Into the Heart of The Forgotten Garden: Nicola Lewis on Writing FLEA & The Sapphire Spell

In FLEA & The Sapphire Spell, Nicola Lewis introduces readers to an unforgettable new heroine - a mischievous, misunderstood pixie named FLEA who lives high in the branches of a grand old oak tree with her fairy family. But when happiness is drained from the magical oak tree in The Forgotten Garden, FLEA finds herself at the heart of a dangerous journey - one that will test her courage, challenge her identity, and perhaps even awaken her true magic.

Rich with atmosphere and heart, this children’s chapter book is both a fast-paced adventure and a story of belonging, bravery and learning to embrace who you are. We asked Nicola to share more about the inspiration behind FLEA, the enchanted world she’s created, and what readers might take from this sparkling story.

FLEA & The Sapphire Spell is filled with magic, mischief and heart. What first inspired the story, and the character of FLEA herself?

I was first inspired when I heard of someone with the nickname Flea. The name whirled around in my head for weeks until suddenly I knew exactly what to do with it. The name certainly came before the character! FLEA had to be a tiny pixie because of her name, and then the feisty character developed from there.

The Forgotten Garden is such a rich and atmospheric setting. Was it based on anything real or imagined from your own life?

The Forgotten Garden is solely based upon my own garden. The enormous oak tree was planted by my husband’s family many years ago. It stands, as the book describes, in the corner at the bottom of the garden. It was from the inspiration of the oak tree that the ecosystem of fairies and pixies was created, and so much of the story was written sitting under its branches.

The theme of joy, and how it’s stolen, restored, and shared, runs through the book. Why did you want to explore that idea?

I think this theme just evolved as the story grew. I believe it echoes the ebb and flow of life, really, and is relatable to many experiences and situations.

FLEA is wonderfully defiant and independent, yet she’s also deeply emotional. How did you shape her character voice?

FLEA is a character that I probably subconsciously based upon myself! I wanted to show that it was possible to be independent and strong yet also deeply emotional. The storyline brings all these characteristics to the fore.

From Penelope the flying snail to the cricket chorus and the curious rabbits, there are so many magical and mischievous characters in the book. Did you have a favourite to create, or one that made you laugh while writing?

I have often laughed aloud when I was creating these characters. The thought of fairies watching Theo shimmie to the rhythm of the music, adding in his own paradiddles, makes me chuckle.

Beneath all the action, there’s a powerful message about being true to who you are. What do you hope young readers will take away from FLEA’s journey?

I hope my readers can be inspired to find their own voice and sense of belonging from reading FLEA & The Sapphire Spell. Although FLEA is a tiny pixie, she is no different from all of us human beings, and I hope that comes across.

Did you have a particular reader or age group in mind when writing the story?

I believe the story is well suited as a chapter book for ages 5 to 8 years old. Either to be read to or as an independent reader.

The chapters are full of rhythm, humour and suspense - what’s your process like when planning and writing a story like this?

My writing process, I will admit, is rather chaotic! I know the whole story in my head, and it is just simply bursting to get out onto paper. I have to scribble it all down first, then the hard work to give the story structure so that the reader can be engaged fully in the characters begins. It isn’t easy but is both exceptionally motivating and rewarding.

What inspires you creatively outside of writing - any routines, hobbies, or favourite places that help you imagine new worlds?

The rural surroundings where I live constantly feed me new ideas. It has already inspired the sequel to this book. Whether I am walking the dogs or working, my mind rarely switches off from the world at the bottom of my garden.

Where can readers follow your journey as an author and keep up with news about FLEA and other stories?

I have a website, www.nicolaalewis.com, where readers can discover more about me and the other books I have written. My company, Little Literature World, can be found on Instagram. So do please follow me if you can.