Photos: FGA at Book People!

Our recent event at Book People in Austin, TX was a hoot! Thankyou to all who attended and dressed up in fairy costumes. Thanks to our beautiful faerie models and last but not least, big thanks to Book People for hosting us!

Pictured Above: (from left) Gracie (Dragonfly Twin), Daniela Tejeda (Dragonfly Twin), Emma (Birdie, w/daisy and green dress), Faith Haskell (Birdie- Green Top and Pants), Jan Bozarth (Author), Elaine McLaughlin (River Maiden), Amy Atchley (Singer), Kailey (Queen Patchouli).. Costumes by Jennifer Ayers…

Photography by AIRSHP

Casting Call: Girls Age 8-18 Needed for Dance Video Shoot

When: Sunday January 22nd, 2012 – 3-5pm
Where: Galaxy Dance Studios (1700 South Lamar Suite 338, Austin, TX 78704)

Dance Experience

Required in any style, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Break, Cheer, Dance Team or Martial Arts. Must be able to learn and perform choreography quickly. Cast members will receive a small fee and FGA gift!!

What to Bring

  • A photo of yourself (head shot)
  • Wear clothing you can move in.
  • Auditions start promptly at 3pm.
  • Girls under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign a release form.

Announcing Book 5 : Sumi’s Book

Sumi Hara loves fashion. She always looks beautiful, and always wears the perfect outfit. When she arrives in Aventurine, Sumi is thrilled to learn that she’s a shape-shifter.

Unfortunately, she’s not very good at shape-shifting yet, so she’s given a guide named Kano—who’s distractingly gorgeous in his human form. But right away they get off on the wrong foot; Sumi can’t understand why this boy doesn’t seem to like her. When they find out that an evil fairy queen holds the final mirror shard needed to complete their mission, Sumi will have to discover what true beauty and perfection are, or she could lose Kano and her chance to become a fairy godmother.

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLFVMcTE8WQ”]

I Love Reindeer!

The Reindeer character in Kerka’s Book reminds me of Christmas. Her name is Ardee or RD, short for Rein-deer. Ardee is a lovable sort who is there for Kerka in times of need but has needs of her own and is NOT afraid to express them. Most of Ardee’s needs involve food. Ardee shows Kerka what a best friend does. She is not really that brave but risks her life to save her friend. She is not really that strong but gives it her all when the times call for such an effort.

I like to think about friendship this way. It is a “give and take”. Sometimes you are the strong one and sometimes you just need a shoulder to cry on. So I am sending out this “THANKS” to all my friends who are there for me when I need them, but don’t mind asking for help too. It’s a gift to have a friend! Pass it on!

Merry Christmas from the Fairy Godmother Academy!!!!

Spirikins

Comparing People to Plants

In my interview with Maria Hinojosa of NPR’s Latino USA, I was asked how nature influenced my work in the Fairy Godmother Academy stories. My lifelong love of trees, rocks, water, flowers, and birds comes out all over this book series.

In Book 1, Birdie’s Book, Birdie comes to New York City from her beloved green Califa ( her name for California) and longs for a place where she can grow things. When she travels to upstate New York to visit her long lost maternal grandmother, she finds her grandmother, Mo, to be an avid plant lover with a grand garden and greenhouse. It was a labor of love to describe the perfect garden and then go on to describe it in winter. I used my mind’s eye to see in winter what the spring would, not doubt, bring to life.

Using botanical names for people is Birdie’s little game in the story. I think it’s fun to actually compare people to plants. Alongside all the real plant and nature is the fantasy natural world where all the colors are even more vivid than real life and of course gravity is not a problem. I relied on feelings and memories to describe things here.

All of this leads to another form of expression- fashion! Check out this image of Birdie in her special nature- based Fall ensemble!

Worlds of Pure Imagination


We just wrapped up our time at Austin Wizard World Comic Con 2011 over the weekend! We had the opportunity to perform as part of Kid’s Day and to connect with so many interesting, creative people who are defining the world of popular culture today.

I was proud to be on the same program as Peter Mayhew who is best known as Chewbacca from Star Wars, and who recently released a children’s book called My Favorite Giant which is a whimsical adventure that highlights the differences in people as being a strength instead of a weakness. Although, written for younger children, it’s message of acceptance is universal.

Announcing: FGA Holiday iPad Giveaway

Enter to Win a FGA iPad 2The Fairy Godmother Academy’s Book 5 – Sumi’s Book is coming out on December 27th! In honor of the latest book, we are giving away a special prize to our loyal fans.

Enter for a chance to win a shiny new iPad 2. This one-of-a-kind 16gb iPad 2 comes laser-etched with the FGA logo on the back. Enter now for a chance to win this special holiday gift from The Fairy Godmother Academy.
Visit our facebook page to enter!

Fairy Godmother Academy at Austin Comic Con

Jan will be at Comic Con in Austin Nov. 11th-13th. Sunday is officially Kid’s Day and kids under 10 get in free all day! Please come see her at Booth 2942 at the Austin Convention Center. She’ll be speaking about the enchanting world of Aventurine from 3-3:45pm on Sunday, Nov. 13th. (Room A in Exhibit Hall 1 – map here)

Get Your Tickets Now!