What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Fairy Who Couldn’t Fly?
The story behind this book is a bit unorthodox. I was having a very lucid dream in which I was racing on a hoverboard racetrack. I wanted to capture the complexity of the track on camera to share with my friends back home, so I pulled out my cell phone and pointed it at an orange pylon sitting above a large puddle of water. Just as I was about to focus the shot, something fluttered in front of the camera and startled me. I snapped the picture quickly and looked to see if I’d caught anything. To my astonishment, when I looked at the screen, I saw a boy fairy hanging sidesaddle on the back of a hummingbird, sweeping his petal-shaped hat into the puddle for a drink. I was completely shocked by this fantastical vision I had just captured. For a moment, I thought I’d taken the picture of the year, worthy of a National Geographic cover. Then it dawned on me—I wasn’t actually there. It was a dream, and I wouldn’t be able to share that picture with the world. But I knew I had to draw it, so I wouldn’t forget any details. So the next day while drawing it I started to wonder why a fairy would be riding on the back of a hummingbird when fairies have wings of their own. Then it hit me—the fairy I had seen didn’t have wings. I began to wonder how fairies get their wings, and the story unfolded in my mind almost instantly. That’s how The Fairy Who Couldn’t Fly was born.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Fairy Who Couldn’t Fly, what would they be?
I’d have to say, ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong. The song just captures the nature of Finnegan’s sense of hope and adventure. Finnegan always looked toward the positive in every situation and enjoyed the beauty around him. Finnegan understood that life has its ups and downs, but ultimately, we are all connected in this beautiful journey called life.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is anything metaphysical, spiritual, or philosophical. I enjoy exploring abstract ideas that stretch my mind and challenge the boundaries of what is versus what could be. I also love books that blend historical fiction with futuristic dystopian worlds. Pushing these boundaries frees my imagination and inspires me to bring unique and untold stories to life.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Oh, I have quite a large stack of books! At the moment, I’m switching between three that are sitting on my bed: The Golden Dawn by Israel Regardie, The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston, and Journey of Souls by Michael Newton.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene in the book is the very first one, where everything just came together—it was my “aha” moment. That particular verse flowed so naturally, as if it had always existed: “It wasn’t his stamina, speed, or grace, It wasn’t his balance, strength, or pace. It wasn’t any of those sorts of things… It’s just that Finnegan didn’t have wings.” I also loved being able to reuse this verse later with Avery’s character. When I realized the reason she allowed Finnegan to ride her was because she too “couldn’t” do something, it felt perfect to repurpose the verse to tell her story as well.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Most of my writing concepts come to me through dreams or during meditation. So, I often find myself scrambling for a pen and a notebook. I start by jotting down my thoughts and playing around with the ideas until I form a clear throughline. Once that happens, I move to the computer to create a functional template that brings the story to life. I tend to write very quickly once I get into the flow of things. I try to avoid overthinking it, I want the story form organically as much as possible.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My motto is simple: “Humanity first—there is no greater purpose.” I believe we are all connected, sharing this journey of life together. Our focus should be on helping one another along the path of self-discovery. At the core of it all, love is truly the essence of everything.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Adversity is an inevitable part of life, much like Finnegan’s journey to find his wings. It’s through life’s greatest challenges that we discover our true strengths and learn to soar. Hope keeps us moving forward, so never lose it. And remember, no matter how smooth someone else’s path may seem, everyone has to face their own turbulence before they find their wings.
Kathie Kalafatis is the author of the new book The Fairy Who Couldn’t Fly
Connect with Kathie Kalafatis
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