A children’s author will be making her way across Hertfordshire for the remainder of this month, following the fifth publication of her Isadora Moon series.

Harriet Muncaster who, like her character dresses in black and white with pink hair, will be hosting her Meet the Author sessions with a reading from Isadora Moon Gets in Trouble as well as a craft activity, book signing and eating star shaped biscuits.

I spoke to Harriet, aged 29, to find out more…

What made you start writing that first book and what inspired you?

I’ve always had a love for things that are pink and glittery, but also things that are a bit gothic. I wanted to mash the two together to create a world full of contrasts. I also wanted to contrast the magical and the everyday by having a fantastical character who has to deal with relatable problems like going to school or throwing a birthday party.

Tell me about the Isadora Moon series

It’s a series of books about the adventures of a little girl whose mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire, so she’s a vampire-fairy. She has a stuffed pink rabbit her mum brought to life with magic, and lots of human friends from the human school she goes to.

Did you always know it would be a series?

I started with the idea for the character of Isadora Moon. Once I had the character and her background I had to think of what problems she would have, and thought she might find it difficult to decide whether to go to fairy school or vampire school. As soon as I had written the first story and fleshed out Isadora’s world, I could envisage lots of different stories for Isadora. I passed the first draft to my agent, who showed it to Oxford University Press, and they then offered me a four-book deal, so then I knew I would get the opportunity to turn it into a series.

Tell me about the new one in particular?

In Isadora Moon Gets in Trouble, Isadora’s cousin Mirabelle comes to stay. Mirabelle is a witch, is a little older than Isadora, and always has the best ideas for games they can play. However, Mirabelle has a mischievous side, and when she finds out that Isadora has a Bring-your-pets-to-school day, she convinces Isadora it would be really cool if she took in a magic dragon. Isadora goes asking with this plan, but things soon get out of hand.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Do you have a process you follow while writing?

I always start with an idea for a story, and I think about this for a few days before discussing it on a walk with my husband on the hills near our house in Bedfordshire. I write out a first draft to send to my editor, then respond to any of her comments and ideas. Once the story is finalised, then I start to draw the pictures.

What do you like about writing?

I love being able to create my own worlds and have control over how every part looks and feels.

You illustrate them as well, was this always your intention?

Yes, I deliberately wanted to write for the five to nine age group so that I could do the illustrations. I am equally passionate about writing and illustrating.

I’ve always loved making things, drawing and writing. I used to spend my childhood holidays writing stories, then drawing the pictures.

What are your personal favourite books?

I love the Dorrie books by Patticia Coombs. These are about a little witch who always wears odd socks and has a black cat called Gink.

What would you say to aspiring writers?

Write and draw whatever you’re passionate shout about, even if other people might not think it is ‘cool’ or exciting, because you never know where it could lead you.

Meet the Author:

Watford Waterstones, Saturday, August 12 between 2pm and 4pm

Hatfield Waterstones, Saturday, August 19 between 2pm and 4pm

St Albans Waterstones, Saturday, August 26, 10.30am to12.30pm

Harpenden Books, Saturday, August 26, 2pm to 4pm