Catharina Steel and the worlds she writes…
Catharina Steel developed the magical world of Clayton Forest, Wythic Wood, and the Hidden Forest which is where Tilly and her twin cousin’s, Jess and Zach, and Michael, go on adventures.
In addition to the rewrite of the middle grade mystery/fantasy “Vanishings, The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series | Book One”, she is in the process of developing a young adult series, The Kinesis’ which is set in a world that replaces Earth.
Vanishings will be published by SparkPress at the end of May 2025. This will be distributed by Simon & Schuster.
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I am a member of Women Writing Other Worlds writing group. We have a website: https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/ if you want to check us out. You can also apply for membership: https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/membership/
Magical Piet
A middle grade fantasy novella set in 1749 Ostend, Belgium.
A twelve-year-old boy discovers he’s a wizard and meets an elven queen who agrees to teach him magic in exchange for helping them find the captured mythical beings.
Opa’s origin story
“A heartfelt, exciting adventure with mysterious magic and unexpected alliances. The magical creatures of Crystal Wood [human name: Vile Wood] have been imprisoned by a ruthless Prince and Piet and his friends plot to save them. Along the way, he discovers the value of friendship and what it means to fight for the higher good. Enchanting and inspiring!” J.L. Henker, author
Piet, a twelve-year-old boy living in 1749 Oostende, The Austrian Netherlands (now Ostend, Belgium) discovers, together with his best friend, Jean, that mythical creatures are real and some are living in a forest called Vile Wood on the outskirts of the fortress.
The queen of the elves offers to teach Piet how to use his magic if he’ll help her find where Prince Karl is keeping the captured mythical creatures.
Piet and Jean manage to get themselves into a few close scrapes in their attempt to help their new friends.
Can Piet help save the creatures and keep his own magic a secret?
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Vanishings
Tilly is a supremely likable character with a relatable voice.
“Set in an enchanted forest, Vanishings is a heart-warming story filled with magic, friendship, self-discovery, and one determined young girl’s search for truth. This immersive tale of loyalty and bravery will captivate the imaginations of fantasy readers of all ages.”—Katie Keridan-Author of The Felserpent Chronicles.
“. . . the adventure begins and carries the reader through dangers and discoveries to a conclusion that promises more.”—Nancy Schimmel, author of The Princess and the Witch
Tilly’s friend Michael disappeared from Wythic Wood a year ago, and he’s still missing. Convinced that no one’s searching for him, Tilly convinces her gran to allow her to spend the summer with Opa, their family’s magical teacher and wizard, at his home in Clayton Forest—which just so happens to be right next to Wythic Wood.
In Clayton Forest, alongside her twin cousins, Jess and Zach, Tilly meets magical beings like fairies and gnomes, gets lessons in potion-making and a goblin style of martial arts called Gobight fighting, and starts to understand her own magic better. But none of this excitement distracts her from her real goal, and with Jess and Zach at her side, she soon embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about Michael’s vanishing. But as usual, impulsive Tilly doesn’t exactly think ahead—and she and her cousins soon find themselves hunted by the Witch of Wythic Wood and the creatures under her command.
An enchanting escapade perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and The Wingfeather Saga, Vanishings is a tale of friendship and teamwork in a realm where magic can be wielded for both good and evil purposes.
“More than just a fun forest frolic with pixies and gnomes, this book takes kids on a journey of heroism that is both action packed adventure and cautionary tale on when to stop and plan before you leap, even when your heart is urging you forward.” Sharon Skinner, Author and Book Coach.
Publish date set by SparkPress for the United States of America on 20 May 2025.