In the crisp autumn air, Bunny and Fawn race through the forest when a mysterious glow beneath the leaves leads them to Phoenix, a magical bird whose fading fire and urgent journey home pull the sisters into an unforgettable nighttime adventure filled with curiosity, courage, and the quiet worry of what might happen if the sun rises too soon. Alongside Bear and Truffles, they brave dark paths and the unknown, discovering how kindness, teamwork, and the comforting warmth of friendship can light the way.
I enjoy writing stories for awesome kids like you! I love making books about friendship and fun. When I’m not writing, I’m usually exploring with my wife, attending sporting events, and cooking on the grill.
1. Welcome, Colm Hearne. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the reader’s a little about yourself? How you got your start in the writing business?
(Colm):I live in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve been writing since I was a kid and always dreamed about becoming a published writer. I’ve two children’s fantasy books published so far. They’re called “A Legend of Tara: Fionn the Reviver” and “. I have many different ideas for books and stories.
2. All writers fear the dreaded “block.” Please tell us how you handle it.
(Colm): Honestly, I’ve never had to deal with writer’s block because I never seem to run out of ideas. If I ever get an idea or inspiration for a book or a story, I make a note of it on my computer so I won’t forget about it. I’ve got hundreds of ideas, literally.
(KAM) That’s amazing!
3. What’s your writing process like? Do you have a favorite snack or drink? Do you listen to music? Do you go old-school and write on paper, use a typewriter, or pen your thoughts on a computer? Do you have a particular writing outfit or location that inspires you the most?
(Colm): I write wherever I go. Whether it’s in a café or at home or somewhere quiet where I can do some writing. I usually handwrite my writing first, then type it up on my computer. I also like to have a cup of tea or coffee while I’m writing.
4. If you could have dinner with one author, alive or dead, who would that be and why?
(Colm): It would probably be Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall books. I’ve been a fan of his work since I was a kid, and he was a major influence on my writing of “Fionn the Reviver,” “The Lost Brother,” and even “The Legends of Tara” series. He was also a funny guy with a great sense of humour.
(KAM) I’ve never heard of them, so thank you for sharing their name with us!
5. What or who inspired you to write?
(Colm): What inspired me were books by authors like Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Brian Jacques and J.R.R. Tolkien. When I read one of their books, I imagined myself being an amazing author like them and even coming up with my own fantasy world.
(KAM) I love Tolkien!
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
(Colm): If I had to choose, I would probably say the comic book script that I’m working on, “Skater”. Because I love superhero movies, and people have told me that when I read my comic book scripts like “Skater”, they can see them made into films. As to who would star in the film, I don’t really know. Maybe someone like Andrew Garfield because he was cool as Spider-Man.
(KAM) I would definitely watch your movie. Andrew was a fantastic Spider-Man, and I also love superhero movies!
7. Would you please tell us about your current or upcoming release?
(Colm): Yes, I’m working on a few different projects. I’m working on a third and fourth book to “The Legends of Tara” series. I’ve also written a comic book script called “Skater” as I’m passionate about comics as well. I’m working on a few different comic book scripts. I also write short stories as well. One particular short story called “The Bad Word” I’m hoping to get published eventually. I’ve also written a chapter for a Christmas book called “The Missing Elf”. I seem to be always writing stories.
8. Where can we find your stories and is there a particular reading order?
(Colm): My two children’s fantasy books, “Fionn the Reviver” and “The Lost Brother”, are available on Amazon. They’re both part of a series, so I would start by reading “The Lost Brother” first, then read “Fionn the Reviver”.
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
(Colm): Two things I’d like to say: if anyone buys or reads one of my books, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads because getting reviews is tough. So the more reviews, the better. Second, to anyone aspiring to become a writer like me, I would say: first of all, keep writing, and don’t be afraid to show your work to anyone. And if you experience setbacks or disappointments, whether it’s writing, publishing or marketing, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up; keep going. Even J.K. Rowling experienced rejection several times when she was trying to publish “Harry Potter”, and she went on to become one of the best-selling authors of all time. Hope you found this helpful, and thank you for having me.
I hope you enjoyed my interview with Colm Hearne If you have any questions or comments for the author, by all means, leave them a message below. Thank you in advance for your visit!
A rhyming bedtime book that keeps bad dreams at bay.
In the hushed Land of Nod, where moonbeams peek and shadows creep, lives a secret group of sleepy helpers known as Nodlings.
Each night the Nodlings wake, stretch their wings, and fly from their hidden land into children’s rooms everywhere.
Their mission is simple. Chase away bad dreams and make sweet dreams come true.
But there are rules the Nodlings must follow. They must stay out of sight. They must stay quiet. And most of all, they must be back in their beds before sunrise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
In the Land of Nod, you will find everyone and everything catching some zzz’s, and most are wearing adorable nightcaps. As the clock passes midnight, the Nodlings wake up, still sleepy but on a mission to bring sweet dreams to the kids in the village. The magical Nodlings had an important task to do every night, and they did it in style. Their caps and onesies were adorable, and the Nodling wearing the blue onesie with white polka-dots made me smile the most. He didn’t speak because that was against the Land of Nod rules. It was all the late-night snacks he had in his hand or falling out of his satchel. Even his artwork featured food.
The Land of Nod was a peaceful, magical land where Nodlings entered our world through a magical portal. (Read the story to discover what linked their world to ours.) The fairy-like characters with very large ears had to follow 5 rules. They were essential to protect their world, themselves. (Read the story to see the list.) There was an amusing illustration of them having to quickly hide from a child who was up past their bedtime. Again, it was the polka-dotted Nodling who stole the show!
The Nodling used special means to keep the children asleep while they chased away their bad dreams and thoughts. They used funny means to tell Nodlings where to land, and the jester-looking Nodling was quite the cut-up in one scene. I loved his facial artwork on the sleeping child and wondered if it will disappear at the dawn of a new day. Oh, and the polka-dot pajama-wearing Nodling…well, he made me chuckle again thanks to the comical illustration of him in a hairy situation.
The Nodlings’ mission is to chase away the bad dreams and replace them with good thoughts, ensuring a peace’s night’s sleep. They succeeded in their mission, but did they do it in time before sunrise? Read the story and see if they broke this rule or not.
I recommend The Land of Nod to all kids 3 years and older. It is a fun, amusing rhyming story, perfect for bedtime.
Jimmy was a creative kid who was always building, tinkering, and rigging up something around the house. These days, his kids say he just makes stuff up for a living—they’re right. As the owner of a creative marketing agency, Jimmy really does “make stuff up all day” for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo, has inherited his “gift.”
Now, they both can see ghosts.
Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell drives his young family 800 miles to celebrate his aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once they arrive in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—”Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen.
Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and son in danger?
“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is one of the finest books ever written, a paranormal mystery that stole my soul and took my breath away.” ★★★★★++ stars—N N Light Bookheaven
“Red Shadow at Saugatuck by Randy Overbeck was complex and captivating. I was mesmerized from the very first page right up to the last one.”— ReadersFavorite.com
“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is thoughtful, deeply human, and low-key terrifying in a quiet way.” ★★★★★ The Gold Award–Literary Titan
“Red Shadows at Saugatuck kept me turning pages well into the night…a gripping tale about finding justice for a Native American teen.”—John DeDakis, author of Fake and former senior editor for CNN “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children in roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His novels have earned national awards including the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Thriller of the Year from Readers Favorite, Silver Award for Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews and Crown of Excellence from Ind’tale Magazine. Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences. His newest literary project is his new podcast, Great Stories about Great Storytellers, with the weird and unusual backstories of great storytellers like authors, directors and poets.
A story of kindness, courage, and the magic of staying true to yourself.
In the heart of the Enchanted Forest, young unicorns are granted a magical gift on their third birthday — a cherished tradition led by the Elder Tree, the oldest and wisest being in the forest. For Storma, a curious and energetic unicorn foal, this is the moment she’s been dreaming of her whole life.
But on the way to the ceremony, Storma hears a tiny cry for help and discovers a frightened baby hedgehog, lost and alone at the base of the mountain. With time running short, Storma faces a difficult choice: follow the tradition she’s waited for her whole life, or follow her heart and help a new friend in need.
A whimsical and heartfelt tale, Storma’s Gift celebrates the quiet power of empathy, the bravery found in unexpected choices, and the rarest magic of all — a true unicorn heart.
Perfect for ages 4–8, this gentle adventure blends timeless storytelling with rich illustrations and a powerful message about kindness, courage, and staying true to yourself.
Part of the Tales of Storma series— a collection of magical, standalone adventures that can be enjoyed in any order.
Gina Bayar is an author and illustrator of imaginative picture books that celebrate kindness, nature, and the magic of unexpected journeys. A lifelong dreamer and mom of two, she inspires young readers to explore, care for the planet, and believe in themselves.
