The adventures of Flynn & Fiefel
Last year I had the wonderful experience of meeting and working with the very talented and ever so magical children's book writer Nadine Hyland. The Adventures of Flynn and Fiefel was released in August 2021 and it was such labour of love to create this book alongside Nadine. Today we dive back into this charming world of two best friends and learn a bit more about what inspired the project and characters. This magical bedtime story is peppered with so many heart-warming moments between Flynn, Fiefel and the giant moon and sun. I hope you enjoy the interview and sneak-peek into the book.
Hi Nadine! To start, can you share with readers what Flynn and Fiefel the book is about?
This is a little story about a little boy and his pet dog. They go on magical adventures together to learn about the world around them and to understand how magical nature is. They play in the garden and Fiefel (the dog) teaches Flynn all about the sun and moon, about the creatures that live among us and how we must be gentle and kind to them.
Rough sketch of Flynn and Fiefel in the garden.
Now that we know a little bit more about the story. I would love to know how the story about Flynn and Fiefel started out? Where did the ideas come from and how did you develop them further?
Well they are real life friends, Fiefel is my dog and Flynn is my son. As a child I befriended a neighbour's dog and would tell her my secrets. I believed animals could understand me and well that's the magic of being a child, you see magic everywhere but as we get older we forget the magic so I wanted to pretend again with this book. I watch my little boy play in the garden with fiefel and I thought I wonder do they have adventures together so I started writing a story in my head. I always wonder about the sun and moon and I think they must be fascinating to a child, these huge giant balls in the sky. I really did grow up believing there was a man on the moon and so that is where the inspiration for my first book came from.
The adventures of Flynn & Fiefel is set in the Irish countryside and is driven by a deep sense of connection with the natural world. Are you a rural person at heart? How did the countryside influence the story?
I love the countryside. Most weekends as a child we would go visit my uncle's farm. I would take off into the fields and climb a tree and make up a story in my head that I lived in the tree or I was a fairy, I would talk to the cows and sheep ( I know I sound half mad, but a little madness is a good thing). My husband's family have a house in Leitirm. it's surrounded by a forest and hills. It's still there and all you can hear are the birds and the river. Its just a playground for children to have adventures.
“ I also love imagining all the families reading my book and enjoying it and perhaps sharing a giggle together.”
What lessons did you want to share or get across to young readers through this story?
I want children to learn that nature is magical and we must treat it with respect. I also want them to use their imagination and play in the garden and get fresh air.
How do you think being a Mom influenced this story and your writing style?
I read so many stories to my children and I know they love it when they can get involved so that is why I have the sneeze part in it so everyone gets to do it. I also know children like short, clear sentences and it needs to be fun and engaging and I think I have achieved that.
Can you tell us what you enjoyed most about the making process of the book?
Working with Domenique of course. I told her my vision and it was amazing to watch how she brought my story to life. I also love imagining all the families reading my book and enjoying it and perhaps sharing a giggle together. I have so many friends and family to thank for all their faith in me. It's very overwhelming actually.
Who are some of your personal story heroes?
One of my favorite book is Peter Pan. I love it all. The adventure of a magical island. It has everything in it, pirates, mermaids, fairies, you name it. I've always loved it. Perhaps because I can relate to him. I never really wanted to grow up but unfortunately we must. However I will always keep my inner child inside me and I never want to stop believing in magic.
Lastly, what is next for you as a new author? Do you have another book in the works?
Yes I have two other books. One is about Bees and the next is about the wriggle worm. I hope people like them.
Where can people buy The adventures of Flynn & Fiefel?
Currently it's on sale in Bow baby and Over the moon. I also sell it on my Etsy account.
Bow Baby: www.bowandpearl.com
Over the moon: www.overthemoonmonkstown.com
To follow allong on Nadines writing journey you can follow her on instagram via: @stories_from_nadine
