Meet Cheryl Long, Author of Dragon Dreams and other stories
What inspired you to become a children's author?
I've always loved books. Especially fairy tales. As a child, stories seemed like magic, and I never got over that feeling, The illustrations I do are inspired mostly by the love I have for nature, and how humans are a part of it all.
How did you come up with the ideas for Dragon Dreams?
I saw some mandalas, and was intrigued by the idea that a picture can be circular in nature, and I liked the idea of children turning the book around to find all the details in the drawings. I wanted the dragons to be wise and beautiful, rather than simply scary, and the text to be soothing so that parents and children could have a cozy bedtime experience together. Reading bedtime stories with my kids was probably my favorite thing to share with them. It's such a special time in their life, and as a parent, it's an amazing time to snuggle up and share something together.
How many books have you written?
I have another 3 mandala books-I Dream of Flying, I Dream of You, and I Dream of Mermaids. They were expected to be published as a series, but the publishers picture book division closed. I also have a collection of fables for teenage girls in the works. (Also illustrated), and a picture book on anatomy.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
I think there will always be a lot of nature in my books, as I live in a beautiful forest, and still believe in fairies! I also love "quests" of self discovery.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved all fairy tales, and as a young adult loved the Wizard of Oz, and, of course, Lord of the Rings the most.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
I hope they can share in my love of all the little details in nature, and a regard for the mystery of life. I honestly don't think I have all that much to teach them in a book, because they are often so open and accepting of new ideas-dragons and magic are part of their vocabulary. it's really a matter of sharing what I feel inside. I think I'm probably not much older then they are in some regards, and when I do a workshop with them, I usually walk away in awe of the way kids see the world, and remember what a miracle it all is.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, on the collection of fables for girls called Twelve Moons and a Maiden, and on a novel about a teenage girl who finds solace and healing in the mountains with a Native American man.
I've always loved books. Especially fairy tales. As a child, stories seemed like magic, and I never got over that feeling, The illustrations I do are inspired mostly by the love I have for nature, and how humans are a part of it all.
How did you come up with the ideas for Dragon Dreams?
I saw some mandalas, and was intrigued by the idea that a picture can be circular in nature, and I liked the idea of children turning the book around to find all the details in the drawings. I wanted the dragons to be wise and beautiful, rather than simply scary, and the text to be soothing so that parents and children could have a cozy bedtime experience together. Reading bedtime stories with my kids was probably my favorite thing to share with them. It's such a special time in their life, and as a parent, it's an amazing time to snuggle up and share something together.
How many books have you written?
I have another 3 mandala books-I Dream of Flying, I Dream of You, and I Dream of Mermaids. They were expected to be published as a series, but the publishers picture book division closed. I also have a collection of fables for teenage girls in the works. (Also illustrated), and a picture book on anatomy.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
I think there will always be a lot of nature in my books, as I live in a beautiful forest, and still believe in fairies! I also love "quests" of self discovery.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved all fairy tales, and as a young adult loved the Wizard of Oz, and, of course, Lord of the Rings the most.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
I hope they can share in my love of all the little details in nature, and a regard for the mystery of life. I honestly don't think I have all that much to teach them in a book, because they are often so open and accepting of new ideas-dragons and magic are part of their vocabulary. it's really a matter of sharing what I feel inside. I think I'm probably not much older then they are in some regards, and when I do a workshop with them, I usually walk away in awe of the way kids see the world, and remember what a miracle it all is.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, on the collection of fables for girls called Twelve Moons and a Maiden, and on a novel about a teenage girl who finds solace and healing in the mountains with a Native American man.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012