Introduction
Welcome to "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm thrilled to feature Willow Hewett, a truly inspiring and multi-talented author. Willow, a twenty-nine-year-old mother of two, balances her thriving writing career with the demands of family life, and her work as a carer. She's a testament to the power of pursuing your passions, even amidst a busy schedule. Willow's journey began at the young age of seven, when she started crafting short stories. Now, she's an award-winning, internationally published author across a remarkable range of genres, including Young Adult, Horror, Crime, Thriller, Children's Picture Books, and even TV scripts.
Meeting Willow: From Childhood Dreams to Award-Winning Author
Willow Hewett's dedication to her craft is evident in her perseverance. It took her nearly 11 years to complete her first full-length novel, Past My Time – The Witch's Curse, a delay she lovingly attributes to her "adorable children." This blend of dedication and humour is characteristic of Willow's approach to both her writing and her life. She's a shining example of how to balance creative pursuits with the responsibilities of being a carer and a parent.
Willow's passion isn't limited to just one type of story. She's a prolific writer, constantly exploring new genres and formats. Beyond her novels, she has written television scripts, song lyrics, and is an illustrator.
A World of Stories: Exploring Willow Hewett's Diverse Genres
One of the most remarkable aspects of Willow Hewett's writing is her versatility. She effortlessly moves between genres, captivating readers of all ages and interests. Let's take a closer look at some of her key projects:
- Past My Time Series (Young Adult Fantasy): This series, beginning with Past My Time: The Witch's Curse, plunges readers into a world of magic, adventure, and suspense. In the first book, eighteen-year-old Mary, in the year 1840, finds herself hunted by a decomposing witch named Elizabeth while searching for her parents. She meets Captain Miles, and is "Thrown into a world of magic and monsters, Mary will follow in her parents footsteps to try and defeat the witch. Yet the past is dark and everyone holds secrets. Who can be trusted? Mary must fit the puzzle pieces together before it’s too late." The adventure continues in Past My Time: The Witch's Cult, where Mary faces the continued threat of Elizabeth's followers: "Mary’s situation is fraught with danger and uncertainty. With Elizabeth’s cult still active and powerful allies working to resurrect her, Mary must tread carefully and rely on her instincts to discern friend from foe." The series promises a thrilling blend of romance, action, and intricate plotting, perfect for young adult readers.
- The Wishy-Washy, Curly-Wurly Dragon Series (Children's Picture Books): Willow also creates heartwarming and imaginative stories for younger readers. The Tale of the Lost Teeth, the first book in this series, introduces us to a dragon who's "somewhat different than other dragons." The blurb teases a story about embracing differences: "The Wishy-Washy, Curly-Wurly Dragon is somewhat different than other dragons. But he has a BIG secret he won’t share with anyone! One day he loses the one thing he’s most embarrassed about, and must race against time to find it before anyone else does. But when he can’t find it on his own, he must ask for help." With fun rhymes and vibrant illustrations created by Willow herself, this series promises to be a delightful and educational experience for children of all ages.
- Chamberlain Street (Crime): With Chamberlain Street, Willow delves into the world of crime fiction. "In the grimy streets of 18th century Bristol, a brutal murder has shaken the city to its core. Detective Acker is on the case, determined to uncover the truth behind the slaying of Lady Penelope, a noblewoman found dead in an alleyway."
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The Taranock (Horror): With The Taranock, Willow writes a classic horror. "The old house at the end of the street has a dark history. For centuries, locals have talked of strange events and disappearances within its walls. Wild tales have been woven into folklore, told at night to scare children."
- And More to Come: Willow's creative energy doesn't stop there! She's currently working on several other exciting projects, including a Viking thriller, and further installments in both the Past My Time and Wishy-Washy, Curly-Wurly Dragon series.
This incredible range demonstrates Willow Hewett's exceptional talent and her dedication to crafting captivating stories for a wide audience.
Celebrating Success: Awards and Recognition
Willow Hewett's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has received significant recognition for her writing, garnering over 30 awards for her television scripts and 8 awards for her novel, Past My Time – The Witch's Curse. Her work has been featured in newspapers, on BBC radio, and on popular podcasts like Pocketpulp and Openbookpod, showcasing her stories to a global audience. This impressive list of accolades underscores her skill and dedication to her craft.
What People Are Saying About Willow Hewett's Work:
The positive reception to Willow's books is a testament to her ability to connect with readers across different genres. Here's a selection of reviews that highlight the strengths of her writing:
- "Masterfully done. The message of accepting yourself and others for who they are is essential for a child's upbringing. " - William Burkhardt on The Tale of the Lost Teeth, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "The Tale of the Lost Teeth is a well written picture book by Willow Hewitt and it is beautifully illustrated. I enjoyed the describing words for the Wishy Washy Dragon and the friendship of the animals. I highly recommend this beautiful picture book." - Carole G. Barton on The Tale of the Lost Teeth, 5 Stars, Goodreads
Past My Time: The Witch's Curse has garnered praise for its fast-paced plot and engaging tension. See reviews on Amazon.
Past My Time: The Witch's Cult is described as a captivating magical adventure that leaves readers wanting more. See reviews on Amazon.
The Taranock is lauded as a classic ghost story with intriguing characters and a relentless dose of drama and horror. See reviews on Amazon.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to explore Willow Hewett's diverse and captivating body of work. You can find more information about her and her books on her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook and X.
You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate links below:
- Past My Time: The Witch's Curse
- Past My Time: The Witch's Cult
- The Tale of the Lost Teeth (free to read with Kindle Unlimited)
- Chamberlain Street
- The Taranock
After reading, consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads to share your thoughts and support her work.
Conclusion
Willow Hewett is a remarkable talent, a true force in the world of fiction. Her journey from writing short stories as a child to becoming an award-winning, internationally published author is an inspiration. She demonstrates that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to embrace diverse genres, anything is possible. Balancing her writing with the demands of motherhood and being a carer makes her accomplishments all the more impressive. I'm incredibly excited to see what she creates next, and I urge you to discover the magic of her storytelling for yourself.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.