Inside the Mind - I.G. OLIVER

Initially, my five‑year‑old daughter asked me to create a new story because she was bored with the usual traditional ones. My writing truly began with that simple request. But the story I told her grew and grew — expanding far beyond a bedtime tale and eventually becoming a four‑book fantasy adventure. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that imagination is more than a feeling — it’s a place, a force, almost a science of its own. That idea became the foundation of my It’s a Kind of Maragic arc, which is the heart of my work. I write to explore how creativity shapes us, how wonder connects us, and how stories can reveal deeper truths about the world. Alongside the Maragic series, I also enjoy creating lighter, stand‑alone picture books like The Naughty Nifnogglin, but it was the Maragic universe — and that moment with my daughter — that truly inspired me to become an author.

My main body of work is the It’s a Kind of Maragic arc — a four‑book fantasy adventure series that explores imagination, nature, and the mysterious force known as Maragic. It’s my flagship project and the heart of my storytelling. Alongside that series, I also create stand‑alone illustrated children’s books. My latest is The Naughty Nifnogglin Vs The Snigglysnoos, a completely separate world full of color, rhythm, and playful chaos. It’s a light‑hearted picture‑book adventure, very different in tone and audience from the Maragic saga.

For me, the writing always comes first. I start with the world, the themes, and the kind of journey I want the reader to go on. As the story takes shape, the characters begin to emerge naturally from the situations, emotions, and ideas I’m exploring. Once they exist on the page, I refine them visually through illustration—expressions, posture, colour, and little details that reinforce who they already are in the story. In that sense, the words give birth to the characters, and the artwork then deepens and clarifies them.For the Maragic series, characters grow from deeper themes — identity, wonder, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. They’re shaped by the emotional and philosophical backbone of the story. And as I wrote, the characters appeared in my mind and were added when needed, using the real scientific names of the creatures then playing around with those names and then creating fantasy names from them. For my stand‑alone children’s books, like The Naughty Nifnogglin, characters begin as sketches and playful ideas. They’re whimsical, colourful, and designed to spark imagination in younger readers. Two very different creative processes, but both rooted in curiosity.

I start with a quiet moment — a cup of tea, a sketchbook, and a bit of space to let ideas settle. I often draw before I write; the visuals help me find the tone and rhythm of the story. Once I’m in the flow, I write in bursts, revising in layers until the words feel musical. My day is a mix of writing, illustrating, and refining — creativity in motion.

The freedom. Indie publishing allows me to build worlds exactly as I imagine them — colourful, quirky, and unapologetically unique. Hearing from readers, parents, and teachers who’ve connected with my stories is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that something I created has sparked joy or inspired creativity in someone else is the best feeling.

Digging deep into my imagination and coming up with ideas that relate to real life. Balancing creativity with the practical side of publishing. Writing and illustrating are joyful, but formatting, marketing, and distribution can be overwhelming. I’ve learned to take it step by step, stay patient, and remember why I started: to share stories that make people smile.

For my writing, I keep things simple — Word Docs. For illustration, I use digital drawing apps alongside hand‑drawn work and painting, photographing my work, and enhancing using paint Aps. NO AI - Although more recently I used some AI for advertising.

Write down any idea you have, keep notes on things that pop in your mind, diary. Then come back to it when you feel the time is right to start writing.

I focus on authenticity — sharing the creative process, the artwork, and the heart behind the stories. I connect with readers through social media, school visits, and platforms like the Indie Reading Community. Promotion works best when it feels like an extension of the storytelling itself

I'm currently working on a highly secretive book, that includes science and Fantasy. Watch this Space!