Embracing the Kid at Heart: A Conversation with Hallie Christensen
It was a treat to be able to talk with Hallie Christensen about her new book, Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy. In our conversation, we discuss, among other topics, the book’s origin, the joys of writing for children, and what it’s like to spend time with young readers:
Bradley Sides: Thank you, Hallie, for taking the time to talk with me about your book Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy. Before we get started, I want to say congratulations on your award, being an Indies Today 2021 Finalist. That’s really great!
For those readers who haven’t heard about your book yet, do you mind sharing what it’s about?
Hallie Christensen: Hi, Bradley! Thank you so much!! My middle grade fantasy novel was published last October 2021 by Sweetwater Books – Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy.
Over the Christmas break, Ava, Nolan, and Charlotte Alexander are sent to stay with their most feared relative - Great-Aunt Poppy. Of course, the siblings are terrified. Who wouldn’t be? Poppy is a witch! If the haunted house, crazy cats, and deadly spells aren’t bad enough, frightening howls grow ever closer. It will take all their bravery and wit to survive. But things aren't always what they seem! The greatest adventure might be hiding in the most unlikely place imagined!
Great for ages 8-12 who love adventure, magic, fun, and getting spooked.
BS: And this is the first book in a larger series, right?
HC: Yes, this is the first book and was written as a standalone (I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, lol), but there is definitely potential for many more adventures with the Alexander children.
BS: How did the book come together? What sparked the idea?
HC: Well, I have found that one of the best ways to perfect your writing skills is by writing! (Who would have thought?) I joined an online writing community and one month they held a novella contest. There were 40 different prompts that you could choose from, and I chose one that sounded like this (paraphrasing): Three siblings must visit a relative over a holiday, but they don’t want to go. That one resonated with me because I’m the youngest of three siblings, and every holiday we would visit relatives. As a child, I would sometimes dread this, especially when the relatives were old, and they would talk non-stop the entire time. But I considered this and knew that wouldn’t be enough to keep a child’s interest. So, I made the relative a witch!
Once I started writing the story, the words just came to me. I probably will never again find a story so relaxing to write! It was very enjoyable!
BS: What’s been the most exciting part of getting this book out into the world?
HC: Being traditionally published was super exciting! Like most authors, the road to publication is fraught with many “no, thank yous.” I had about moved on to another project when the editor from my current publisher reached out to me about my query. They loved my story and wanted to publish it! I knew I had found the right home because they cared as much about my manuscript as I did.
Support from the community has been amazing. I smile every time someone tells me they loved my book! I have really enjoyed doing author visits at schools and attending other speaking engagements. I am always honored to be asked and humbled that people enjoy my story.
BS: You write largely for children and middle-grade audiences. What draws you to this genre?
HC: I’m a kid at heart! Their dialogue and language, their thoughts and fears, I remember well! Also, MG and kids lit is just so much fun. You get to go on adventures and laugh along the way. It’s an enjoyable escape.
BS: I imagine it’s really wonderful to be able to spend time with young readers (and future writers). What are some of the things about your book that children seem to enjoy the most?
HC: The future writers that I have met are incredible. And so talented too! A lot of them are fantastic artists and I know will create some amazing graphic novels.
The students’ loved the adventure and scary moments in my story. They also liked the humor and snark from some of my characters. Kids really seem to connect with sarcastic cats, lol. Merlin, the cat in my book, was one of their favorite characters. I thought he might be, so I made him a sticker that I pass out to students at my author visits.
I made sure to have distinct personalities amongst all my characters so that my readers could connect with the ones they felt were most like them. But I also made sure that my characters had inhibitions and things to learn and overcome so they could grow.
BS: Before I let you go, I’m curious to know what you are currently working on. Is the sequel to Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy coming soon?
HC: While finishing the final edits for EMwGAP, I started working on another MG manuscript not related to Great-Aunt Poppy. It’s inspired by a local folk legend. No one knows the origin, so I decided to write a background story. It’s a bit spookier than my first novel and falls under the horror genre. (Think spooky and suspenseful like Goosebumps). I also drew inspiration from the old Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. I’m in the final editing stages now and hope to have some good news to share with everyone soon about that manuscript! :D
BS: Thank you again, Hallie, for talking with me. I wish you and your writing the absolute best.
HC: Thank you so much!! It’s been a pleasure!
Hallie Christensen grew up in a small town in Alabama surrounded by professional storytellers - her family. She received her BA in English with a minor in Italian while attending The University of Alabama and her MA in Teaching English from Faulkner University.
Her life’s background helped to influence her writing and creativity. While growing up she attended Young Authors conferences, played in a marching band, tried her luck as a magician, became a Junior Ranger for quite a few National Parks, and for a brief moment was a disc jockey with an eclectic taste of music spanning from The Monkees to N’SYNC.
When she isn’t writing or editing, she enjoys hiking, attending rock concerts from musicians her parents’ age, staying at B&B’s, and of course, reading with preferences in fantasy, contemporary, and the classics. Hallie currently resides in northern Alabama with her husband and a couple of cats.
Visit authorhalliechristensen.com to learn more about Hallie's work and sign up for her e-newsletter.