Author Nikki Mitchell pens Nighshade Forest

Enter the fairy world through a magic portal that Eleanor has received as a gift in a book. She turns into a fairy joined by Elfie and Milo to find the magic crystal that will restore order to the kingdom that went bonkers.

It even started snowing in the enchanted purple and blue glowing forest and in the village with gargoyles, goblins, and magicians. Salmon started turning lime green.

Mitchell penned this middle-grade book during the pandemic with its limitations.

"Eleanor is much like I was as a kid," she said. "I've always wished I could travel into all these stories."

The book is set in 1945 without any technology; Eleanor doesn't have a cell phone, a computer, or a TV.

"Books and libraries are magical places that people should visit often," Mitchell said.

Among the insights, she gained from her writing journey was the fact not to put away your writing projects.

"I shouldn't have put my creative writing on the backburner," Mitchell said. "Nightshade Forest helped me get my voice out there."

Listen to the episode for a chance to win a signed copy of Mitchell's book.

Sponsored by Doc Chavent, the Lowell Ledger and Nikki Mitchell