspectives. A good story has well-rounded protagonists and memorable antagonists. When I think about the Berenstain Bear books, I fondly remember them as light and fun childhood entertainment. But now I can look back and see what great tools these stories were for teaching relationship lessons. Especially how to navigate complex sibling and family dynamics.
Stories have the power to transport us to exciting new places:
Some of my earliest memories are of Winne the Pooh. Those stories came alive to me. My own backyard felt like the Hundred Acre Wood. I would build secret forts and collect all kinds of treasures. My brother and I would play “Pooh Sticks” where we would throw a stick into a brook then race to the other side of the culvert to see who’s came out first. So much of our childhood play, our lands of make-believe can come from great stories.
So before you begin writing… take a step back and think about your why. You only have so much time on this earth, to share love, to share ideas, so make something beautiful.
Angela Ferrari
I am currently working on Season 2 of my children's podcast Story Spectacular. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, Spotify, TuneIn, or wherever you like to listen!
I am also working on a Story Spectacular coloring/activity book AND a picture book called "The Mischievous Fairy Island" inspired by Mackworth Island in Casco Bay Maine.
I am also working on a Story Spectacular coloring/activity book AND a picture book called "The Mischievous Fairy Island" inspired by Mackworth Island in Casco Bay Maine.
Angela Ferrari
I am constantly having to come up with children’s story ideas for books and the Story Spectacular podcast. The short answer is: Inspiration comes from EVERYWHERE!!!
Sometimes it’s taking an old story from the public domain and reworking it to give it a modern twist. Other times inspiration comes from the things I am interested in as an adult. I try and consume a lot of content that enriches my curiosity. Maybe it’s listening to a Science/Nature podcast. Shows like Varmints, Every Little Thing, and Stuff You Should Know, give me lots of great story ideas. After listening to a few podcast episodes about bats and echolocation, I was inspired to write the podcast episode “Buffy the Bat.”
I also love to listen to audiobooks. The book River of Doubt by Candice Millard details Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing expedition down a tributary of the Amazon River. That story was not suitable for children, but I was fascinated by the subject matter. I took my newfound interest in the Amazon and simplified it into a story that was suitable for children.
Write With Feeling!
One thing all of my stories have in common is that I felt an emotional connection to the subject matter. Even before you start writing the plot of your story I think it is so important to map out how you want your story to make people feel.
Let me give you an example of how I came up with the story “The Shape Escape”
“Story Starters”
After you finish consuming a great piece of content, write down the topic or theme. I have a whole list of story starters which are simply, one or two-word ideas to work from. Examples of a few of my Story Starters are:
The Erie Canal, Things that Glow in the Dark, Lobsters, Weather, Lighthouses, Trees…
Start with something that simple and think about why you are excited by that idea? And what would make a child excited about it too?
One afternoon when I was brainstorming for a story idea, I chose the topic “shapes”. I sat down with a piece of paper and drew a circle, a square, and a triangle. At first, they were empty. So I drew some faces on them. How do I bring these shape characters to life? What made me excited as a kid?
Tap into your childhood!
Two things immediately popped into my head, Pee Wee Herman, and The B52’s!
Pee Wee Herman- I was never allowed to watch Pee Wee’s Playhouse at home but I would catch glimpses of it at other people’s houses. That show bent reality. It felt like a dream. There was a talking chair that looked SO REAL! It made me wonder if chairs only talked in Pee Wee’s Playhouse or maybe the chairs in my house would also talk when no one was looking! I would sneak around the corner to try and catch my dad’s brown corduroy recliner in the act! I wasn’t sure what to think about Pee Wee either, he didn’t scare me but the chaos he created made me anxious but at the same time amused. That show really made me question and test the world around me.
The B52’s- The album “Cosmic Thing” by the B52’s was one of the first CDs my parents got for their cool new CD player. I made them play the song “Love Shack” for me all the time and would dance around the living room. The word “love” means something different as a kid. It’s not a romantic feeling but instead, a feeling of blissful connection towards your friends and family. I thought it was SO cool that the people in the song were getting together and having a party with the people they loved! I wanted to turn my Dad’s tool shed into a “Love Shack”. The Tool Shed Love Shack never came to fruition, but one day I got to experience the ULTIMATE LOVE SHACK. In first grade, I went on a trip to California for my aunt’s wedding. At the wedding reception the DJ put on “Love Shack” I was like “ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? You guys know this song TOO?!!!” I grabbed the microphone and began singing dancing like a total maniac. Everyone was on the dance floor. It was just euphoria! In my head, I was screaming “I LOVE EVERYBODY!!!!” I got to experience my version of a “Love Shack” and it was one of the most exciting memories of my childhood.
Write On!!!
I took that energy and those feelings from my childhood memories, and wrote the plot of “The Shape Escape”. It’s a very simple plot. Some shapes live in a valley. An Octagon, a Square and a Tiny triangle. A big bully Circle is bouncing around wreaking havoc. The other shapes put it in time-out in a fortress at the top of a mountain. But one day the circle escapes and the tiny triangle emerges as the unexpected hero.
I followed a simple plot structure of hook, rising action, and resolution. And yes, plot is also very important. For kids books, I think the simpler the plot the better. But the feelings are what makes the story SING!!!
I wanted my shapes to come alive the way Pee Wee Herman made the objects around his house come to life. It was important to me that the character of the Circle was not scary but instead a silly wreaker of havoc and MAYHEM! This character was directly inspired by Pee Wee. I even did my best Pee Wee Herman impression for the voice of the Circle when I recorded the podcast. For the book illustrations, I drew the Circle in a way that gave me that same feeling that Pee Wee did. A feeling of chaotic amusement.
Then I wanted the story to end with a surprise dance party that celebrates the tiniest shape in the valley. I wanted to capture that same feeling of surprise and euphoria that those childhood memories of the B52’s gave me. I paid homage to the B52’s by singing a short original song for the Triangle in the podcast episode and illustrated a dance party for the Triangle at the end of the book.
This is one of my favorite stories because it came from such treasured memories. I hope the shapes delight you too!
Sometimes it’s taking an old story from the public domain and reworking it to give it a modern twist. Other times inspiration comes from the things I am interested in as an adult. I try and consume a lot of content that enriches my curiosity. Maybe it’s listening to a Science/Nature podcast. Shows like Varmints, Every Little Thing, and Stuff You Should Know, give me lots of great story ideas. After listening to a few podcast episodes about bats and echolocation, I was inspired to write the podcast episode “Buffy the Bat.”
I also love to listen to audiobooks. The book River of Doubt by Candice Millard details Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing expedition down a tributary of the Amazon River. That story was not suitable for children, but I was fascinated by the subject matter. I took my newfound interest in the Amazon and simplified it into a story that was suitable for children.
Write With Feeling!
One thing all of my stories have in common is that I felt an emotional connection to the subject matter. Even before you start writing the plot of your story I think it is so important to map out how you want your story to make people feel.
Let me give you an example of how I came up with the story “The Shape Escape”
“Story Starters”
After you finish consuming a great piece of content, write down the topic or theme. I have a whole list of story starters which are simply, one or two-word ideas to work from. Examples of a few of my Story Starters are:
The Erie Canal, Things that Glow in the Dark, Lobsters, Weather, Lighthouses, Trees…
Start with something that simple and think about why you are excited by that idea? And what would make a child excited about it too?
One afternoon when I was brainstorming for a story idea, I chose the topic “shapes”. I sat down with a piece of paper and drew a circle, a square, and a triangle. At first, they were empty. So I drew some faces on them. How do I bring these shape characters to life? What made me excited as a kid?
Tap into your childhood!
Two things immediately popped into my head, Pee Wee Herman, and The B52’s!
Pee Wee Herman- I was never allowed to watch Pee Wee’s Playhouse at home but I would catch glimpses of it at other people’s houses. That show bent reality. It felt like a dream. There was a talking chair that looked SO REAL! It made me wonder if chairs only talked in Pee Wee’s Playhouse or maybe the chairs in my house would also talk when no one was looking! I would sneak around the corner to try and catch my dad’s brown corduroy recliner in the act! I wasn’t sure what to think about Pee Wee either, he didn’t scare me but the chaos he created made me anxious but at the same time amused. That show really made me question and test the world around me.
The B52’s- The album “Cosmic Thing” by the B52’s was one of the first CDs my parents got for their cool new CD player. I made them play the song “Love Shack” for me all the time and would dance around the living room. The word “love” means something different as a kid. It’s not a romantic feeling but instead, a feeling of blissful connection towards your friends and family. I thought it was SO cool that the people in the song were getting together and having a party with the people they loved! I wanted to turn my Dad’s tool shed into a “Love Shack”. The Tool Shed Love Shack never came to fruition, but one day I got to experience the ULTIMATE LOVE SHACK. In first grade, I went on a trip to California for my aunt’s wedding. At the wedding reception the DJ put on “Love Shack” I was like “ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW? You guys know this song TOO?!!!” I grabbed the microphone and began singing dancing like a total maniac. Everyone was on the dance floor. It was just euphoria! In my head, I was screaming “I LOVE EVERYBODY!!!!” I got to experience my version of a “Love Shack” and it was one of the most exciting memories of my childhood.
Write On!!!
I took that energy and those feelings from my childhood memories, and wrote the plot of “The Shape Escape”. It’s a very simple plot. Some shapes live in a valley. An Octagon, a Square and a Tiny triangle. A big bully Circle is bouncing around wreaking havoc. The other shapes put it in time-out in a fortress at the top of a mountain. But one day the circle escapes and the tiny triangle emerges as the unexpected hero.
I followed a simple plot structure of hook, rising action, and resolution. And yes, plot is also very important. For kids books, I think the simpler the plot the better. But the feelings are what makes the story SING!!!
I wanted my shapes to come alive the way Pee Wee Herman made the objects around his house come to life. It was important to me that the character of the Circle was not scary but instead a silly wreaker of havoc and MAYHEM! This character was directly inspired by Pee Wee. I even did my best Pee Wee Herman impression for the voice of the Circle when I recorded the podcast. For the book illustrations, I drew the Circle in a way that gave me that same feeling that Pee Wee did. A feeling of chaotic amusement.
Then I wanted the story to end with a surprise dance party that celebrates the tiniest shape in the valley. I wanted to capture that same feeling of surprise and euphoria that those childhood memories of the B52’s gave me. I paid homage to the B52’s by singing a short original song for the Triangle in the podcast episode and illustrated a dance party for the Triangle at the end of the book.
This is one of my favorite stories because it came from such treasured memories. I hope the shapes delight you too!
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