The Starchild of Atarashara: The Field of Unlimited Possibilities
by M. Louise Cadrin
About the Book
What if the world as you knew it changed overnight and you discovered that you were from another part of the galaxy, and made up of pure magic ….
Meet thirteen-year-old Sarah Starbright, who lives with her mom, Hana, and her cat, Sir Perity. Her ability to see magic where others are unable has made for a lonely existence and one where she does not fit in with her classmates. Overnight, Sarah learns of her true origins. She is the Starchild, birthed from a mystical portal, and destined to save the Ancient Forest – the guardian of the Karrian Galaxy, in its darkest hour of need. As Sarah struggles to grow into her magic in time to complete her life’s purpose, she is hunted by another race of beings who wish to turn her magic toward the dark. Can Sarah stand true to who she is and fulfil her destiny as the Starchild of Atarashara? Will the mythical creatures that she had previously only dreamed of in her imagination, give their very lives to help her?
Take a journey with Sarah and her unique blend of magical guardians who become her closest friends and allies
“It’s an imaginative story about a young girl’s journey discovering herself and who she can be against all odds with the help of her family, friends, and magical creatures. I could definitely relate to the main character and the idea of being different and not like everyone else. This story reminded me that each of us is special in our own right and that we all have somewhere to belong.”
— Jenny Story, Bestselling fantasy author of Dysnomia
“I spent a week with Louise in Mexico when she attended my writers retreat to work on her novel. I don’t usually publish fantasy books, but this book came to life with magic, and I experienced the characters even before they appeared on the written page I had not yet read. I took that as a sign that I was destined to help Louise bring this magic to the world, and so I took on real magic again for only the second time out of 150 non-fiction books.”
— Julie Salisbury, TEDX speaker, author and publisher
About the Author
M. Louise Cadrin lives near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Through the power of music, and her many years as a music therapist in palliative care, she has seen the strength of the human spirit, and witnessed the complex, heart-warming layers of the human story. These experiences, coupled with her belief in Fairies and her sensitivities to the mysteries found in nature, have profoundly impacted her creativity and ability to weave a fantastical tale.
Louise spends as much time as possible exploring and taking sanctuary within nature.
Interview with M. Louise Cadrin
Please share a bit about your journey to become a published author?
My decision to write a book began some years ago after travelling to Europe to celebrate my fiftieth birthday. The entire trip was a period of deep introspection and reflection, with the last seven days spent in rural Tuscany, Italy. Every evening as darkness fell, I would walk down to the river and be filled with wonder as the woods came alive with masses of fireflies, their lights reflecting on the water. Coupled with this magical view were the sounds of nature, including the deep rhythmic songs of the bullfrogs. That trip, and in particular the mystical experience in Tuscany, was a turning point in my life. Upon returning home, I felt a pressing need to write. Two weeks later the Prologue of my book was birthed. As the book progressed, the characters and their story lines continued to be revealed to me during my many walks in nature.
In early 2018, through a series of synchronistic events, I attended a writer’s retreat co-facilitated by Julie in Mexico. It was during this time that I witnessed her passion and integrity, and her commitment to helping authors birth their books into the world. Not only did Julie experience and understand the overwhelming sense of magic that emanated from my book, but she fiercely protected the integrity of the book’s voice, and continually guided me to do the same.
Working with Julie has allowed me to present the book to the world in the way that the characters of the book shared their story with me. It has also catapulted me into a community of supportive fellow writers who are also following their soul’s calling.
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How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
As an empath and highly sensitive person (HSP), my writing process is very intuitive and one where I sense the story-line most clearly while in nature where my mind is able to calm. At times, the images seen in nature have been catalysts for introducing similar images into the story-line. I ideally try to write every day or at least every second day. Otherwise, the flow of the writing process becomes disjointed.
What did you find most difficult about the writing and publishing process? What was the easiest?
The entire publishing process was a significant learning curve. At times I felt frustrated because every step of the way was so new and so multi-faceted, and I had no previous experience to draw from. I am appreciative that this journey was made with the support of Julie and Greg and their publishing team. It was magical to watch the book grow and morph through the many stages into its finished product.
What title (or titles) have you released? Please include a short synopsis of what your book is (or books are) about.
I have published journal articles in my career as a music therapist, but The Starchild of Atarashara: The Field of Unlimited Possibilities is my first book. This is a coming-of-age story of a thirteen-year-old heroine but can speak to any reader who is striving to understand their true, core identity. It is a story about coming into one’s power, fulfilling one’s destiny, and staying true to oneself when challenged with adversity. It is also a story to remind us of the field of magic and infinite possibilities that exist around us at all times.
The main character of the book can see and sense magical beings that others cannot. As a result, she does not fit in with others her age. Her life changes abruptly overnight upon discovering that she is made up of pure magic, manifested from a portal of unlimited possibilities and destined to save many. This story is a Hero’s Journey. It is filled with magical allies, challenges and obstacles, and ultimately the heroine finding her own ‘tribe’ of beings and a place where she belongs.
This book is appropriate for all readers.
Do you have any new books in the planning or writing stage?
Yes. As the writing of The Starchild of Atarashara came to completion, it became clear that the story was not yet finished. I am currently working on the sequel to this book.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Through the power of music, and my many years as a music therapist in palliative care, I have seen the strength of the human spirit, and witnessed the complex, heart-warming layers of the human story. These experiences, coupled with my belief in Fairies and the unseen realms, and my sensitivities to the mysteries found in nature, have profoundly impacted my creativity and ability to create story.
I believe that magic is present inside us and all around us. In opening our senses to it, we open ourselves to a world of unlimited possibilities. This is my hope and wish for the readers of The Starchild of Atarashara; to connect with the wonder that exists around us at all times, to remember that we all have a place to belong, and to know that we all have the power to draw from a field of infinite possibilities to create the life that we want.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Life is a field of unlimited possibilities” – Albert Einstein
“To believe in magic is our birthright. In opening our senses to its existence, we open ourselves to a world of unlimited possibilities” – M. Louise Cadrin