Title: Land of Britannica
Author: Jenny Woolsey
Publisher: Pearls of Wisdom Press
Genre: Junior Fiction/Allegory/Fantasy
Age Group: 9-12 years
Please tell us a bit of what your book is about.
Twelve-year-old Brittney is upset her parents have split up and she wants them back together. After Dad introduces his girlfriend to Brittney and her brothers, she is plunged into a strange world… the Land of Britannica. This kingdom is ruled by the evil Storm Queen and it is Brittney’s mission, as stated in the Book of the Kingdom, to defeat the queen and restore the cracked green heart that hangs in the sky. She must face many perils and dangers to fulfil her destiny.
The story has a talking cat and animals, a special suit of armour, dragons, royalty, strange food, girl power and good versus evil. It is a fast-moving adventure.
Land of Britannica is an allegory. Brittney must work through stages of grief as she goes on her mission to save the people. In the end, she finds acceptance of her situation.
What kinds of themes / issues are raised in this story?
Separation and Divorce, Emotional Health & the Grief Cycle, Friendship, Courage, Superhero
How are these important to you in raising awareness to your readers?
As a teacher and a youth worker I have seen first-hand the impact marriage breakups have on children. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2015, 48,517 divorces were granted, which was an increase on the previous year. 1 in 5 children are affected by divorce. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3310.0 That’s a lot of children. The themes of friendship, courage and superheroes are always important, to provide hope for children.
Who or what inspired you to write this story?
In 2016 at a ladies’ camp I was attending, I was asked by a fellow camper if I’d written a book on the topic. She was interested for her grandchildren who were not coping with their family situation. This request welled up in my heart and I knew I had to write one. Land of Britannica was the result.
What is your favourite part of the book?
I love the concept of the green heart that is hanging in the sky. I also love all the fantasy elements in the Land of Britannica – the talking animals, the weird food, the dragons, the super powers that Brittney possesses… It was heaps of fun being creative. I also love the strong heroine that Brittney becomes.
How would you describe the publishing process? Were they supportive? How long did it take?
I am an indie-author, which means I subcontract the publishing process out to a company. It is always full-on but it feels so great to be in control of each part of the process.
What has the feedback / audience response been like so far?
So far it has been positive. Only a handful of people have read the story, so I am waiting to hear more when the book is released.
What teaching and learning ideas would you suggest to complement this book?
I have Teachers’ Notes, a Pinterest board, links, and a theme page.
http://jennywoolsey.com/Land-of-Britannica.php
http://jennywoolsey.com/Themes-in-Land-of-Britannica.php
Any details on your book launch you’d like to tell us about?
I will be holding my book launch at:
Pine Rivers Park, Gympie Road Strathpine
16 September, 2017
1:30-3:30pm
More details here.
Please let us know where we can find more on you and your book.
Find out more about Land of Britannica at my website: www.jennywoolsey.com
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Jenny!
Jenny Woolsey writes stories and blogs about difference and diversity. She is a primary teacher and youth worker, and a strong advocate for people living with facial differences, mental illness and disabilities. In 2017 Jenny was the keynote speaker at the Queensland Down Syndrome Association’s Education Conference.
Jenny’s writing is influenced by her life. She was born with a rare craniofacial syndrome, has anxiety and depression, and a visual impairment. Her three children have disabilities. Jenny’s heart is for children and teens who struggle to cope with the hardships in their lives.
Jenny’s published novels are: Ride High Pineapple, Brockwell the Brave, and Land of Britannica. She also has short stories being published in Redemption and Like a Woman.
#InterviewByBook #LandOfBrittanica
