I’ve been struggling to concoct an author’s bio. I think the reason why I’m writing this book has to be told first. So here goes…..
I endured severe bullying in grade school. For better and for worse, it shaped who I am. I’m resilient, brave, and a bit of a vigilante when it comes to defending or backing up others. I also suffer from an inner dialogue that, to this day, tells me I’m unworthy and unlovable.
I graduated from SCAD with a BFA in video. One of my professors was extremely discouraging. I realized as a person full of self-criticism, I would not be able to cut it in the real world. It was 1992 and the film industry was very much male-dominated. Oh wait, it still is. We’re getting there.
I did, however, fall in love with fiber arts at SCAD. I always loved crafting. Fiber arts created a new world where I could take that passion and push the boundaries of it into fine art. I currently sell woven and knit products through my business, Crafter Geek. I also have a retail division specializing in eco-friendly arts and crafts kits and supplies. I particularly love that I can make beautiful things that are also useful, like scarves and wraps.
So where does writing fit into this? Glad you asked. Bullying has always been a part of me. While participating in GISHWHES…..2015 maybe?…..I judged entries on the topic of writing a note to a teacher you never thanked. Forgive the awful paraphrasing. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard in my life. A good 95% of them were bullied kids thanking their teacher for supporting them. The vigilante streak in me resurfaced.
I went to work on a treatment for a reality show about bullying. The idea was to follow a diverse group of kids enduring bullies, tell their story, and get professionals involved in their healing. But I also wanted to interview the bullies. I wanted to know why. I wanted to get them any help they needed, too.
In January 2022, I got COVID for Christmas, like so many others. I was in so much pain, I couldn’t watch TV, scroll on my phone, or read. My body was exhausted, but my mind was bored. In a fevered state, I imagined a girl like me going through her locker and coming out with powers to defend herself from her bullies. I entertained myself by writing a little story in my head about what that would be like. The ideas kept coming to me. Before I knew it, I had a fully-formed beginning, middle, and end.
And that, my friends, is how The Magic Locker came to be.
Thanks for checking out my brand-new website. I hope you enjoy the book when it’s released! I am currently finishing the rough draft. I am learning how to use Discord. Please join me if you’re interested in becoming a beta reader, discussing elements in the book, laughing at me trying to figure out the platform, and general hijinks.
THE MAGIC LOCKER’S DISCORD SERVER
Embrace Your Power,
Elara XOXO
The Magic Locker 