Join us on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:00 PM for an evening with local middle grade author, and Occupational Therapist at Indian Trail Junior High, Rachael Salten! Rachael will be chatting all about her debut fantasy novel, Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe. This event is perfect for kids in grades 4 & up, and those who love faeries, adventure, and imaginative storytelling.
We asked Rachael a few questions ahead of her visit to learn more about her writing, her inspiration, and what young readers can look forward to in her book:
Your novel, Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe, is full of faeries, fantasy, and magic. What drew you to writing fantasy for young readers?
Fantasy has always been my favorite genre as a reader. I love that you can create a whole world that no one has ever seen before. I knew when I started my writing journey that I wanted the chance to bring the magic of an enchanted world to others.
You work every day with kids and teens as Indian Trail Junior High’s Occupational Therapist. How does that experience—and being part of the Addison community—influence your writing or the way you connect with readers?
Working at Indian Trail, and having 2 teenagers of my own, has helped me to (hopefully!) capture the attention of young teens by providing a fast-paced, action filled story where the characters and the themes of loyalty, bravery, and family are relatable and engaging. I have also had the opportunity to share my book and journey as an author with 5th-8th graders in the Addison School District who have given me the most valuable feedback and greatest encouragement. The support I have received from the Addison School District and the library have been invaluable to the success of my book.
Many young readers discover a love of stories at their local library. What role did libraries play in your life, either growing up or now, as a reader and writer?
I am a supporter of libraries and the services and opportunities that they bring to the community. When my children were little, the Addison Library was always a favorite stop. We made friends through parent groups, played for hours in the children's section, and built relationships with friendly library staff. As an adult, I love the opportunity to try books from a variety of authors and genres. I have discovered many favorite books that I would have not otherwise read.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
My favorite book is Harry Potter (all of them!). I wanted to try to recreate some of the magic and incredible imagination that I discovered with those books. I also love mythological creatures and folklore. The idea of bringing unique and magical creatures to life was what inspired me to create a faerie world to share with others.
Was there a moment, either as a kid or more recently, when a book completely transported you? What book was it, and how did it impact you?
Harry Potter books always left me wondering what it would be like to be part of a world where magic exists. They let my imagination create a unique world of my own where myths and folklore are not just stories, but are real. This was my inspiration for the world of the faeries that I was able to bring to life in my book.
What’s something about the world of Faylinn or its characters that you hope readers will carry with them after they finish the book?
I hope that Faylinn sparks readers' curiosity of mythological creatures and exploration of folklore. There is a wealth of knowledge about legends that shaped cultures and explained the world around us that can drive our imagination and make learning about history and the world around us fun and exciting.
What advice would you give to a young writer who wants to create their own fantasy world?
My best advice is to listen to your heart, let your imagination run wild, and believe in the power to build worlds with just your mind.
What’s next for you—any sequels or new stories in the works?
When giving author chats at the Addison schools, the most frequently asked question was, "When are you going to make another one?", which always made me smile. While I have ideas for a second (and maybe even third) book, so far they are just thoughts and dreams. I hope to one day bring them to life.
Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe is available in the Addison Public Library’s collection for check out.