A former art student is celebrating after her debut illustrated children’s story, created during her Loughborough College course, went on sale.
Mum of two Kirsty Fox, from Shepshed, created ‘Joe’s Magical Adventures in the Dark Forest’ during her time studying art and design at College and was stunned when a publisher wanted to sell it for her.
She said: “To be honest, it’s all been such a whirlwind - it doesn’t seem real. I am overwhelmed by it all. Never ever did I think it would get this much attention, it’s madness!
“I am extremely humbled, if not a bit nervous, about it all. My book temporary sold out on Amazon on the launch date, it then went to sell out on Waterstones and ebay. That was a huge shock and I still can’t get my head around it now.”
Kirsty started her book as her final assignment at College and finished it later.
It is set in World War II when a young lad named Joe returns home from school to find his house has been bombed, leaving nothing but a smouldering pile of bricks and debris. Joe spots a bright light shining beneath the rubble and, when he investigates, Joe finds himself being sucked into another world - a world of enchantment, magic and mystical creatures. The dark forest awaits before him, the only way is to go through it, but Joe must stay on the purple path. The question is will he?
It is aimed at children aged 10-14 years old and is published by Austin Macauley.
Kirsty said: “I started my book as part of my final assignment but I put it to one side when I left two years ago, because I was asked to do some book illustrations.
“I created all the creatures for two books, which the author was really pleased with – and then one day I showed him my story and illustrations from when I was at Loughborough College. I am a perfectionist and felt I still needed to do a lot of work on it but he seemed impressed and encouraged me to contact a publisher – so I sent a sample.
“When the publishing company, Austin Macauley, got in touch with me to say they loved my work and would like to see the rest, I couldn’t believe it. But when they contacted me again and offered me a publishing contract.”
Kirsty has already written a second book and has started the illustrations.
Gary Steffanetti, a lecturer in art and design at Loughborough College, said: “We are all thrilled for Kirsty. Her illustration style is really unique and the world she has created for the story is wonderful. She is a fantastic example of what happens when talent and hard work combine.”
You can get a copy of Joe’s Magical Adventures in the Dark Forest from book shops including WH Smith, Waterstones, Amazon and eBay.
Visit here to find out more about Kirsty and her work: https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/joes-magical-adventures-dark-forest