Father, daughter co-write fantasy epic

Sophie and Iain Fletcher sit in their living room, holding a copy of their debut novel Galwyn’s Locket. Set in a fantasy world, the book is written for children aged eight to 12 and is available at Fanfare Books, Coles and Amazon.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During one September evening last year, Stratford resident Iain Fletcher created a short story about a linenmaid named Lilly in a fantasy world for his nine-year-old daughter Sophie. After reciting it at bedtime, Sophie asked the dreaded question feared by many storytellers across the world.

“She just said, ‘Well, what happens next?’” Iain shared with the Times. “And I said I have no idea. So she kind of took over at that point.”

What ended up happening next quickly evolved into a 136-page children’s novel entitled Galwyn’s Locket, self-published by the father-daughter duo in April this year.

According to the back cover synopsis, the story follows Lilly as she has a chance encounter with the Crownwarden of Arkona and is set on a path that leads her from her home and into a realm shaped by ancient magic.

“Guided by unlikely companions, Lilley is drawn into a search for a locket that may shape her future,” the synopsis reads. “But as wonder gives way to danger, she begins to see that every thread of magic is tied to choice, and every act of courage leaves its mark.”

“It's a fantasy tale,” Iain explained. “…It's that typical high fantasy (story) where you make your own world. So it's not really modeled after our world, but I tried to keep it light and keep the pace quick for kids. So, you know, I didn't invent elvish – book two maybe.”

He also explained how the writing process worked with Sophie. As he would write the chapters, she would dictate who the characters were and what would happen next, “hashing it out” each night he came home from work. He likened her to the book’s director, guiding it as he transcribed.

“I like creating my own world,” Sophie said. “Just sometimes you map it all out, and then you need to change stuff because you can't always just keep the same thing.

“I just wanted to take part,” she said about the process.

The Harry Potter series was an inspiration for the work, which Iain just finished reading to Sophie recently. Additionally, Iain listed “quiet fantasy” writers like Ursula K. Le Guin, Raymond E. Feist, and Peter S. Beagle as personal inspirations, preferring personal, character-driven fantasy stories to some of the larger, more “boom-pow” fantasy staples. Born in Carmarthen, Wales, Iain also worked some Welsh folklore into the wider Galwyn’s Locket world.

With some good feedback from readers and Sophie’s classmates, the duo is open to a sequel – though will need some time to rest on their laurels and figure out the dreaded question: “What happens next?”

“It’s been exhausting,” Iain laughed, as Sophie began negotiating how many sequels they’ll write. “We’re exploring the possibility of writing. We had a lot of fun with the process.”

Galwyn’s Locket is aimed for children aged eight to 12 and is available at Fanfare Books, Coles and Amazon.