August 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Angela G. Williams - From South African Veld to Magical Gardens

Introduction

For this special edition of "Author Spotlight", I'm turning the focus inward to share a little about my own journey as a writer. My name is Angela G. Williams, and I'm a multi-genre author with a passion for uncovering the stories that connect us all. My work ranges from the whimsical and gentle world of my Milo the Moss children's book series to compelling historical and gothic fantasy narratives. My path to becoming an author has been shaped by diverse experiences, from the wild landscapes of South Africa to the quiet archives of genealogical research.

From Game Ranger to Genealogist: My Journey to Writing

I was born and raised in South Africa, a background that has profoundly shaped who I am. For a time, I worked as a game ranger and wildlife photographer, experiences that gave me a deep appreciation for nature and observation; my favourite place in the world remains Kruger National Park. Alongside these adventures in the wild, I've nurtured a lifelong passion for history and genealogy, spending over two decades tracing the intricate threads of human connection through time.

On the other end of the creative spectrum, my diploma in Early Childhood Development provides the foundation for my children's stories, helping me craft tales that resonate with young minds and hearts. When I'm not writing or tracing ancestral lines, you can often find me exploring virtual worlds in games like World of Warcraft, travelling, listening to music, taking photographs, or spending time with my family. My inspiration comes from many places, but the incredible world-building of fellow South African native J.R.R. Tolkien has always been a major influence on my own storytelling aspirations.

The World of Milo the Moss: Gentle Stories for Big Feelings

My Milo the Moss series is a collection of heartwarming tales designed to help young children navigate big feelings through quiet, nature-based adventures. The stories centre on Milo, a gentle patch of moss who learns about his place in the world and the importance of friendship. Each book is brought to life with beautiful, classic ink and wash artwork that captures the magic of the garden.

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  • Milo the Moss and the Mighty Big World: In this first story, Milo wonders about his purpose in a big, busy world. He can't fly like the ladybugs or carry crumbs like the ants. Through encounters with a tired ladybug and a shimmering dewdrop, he discovers that providing a safe, quiet place for others is a mighty job indeed, teaching children about self-worth and the value of their unique qualities. This heartwarming story is also available in Spanish and Afrikaans editions, bringing Milo's journey to even more young readers. 

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  • Milo the Moss and the Grumpy Day: This tale gently explores social-emotional concepts. When Milo's friend Ladybug is having a bad day, his attempts to cheer her up fail. He learns a powerful lesson: sometimes the best way to help a friend isn't to fix their problem, but to simply offer a quiet, steady presence, teaching children the importance of empathy.

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  • Milo the Moss and the Silvery Stranger: Releasing on September 9th, 2025, this story addresses the fear of the unknown. When a strange new creature—a snail with a house on its back—appears, Milo is initially scared. The story follows his journey from fear to curiosity and courage, showing young readers how looking past outward differences can lead to a wonderful new friendship.

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  • Milo the Moss and the Secret of the Rain: Coming on September 23rd, 2025, Milo learns about the magic of the natural world in this gentle introduction to the water cycle. Through a new raindrop friend, he hears the amazing story of her journey from a lake to a cloud and back to the garden, discovering the beautiful secret of how everything in nature is connected.

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  • Milo the Moss and the Warmest Gift: This heartwarming winter tale, releasing on November 11th, 2025, teaches the true meaning of generosity. When his friend Antsy is cold and stuck, Milo offers a piece of his own cozy self to help. It's a beautiful story about sharing, friendship, and discovering that the greatest gifts come from the heart.

Venturing into Legend: Other Published Works

Beyond the gentle world of the garden, my writing also ventures into the realms of high fantasy and folklore, exploring the timeless tales that have captivated readers for centuries.

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I was thrilled to contribute my short story, "The Saracen's Heart," to the anthology Legends of Camelot: Knights of the Round Table. Amidst tales of Arthurian adventure, my story follows Sir Palamedes—the Saracen knight famed for his skill but restless in his spirit—on a journey of faith, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

I am also excited to be contributing to the upcoming anthology, Catskill Chaos, which will feature three of my poems: "The Devil’s Path," "The Catskill Flood of ‘96," and "The Slide Mountain Ghost."

What Readers Are Saying About My Work:

My books have been warmly received by readers, who have praised both the gentle lessons in the Milo the Moss series and the adventurous spirit of the Legends of Camelot anthology. Here's a sample of the wonderful feedback I've received on Goodreads:

  • "A Quiet Gem That Teaches a Mighty Lesson...Milo is a refreshingly quiet and gentle hero that children can instantly connect with...The book's message about finding your own unique purpose and the quiet strength of being a good friend is delivered with such a gentle touch." - Gemma Inigo on Milo the Moss and the Mighty Big World, 5 Stars, Goodreads
  • "A Beautiful and Necessary Story About Big Feelings...This story tackles a situation every parent and child will recognize: what to do when a friend is just in a grumpy mood...It’s a wonderful tool for opening up conversations about emotions and how to be a good friend." - Gemma Inigo on Milo the Moss and the Grumpy Day, 5 Stars, Goodreads
  • "This is a captivating journey through the myths and legends of Camelot. Each story weaves a spellbinding tapestry of chivalry, magic, and destiny...a delightful addition to any bookshelf." - Stellar Currie on Legends of Camelot: Knights of the Round Table, 5 Stars, Goodreads

Readers on Amazon have also shared their love for my books. Milo the Moss and the Mighty Big World is described as a sweet and gentle story with beautiful illustrations that's a "hit" with young children. My contribution to Legends of Camelot has been praised as part of a "solid collection" that successfully brings the world of King Arthur vividly to life.

You can read the full reviews on Amazon.

A Call to Connection

I'd be thrilled if you connected with me and followed my writing journey! You can find me on my website, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, Goodreads, Amazon, and BookBub.

You can purchase my books through the Amazon affiliate links below:

All of the above books are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!   

Conclusion

My journey as a writer has been a wonderful adventure, allowing me to explore everything from the gentle world of my Milo the Moss series to the epic legends of Camelot. Whether I'm tracing ancestral lines or dreaming up new worlds, my passion is for uncovering the stories that connect us all. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope you'll join me for the many more that are yet to come.

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.