We had the honor of sitting down with the renowned author Angela Legh, best known for her children’s fantasy book series, The Bella Santini Chronicles. Through her books, Angela provides children and their parents with invaluable tools for emotional balance. With over 50 years of personal experience overcoming abuse, bullying, and belittlement, Angela has developed unique emotional management methods that have inspired readers worldwide. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today, and she is a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Tribune. Angela is also an international bestselling author with ten published books to her name, including her latest release, a transformative 90-day journal designed to promote self-love. Join us as we delve into Angela’s journey and insight into promoting emotional well-being.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Writing has been a part of my life since childhood, when I embarked on an imaginative journey with a mouse as my main character. However, as I transitioned into adulthood, the demands of practicality led me away from my creative pursuits. I found myself immersed in roles that prioritized financial stability, such as crafting employee safety manuals. Yet, despite the necessity of these endeavors, they left me feeling unfulfilled creatively. It wasn’t until the upheaval of a wildfire turned my world upside down that I rediscovered the power of writing as a form of self-expression. In the aftermath of chaos, writing became my refuge, allowing me to process emotions and make sense of the turmoil surrounding me. This transformative experience reignited my passion for storytelling and propelled me on a journey to share my voice with the world.
What is your favorite childhood book?
One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around my second-grade teacher captivating our class with “The Hobbit.” The magic of Bilbo’s journey enchanted me, leaving a lasting impression with its depth and richness. This experience ignited my love for magical tales, leading me to read Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” and Roald Dahl’s delightful “James and the Giant Peach.” I found myself drawn to stories that exuded an innocence of magic, where whimsy and wonder danced hand in hand, captivating my imagination and inspiring me to embark on my own literary adventures.
Reading has always been a cherished gift in my life, whisking me away to enchanting worlds brimming with wonder and magic. Even now, as an avid reader, I find myself drawn to tales that ignite my imagination and transport me to realms beyond the ordinary. Whether delving into the eerie realms of Stephen King’s “Fairytale,” wandering the ethereal landscapes of Neil Gaiman’s “Ocean at the End of the Lane,” or unraveling the mysteries of Tracy Higley’s “Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time,” I am continually captivated by stories that weave a tapestry of enchantment and intrigue. My passion for fairy tales and magical moments knows no bounds, and I am endlessly inspired by characters who embody goodness and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.
How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?
I don’t engage in extensive world-building or meticulously plan out character arcs before I start writing. Instead, the story unfolds organically for me. Inspiration strikes unexpectedly—whether I’m strolling through the woods or waking up from a dream—with scenes and adventures flooding my mind. It’s as if the story is channeled through me, flowing effortlessly from my fingertips onto the page.
Sometimes, when I revisit what I’ve written, I’m astounded by the profound wisdom that seems to emanate from the words. I question if I actually wrote that. I feel a profound connection with angels, and in my vivid imagination, I believe they are guiding me, sending messages through my writing to resonate with children and impart lessons of hope, courage, and love.
How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?
While my children’s books may explore heavy themes, I approach them with a delicate touch, ensuring that even as the characters navigate challenges, the tone remains gentle. Although I don’t find myself deeply affected emotionally while writing these tales, I do empathize with the struggles of my characters. Take Novaq, for example, whose difficult childhood leads him to lash out at others. One of the central lessons in my books is the profound truth that “hurt people hurt people.” Understanding the underlying pain behind such behaviors fosters compassion and empathy, virtues that are invaluable in our world today.
However, it’s a different story when I’m crafting scripts for my television show, “Children’s Lives Matter,” airing on e360tv.com/Thriving Women Network. In this platform, we confront heartbreaking topics that some children must endure in today’s world. While writing for the show, I’m often stirred by deep emotions as we shed light on these difficult realities. Our aim is to equip parents with understanding and awareness so that they can advocate for children facing such challenges with compassion.
Which is your favorite among all characters you’ve created?
It’s truly a tough choice to pick a favorite among the characters I’ve created. Bella holds a special place in my heart with her resilience and inner strength, but Shibohna is equally captivating with her unwavering kindness and positivity, even in the face of adversity. Then there’s Matteus, who grapples with the challenge of balancing his role as a counselor with his natural playfulness and cheerfulness, adding depth to the narrative. And let’s not forget Torvieto, the ancient fairy trapped in stone as a gargoyle for 900 years, until Bella’s magic sets him free. His blend of compassion and straight talk makes him a truly memorable character. Each of these individuals brings something special to the tapestry of my storytelling, making it impossible for me to choose just one favorite.
What is different about your book compared to other books in your genre?
In the crowded landscape of pre-teen adventure literature, Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change offers a unique blend of captivating storytelling and invaluable emotional guidance. While many books in this genre provide entertaining escapades and moral lessons, my book goes a step further by empowering young readers with practical tools and techniques to navigate the complex landscape of their emotions. By seamlessly weaving these insights into an engaging narrative, Bella Santini offers not just entertainment, but a roadmap for resilience and self-discovery, making it a standout choice for parents and educators seeking more than just a story for their children.
Moreover, Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change fosters a sense of empathy and understanding, as readers journey alongside Bella through her trials and triumphs. By delving into themes of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance, the book resonates deeply with young readers, offering them not only an escape into a fantastical world but also a mirror to reflect upon their own experiences. Through Bella’s adventures, readers learn not just to cope with challenges, but to embrace them as opportunities for growth and resilience, instilling in them a sense of empowerment that extends far beyond the pages of the book.
What are the words you live by?
This world is better when we choose to respond to our circumstances with kindness and understanding. Choosing to respond to our circumstances with kindness and understanding is not just a passive reaction; it’s an active choice that shapes not only our own experience but also the world around us. When we approach challenges and difficulties with kindness, we create a ripple effect of positivity that can uplift not only ourselves but also those around us. Kindness has the power to diffuse tensions, mend relationships, and inspire others to do the same. It fosters a sense of connection and empathy, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of supporting one another through both good times and bad.
Responding with understanding allows us to see beyond surface-level judgments and assumptions, opening the door to deeper connections and meaningful interactions. It encourages us to listen with an open heart, seek common ground, and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. Ultimately, by embracing kindness and understanding as guiding principles, we contribute to creating a world where compassion thrives, differences are celebrated, and unity prevails.
What is your favorite quote from your book?
One of my favorite quotes from my book comes from a pivotal moment between Matteus and Bella. When Matteus speaks these words to Bella, he is not only offering her encouragement but also planting a seed of empowerment within her heart. His message resonates deeply because it speaks to the universal struggle many face: the battle against self-doubt and the pressure to conform to others’ expectations. Matteus’s words are a reminder that true magic lies within each of us – a reservoir of potential waiting to be tapped into. By urging Bella to trust in herself and her abilities, Matteus is not just offering empty reassurances; he is igniting a flame of self-belief that will guide her through her journey. This quote encapsulates the theme of self-discovery and inner strength that runs throughout the book, inspiring readers to look within themselves for the answers they seek and to embrace their own unique magic.
You can find out more about Angela Legh here>>
A Book by Angela Legh
Want to read some of Angela Legh’s work? Keep reading to learn about Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change.
Recipient of Prestigious Awards: Winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize and the Gold Medal from Mom’s Choice® Awards. This is a story that stands out, a true gem recognized for its excellence.
“Angry, upset, and utterly fed up with my parents, I ventured into the woods, seeking solace in the gentle embrace of nature. Little did I know, my escape would lead me to a place beyond my wildest dreams—or nightmares. As I stumbled into a moonlit meadow, the air seemed to hum with magic, and before I could even catch my breath, I found myself whisked away by the mysterious Fae. Suddenly, I was no longer in the familiar world I knew, but in a realm of perpetual change and enchantment. Now I am sad, will I ever see my parents again?”
In the vein of literary giants such as Tolkien and Rowling, emerges a magical tale both whimsical and wickedly clever.
“Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change” introduces us to Bella Santini, an ordinary child thrust into an extraordinary world of enchantment and peril. But this was only the beginning for Bella Santini, a young girl with a fiery spirit and a big heart. As Bella navigates through the dangers and wonders of the Fae realm, she discovers her own inner strength and learns the true power of friendship. But when Bella is forced to retrieve an ancient relic hidden from the Fae, Bella must use all her wit and bravery to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands.
With its whimsical charm and thrilling adventure, “Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change” is a sweet and magical tour de force that will leave readers wanting more. If you enjoyed the magical worlds of “Harry Potter” and “The Hobbit,” you won’t want to miss this captivating tale. So don’t wait any longer, click Read Now or Buy Now and join Bella on her journey through the Fae realm.
Purchase Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change here>>