Conversation with Chris Horne teacher from Little Rock, Arkansas

I was contacted by Chris Horne, Learning Style Specialist, teacher of this third grade class on March 5, 2008. Over the next couple of days. Our conversations went like this...

Chris Wrote:

Dear Lady Ellen,

I am a school teacher from Little Rock, Arkansas. I am currently teaching third grade Gifted and Talented along with other classes. I have 31 students with over 20 of them reading the Harry Potter series and 10 of them who have finished it as so have I.

We have been looking for what to read next. I loved the series and how it opened up a lot of doors to discuss reading with my students. Especially those who usually do not care to read. As I mentioned I am looking for something to read with them next and I ran across your new series.

However I am having trouble locating a copy of it. I have looked at our local bookstores and online. Can you please help me get hold of a copy? After reading your reviews on your web page and your preview I think this will be the series to carry on our love for reading with.

Thanks,
Chris Horne
Learning Style Specialist

Lady Ellen Wrote:

Dear Chris:

At this point, I've only released it as an eBook from my site.

It's not in hard copy yet.

But because of your reasons...and I'm a HUGE supporter of children reading..(my own read at 3 and 4 years old) I'm attaching a copy which you are most welcome to print out and read to your class. I only ask, of course that it is copied for your class only.

Thank you so much for contacting me...I hope you and your class enjoy Persephane and her crew.

You have my permission to copy this 31 times. Please feel free to email me anytime with questions and clarifications.

Warmly,
Lady Ellen

Chris Wrote:

Thank you so much for your generosity. This means a lot to our class. I told the kids today and they were so excited.

I hope everything goes well with your series and I will stay in contact regarding the book.

I read the first 2 chapters last night and was very impressed. Myself being a big Harry Potter fan I was hoping but not getting my hopes up to big. I truly feel that this will be the next series to read.

Great Job.

Lady Ellen Wrote:

You're ever so welcome for the books. I'm tickled that the kids are excited to read it!

Also, thank you for the kind words about the chapters...thrilled that a true Potter fan liked them. I've had a blast writing this..now in the thick of book two. What I would just love is if you could give the kids my email and they could write to me with their thoughts and comments.

Enjoy the read! Feel free to write at any time. Your bunch is my first classroom to study/read the book, so you'll always have a historic place in my heart.

Chris Wrote:

I have finished the first 15 chapters now and I have to say they are great. They keep your interest as well as keep you wondering what will come next.

This week I will introduce the first 4 chapters to all my students. They are split over the next 4 days. They will correspond each day this week. I will then give them the opportunity to continue reading. I guarantee several will do so.

They will then begin corresponding and asking questions on a weekly basis. They will type the questions and comments I will send them on Fridays. This way you will know when they are coming. If one has a serious question they need answering right away they can send it early. Once again great job and thanks for this opportunity.

Lady Ellen:

Delighted you have enjoyed the first 15 chapters...it actually gets more exciting...

I'm practically always online...writing, ( I'm in the Eastern time zone, usually from 7:00 am to about 9 - 10:00 pm daily) so will respond to your students as soon as they send an email..and of course, if they wish to write earlier than Fridays, no problem.

Looking forward to dialoguing with you and your bunch!

In Dreams & Magic..

Lady Ellen

Q:

I really liked the book I was wondering whether the book was based on Harry Potter the ones by J.K. Rowling and I’m really interested in reading all them. - Brittany



L.E: No, Brittany, they are not based on anything by JK Rowling...who as we all know wrote an incredible series..but sad to say...it's over. My books have been 'in creation' for years and are based on stories of magic and fantasy my children and I developed when they were growing up. We home-schooled them..so had lots of time to make our stories up. They are 19 and 24 now....

Q: I really liked the book so far. Why does Benson talk so much? – Megan

L.E: Hi Megan: Well, I think I answered about Benson's language and he talks so much, I think because he's a bit bossy and has lived a very long time, so probably has a lot to say. He cares for Persy very much, but can be a tad over-bearing, for sure.

Q:

 Are all the fairy’s girls or boys? – Kiara

LE: Good question, Kiara. They are both. Fawna, the main fairy is a girl, of course..but her good friend Durin is a guy.

I really liked your book and I would like to keep reading- Dashia

L. E: Thank you, Dashia. I'm very happy you like the book and will continue. It REALLY gets going after the half-way mark!

I really like the book so far. – Jordan

L. E: Thank you, Jordan. Be sure to write and ask any questions. Enjoy the rest of the read.

Why do the animals have sparks come out of their heads when wizards talk to them? I like your book so far! -Your friend Thomas

L. E.: The energy that is required to communicate telepathically needs to be vented and in this world of mine, it's done by releasing sparks. If it didn't occur, you'd wind up with 'bubbles in your think tank' or 'brain burps'...not pleasant in the least! I'm glad you're enjoying the book, Thomas.

How did you think of a book like this? I like this book because it was amazing and I just like it. –Dierra

L. E.: Why thank you, Dierra! As I think I mentioned, the book came to me over time, when playing with my children, many years ago. Then a few years back, I started jotting down notes, when ideas would fly through my head. Often, I'd wake up with good ideas and plot lines. But I actually sat down and wrote the first three chapters on January 20, 2007. It just hit me that day, how the book was going to go and how I would start it. I was alone and the house was very quiet. I was in the kitchen baking a pie and stopped to write..the pie dough dried up and I had to make new pastry that evening. (smile)

What is your husband’s name?- Derek

L. E.: Hi Derek: No husband..I'm a widow. That's why I have time to write books and answer questions!! LOL!

I really want to know what happened to her real dad?! I really like the first 4 chapters! – Naya

L.E. I'm very happy about all of your responses, kids. Hi Naya..Andreas is not dead...that's all I can say right now. He's scheduled to show up in book 7 or 8 .

I love the first 4 chapters! What are your favourite chapters? – Jennifer

L.E: Thanx, Jennifer: It's very hard for me to choose chapters as I lived with them all for a long time, getting things the way I wanted them. But I think if I was pushed, it would be Chapters 21 to the end. I made them VERY exciting..lots happens.

What is the next adventure? I love the first 4 chapters!! - Keara

L.E. I'm just writing the next book now. It's going to have more branches of magic and be set in Britain mostly. The Chinese sorcerer (who you haven't met yet, but will) plays a big part.

I loved when Persy had glue in the container of hair gel. I also loved when she went charging at Tim got smeared with a rotten egg and rosin! – Terry

L.E.Hi Terry: Yes, that was the scenario that came to me that first day I started writing the book...poor pie died, though..(grin)

How do you become a writer?–Zak

L.E. Well, Zak...I've been writing professionally for over 30 years, on technical stuff. Only started working with fiction in the past couple of years.

How did you come up with your ideas? – Seth

L.E.: Yes, Seth, that's a big question I get. I read a lot of books on magic, mythology and such. I spend a lot of time scouring the internet for old records on magic..that kind of thing.

What was your inspiration for the story? – Mason

L.E. Hi Mason: Mostly my kids, the stories we made up when they were small, ideas I have bounced off of them continuously and I judge by their reaction whether it's something I should use. I've always had the theme of the magical kids who couldn't disclose their powers in the back of my mind.

Are the bad wizards going to be really bad? – Justin

L.E. Yes, Justin..horrid and disgusting..stay tuned!

Is there going be a series? – Jessica

L.E. Hi Jessica: Yes! Definitely! Nine books have already been planned. There will be three trilogies, each taking place in different magical times. Then after that? Who knows? Anything could happen, I suppose.

The book is interesting to read. – Elizabeth

L.E. Thank you, Elizabeth. I'm delighted you are enjoying it. There's a LOT more excitement later on, so keep going!

I really liked when they were in the castle library looking for the key. It was very exciting.- Brittany

L.E. Thanx, Brittany! That's one of my favourite chapters, too.

I am glad Thaddeus is in the story. I think they will be good friends. –Mason

L.E. Hi Mason: Yes, they will be very good friends and depend on each other a lot throughout the series.

How big is P-C? - Naya

L.E. Hi Naya: P-C is about 4 and a half feet tall...not big for a dragon.

I am seeing Percy as a pretty girl is that how you see her too? - Terry Ann

L.E. Absolutely, Terry Ann. Persy had long, thick dark hair and huge brown eyes. She's lovely.

Does each charm light up or only certain ones on the Cimaruta? - Grant

L.E. The charms that are need at any one time are the ones which light up on the Cimaruta, Grant. You'll see all kinds of uses for it in the series.

I actually enjoy reading this! Thanks. – Justin

L.E. You're welcome, Justin. I'm delighted you like the book!

I like the thinking questions a lot I love trying to figure them out. – Zac

L.E. Yes, Zac...most people like to figure them out. That's why I put them in...lots of fun!

The book Rocks! - Kierra

L.E. Thanx, Kierra...I'm working hard on the next one

Did everyone in the arcade see the magic that Thaddeus was doing to the bully? – Jordan

L. E. Hi Jordan: No, Thaddeus is very sneaky...putting his hand over his mouth so no one saw him...but of course Persy knows what's going on.

Who is the chipmunk?- Kierra

L. E. Ah, yes, Kierra...the chipmunk.....he's a mysterious character as of now...there are a few in the book...but unless you guess...it's not made known for a book or two down the track.

The book is getting very interesting. It keeps changing what I think will happen next.- Brittany

L. E. Yes, Brittany....that was my plan...it is supposed to be very tricky!

I did not get to read over spring break but wanted to say hi.- Megan

L. E. Hi Megan: Well, I'm glad you're back at it now...

Is Ricki going to have a big part?- Sumner

L. E. Hi Sumner...YES!! In fact in book two amazing things happen to her..I've just been working on that part for the past few days.

It has been a long time; I loved when Thaddeus put the snake down Brittany’s shirt.- Derek

L. E. Yes, Derek.. I thought that was SO fitting for the way she treats everyone...she's quite nasty.

I like Ricki I wish she could go on the adventures as well.- Taylor

L. E. Hi, Taylor....Well, they you're going to LOVE Book 2....

I did not get to read over Spring Break but congratulations on your book.- Jordan

L. E. Thanx, Jordan. It will be easier for you to read it at home when it's available in print...hopefully in June.

I am so glad to get to talk to you again. I really like the friendship that Thaddeus and Percy are developing. We missed talking to you.- Jennifer and Naya

L. E. Hi Jennifer and Naya: I REALLY missed you guys, too...seemed like such a long time. Just so you know...I am at Facebook, too. You can see my page at My Facebook Page If you're away from school, you are very welcome to leave me messages there...if you become a fan..you'll get all my updates on the books.

How powerful is the Ming guy?- Zac

L. E. Hi Zac...BIG TIME! He's probably going to be Melanthios' biggest competitor...

I like the parts about their day at school it made it more like us.- Seth

L. E. Hi Seth: Great! That was my plan. I want you to see that for a lot of their lives, Thaddeus and Persy are just like you characters!

Thanks for sending us messages it is really cool.- Terry Ann

L. E. Thanx, Terry Ann...I'm really enjoying writing back and forth with your class...great fun for me, too!

Lady Ellen & Persy