We hope you’ll enjoy this interview with Lori Nates, the author of Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes! Ever since I was 10 years old, I have always dreamed of becoming a professional writer. I used to write Wizard of Oz stories when I was in elementary and middle school; they were my favorite books. Fantasy has always been a favorite genre of mine, for both books and movies, so it was a given that my first book, Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow, would be a fantasy story.
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Yes, I am on Instagram. Readers can reach me @lorinates1.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My daughter Rebekah is a huge inspiration for me. I wrote Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow with her in mind. Rebekah is a special needs child and she loves fantasy stories, so I wanted to write a book that she would love. It has always been a bit of a challenge to get her to read on her own, and I was hoping to change that with this book. And, in fact, she does love the book and asks to read it all the time, so I am very happy about that!
Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
Becka. She is just so sweet, inquisitive, kind, and intelligent. In fact, I based her character on my own daughter, Rebekah.
What is the key theme and/or message in the book?
The key theme is that children should always choose friendship and kindness. I also wanted to write a conservative children’s book where the characters could just be children and not be pushed into any choices that are not appropriate for them. There are subtle messages of conservatism throughout the book, such as highlighting the border of Rainbow Domain and mentioning how there is no crime at all in Rainbow Domain. Love and pride for one’s country are subtly sprinkled throughout the book. Readers will see a much more overt conservative message in the next book.
What is the future for the characters? Will there be a sequel?
In the next Misty the Unicorn book, Becka will return to Rainbow Domain and we will meet King Rincki, Queen Camellia, and Princess Acacia. We will also see Prince Ani, Ben Smith, and Fortune the leprechaun again. I am planning for a total of four books in the Misty the Unicorn series.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I am working on the second book in the Misty the Unicorn series. I am also thinking about another young reader series with animal characters.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I have a lot of ideas for the Misty the Unicorn series. I can tell readers that in the next book, we will learn a little more about the history of Rainbow Domain, and there might even be a mystery to solve!
Who is your favorite author and why?
Jane Austen. I have always loved history, and Regency England was such a fascinating time period. Jane Austen’s books are so wonderful, because you really get a sense of the history and social conventions of the period. She also writes wonderful female characters, some who are traditional and some who are not so traditional, but she just excelled at creating dynamic characters and relationships.
Favorite artist and favorite song?
My favorite artist is Whitney Houston. There is a tie for my favorite song! My two favorite songs are Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”
Excerpt from Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow:
“And your mother, Queen Camellia?” Becka asked the prince amiably. “I’ve heard she has magical flowers! Is this true?”
“Yes,” Prince Ani admitted. His voice dropped to a low, almost reverential tone.
“My mother is said to be the loveliest and kindest woman in all of Rainbow Domain,” the prince informed Becka. “She looks exactly like her mother did, with long blond hair and green eyes. My grandmother Sarai was a beautiful and powerful sorceress. Before she became Queen of Rainbow Domain, Grandmother was the Queen of the Realm of the Fairies, which borders our lands. My father recently told me that Mother inherited Grandmother’s talent, although I have never witnessed any other magical powers besides the flowers.”
Becka nodded, but she was thinking that even if this was the limit of the queen’s magic, it was still pretty amazing!
“And your father, King Rincki … does he really like to shout?” Becka felt her face flush even more. She hoped she did not sound rude to her new acquaintance.
Prince Ani just laughed heartily in response. “Yes,” he replied, greatly amused at her question. “But it’s part of his charm.” He laughed again.
