An Uplifting Story of Kindness and Courage: An Exclusive Q&A with Debut Author Julia McMillan

We are delighted to introduce Abbey Angel, the enchanting debut book by Julia McMillan. This touching and empowering tale follows Abbey, a brave fairy with angel wings who finds strength in self-belief and helping others. In this exclusive Q&A, we caught up with Julia to delve into her inspiration, creative process, and the heartfelt message behind the book.

Julia, congratulations on your beautiful book Abbey Angel! What inspired you to write this story?

Oh gosh, I have had these stories for about 28 years now. I started to write them for my daughters when they were very young.

Abbey is a wonderfully kind and courageous character. How did you come up with her, and what does she represent to you?

Again, it was my children over the years that inspired me with their innocent but very inquisitive questions and their take on the world, and all of our humour at the mistakes we made along the way.

The themes of kindness, community, and standing up for others are woven throughout the book. Why were these messages important for you to share with young readers?

I really love the idea of children learning along with Abbey Angel. It's ok to make mistakes and be clumsy or not understand, just like Abbey, but remember to always be kind, which Abbey always is. I want children and adults to laugh along with the stories but also to make them stop and think when they are out in the countryside or garden, to appreciate the small things that are around them and the beauty of nature and friendships.

Can you tell us about your creative process, how long did it take to write Abbey Angel, and what was the most enjoyable part of creating it?

Well, I started to doodle her just before my youngest daughter was born, and then I got my friend to draw her better than I could. She actually then sat in a box (well, the designs and stories did) for many years as motherhood took over, but then one day I just started to write another story inspired by my oldest daughter, and so she began her journey. She has had a makeover quite a few times, design-wise. I have had many people help me along the way and made some lovely friends in the UK, USA, and Italy, and the most enjoyable part of creating her was seeing her finally in print in the stories and my friend telling me that her daughter saw Abbey and said, “Look, that’s me.”

The story ends with a sense of hope and unity. What do you hope children and families will take away after reading it?

I hope they go away feeling happy, and now they know why we leave a carrot out for the reindeer. I hope that they have laughed at some of the characters cheekiness and want to read more from Abbey and her friends in the future.

Do you have a favourite moment or scene from the book? If so, why does it stand out to you?

I love Franco the French fairy. He is very cute and funny and has my sense of humour, but I guess it's when Abbey gets woken up and finally sees that Santa is in her home and she wants to go and get her friends so they can share this special moment too.

Was writing a children’s book something you always wanted to do? What has surprised you most about the journey so far?

I have always loved writing. I visualised my book being in the shops and how excited my children would be seeing it, but I did not know where to start. I’m really excited and proud that after all these years I kept going. Me and Abbey are very similar in that aspect. Just keep believing in your dreams, no matter how many years it's been. Never give up.

If you could invite any three people, real or imaginary, from any time or place, to join you and Abbey Angel for tea, who would they be and why?

Oh gosh, I think the 2 girls who took the fairy photos, Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths. They started the legend in 1917 when they told Frances' mother that they had seen fairies in Cottingley Beck. I still like to think they are real, and they only said that they were not so that the fairies are protected. I mean, to do that all those years ago was amazing, as technology was not as high-tech as it is now. Also, the next would be David Attenborough. I'd ask a million questions so I could include more woodland creatures/insects in my next stories. That's 3, right? As the 2 girls and David = 3, but if I could squeeze one more in, it would be Luther Vandross. I just love his music. It relaxes me or just makes me want to dance, depending on the song.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors or those thinking about turning their story idea into a published book?

Just go for it. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

How can people follow your journey, support the release of Abbey Angel, and connect with you in the lead-up to publication?

I do have a Facebook page called Abbey Angel, and I will be doing an Instagram page (my grandchildren or foster children are helping me with this as I have no clue!).