Q&A with Bea Donaldson: Author of Pabulum and The Cerridwen Series

We had the pleasure of chatting with Bea Donaldson, author of Pabulum and the upcoming sequels in The Cerridwen Series. Bea shares insights into her creative process, what readers can expect from the series, and her inspiration behind the journey of Pabulum.

Q: What inspired you to turn Pabulum into a series?

Bea: I was inspired to write more about the world of Pabulum when I began to finish the book and realized that I still had more to tell about it. There were so many details I wanted to add to Pabulum, but it felt like it would take away from the storytelling aspect if I did. I'm autistic, and am partial to simple, direct details vs lengthy descriptions. I felt that if I added more to the book, then it would convolute the words. And I was particular about those. I felt, within myself, this story pulling out that just needed to be shared.

Q: What characters will show up in the next books?

Bea: Most of the characters from Pabulum will show up in Pariah (Book two), a few new characters, and definitely some gripping situations.

Q: How did you decide on the series name?

Ceridwen

Bea: It was really tough to decide a name! I thought I had one once, and apparently I didn't write it down? Which is a terrible habit of mine. I get my best ideas when I'm gardening or showering haha unable to write it down! So I laid all of my notes out in front of me on the floor and sifted through them. I flipped through the second proof. Then it just popped out and it was like, duh! So obvious! I called a key in the Pabulum "the Cerridwen key" and Cerridwen, or sometimes spelled Ceridwen, was a Celtic Goddess and Keeper of the cauldron of knowledge, inspiration and rebirth. She rules the realms of death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, magic, enchantment, and knowledge. Cerridwen is a shape-shifting Goddess, able to take on various forms. She is also associated with herbology and astrology. The name Cerridwen is pronounced with a hard C in Welsh (Key-ruh-dwen). I have heard both pronunciations used. When I first heard it in my mind, it was a soft C and for that purpose I will continue to use the soft C in pronunciation. Cerridwen represents the need for change. It's a beautiful story and I thought it fit perfectly with this series.

Q: How do you plan to maintain continuity and cohesion across the series?

Bea: A lot of the same characters will remain throughout the series. They will change and become different versions of themselves, but like the day has different stages, it remains the same day. So will these characters transform from what we started with to what they become.

Q: Can you share any details about new themes or subplots introduced in the series?

Bea: Most of the themes will remain the same: transformation. But there are many subplots, and they grow deeper as everyone ages and experiences more. I want to bring more themes of energy work and magic into the story and share further insight to the invisible realms and how they interact and the effect it has on each character; how it shapes their desired outcomes. I have found that diving into the dark parts of our psyche really help us find the answers we're looking for. So the themes will be more along the lines of having sympathy for the darkness.

Q: Did your writing process change when working on the series compared to the first book?

Bea: Oh gosh yes. I first thought that Pabulum would be a singular book. As I began to finish it, I realized that there was so much more to the story than I had first imagined. My thought process became more serious and I realized that it wasn't just a fun story I wanted to share, but something deeper that might be relatable to real life. I realized that the story wasn't just about characters developing, but also I was as a writer and a human who is still processing traumatic events in my life.

Q: How do you keep track of the intricate details across multiple books?

Bea: I have to go back and read over everything many times and write myself notes so that I remember all of the details. It may seem chaotic from an outside position, but there is order to it for me.

Q: How have your readers responded to the news of the series?

Bea: There has been excitement! Which makes me nervous, "will I deliver?" but also VERY excited to share this story!

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from the series as a whole?

Bea: I hope that readers will take more time to notice the small, intricate details in life and not dismiss them. They will notice when they are seeing a certain type of flower or butterfly and not just think "Oh that's lovely" but wonder if it has deeper meaning. I want readers to understand that they may not feel very powerful, but they can still do powerful things. The point is to do something, anything, to create momentum.

Q: How many books do you plan for the series, and is there a definite ending in mind?

Bea: I have three books in mind for now, and I am hoping that is it. There is ALWAYS more I want to add, but I am not an overly detailed person and so I really do enjoy others interpretations. I like leaving room for questions and pondering. There is an ending in mind, but the details are still a bit blurry. I know they will sort themselves out as I write it down. I definitely didn't go into the first book with a solid ending in mind, but then it all just unfolded as if something larger than me was pushing through.

Q: What are you most excited about in the upcoming books?

Bea: I am most excited for Zylphia's transformation. It's going to be big and when I thought of it, I excited myself. It popped into my head so suddenly, I was in the middle of a conversation with one of my best friends Erin, and I ran inside her house and grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled it all down. When I finished, I cried a little. I was so happy with the outcome. And I hope it makes my readers cry a little too, happy tears! But I also hope that it inspires them and ignites that flame deep inside.

Bea Donaldson has crafted a world rich with transformation, magic, and deep emotional layers in Pabulum and The Cerridwen Series. Through her candid reflections, it’s clear that this series is not only a journey for her characters but a reflection of her own personal growth as a writer. With exciting subplots, evolving characters, and themes that resonate on a profound level, readers can expect to be drawn into a story that touches both the heart and the mind.

Be sure to preorder Bea Donaldson's Pabulum, available September 30th! Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the beginning of The Cerridwen Series. And stay tuned for updates on the second book, Pariah, which promises even more gripping situations and transformations!

Preorder Your Copy Now

Pabulum Illustrator: Illustrations by Emily Robert-Yohalem

Meet Emily Robert-Yohalem, the creative force behind the enchanting illustrations that bring "Pabulum" to life. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Emily's artistic journey is a testament to a lifelong dream of illustrating and materializing the vivid landscapes of her imagination. A shifter of perspectives, emotions, and illuminations, Emily has woven a world of dragons, fairies, and folklore through her drawings.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialization in graphite, colored pencil, and charcoal renderings, Emily's artistry extends beyond mere illustrations. Her portfolio encompasses portraiture and illustrations of poetry and writing. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and a fervent passion for all things fantasy, Emily's creations bridge the realms of reality and imagination. Drawing inspiration from both life and her creative mind, she infuses real animals and people into her work, creating characters that resonate deeply with her audience.

Embracing a signature approach of hand-drawn artistry, devoid of digital production, Emily's illustrations carry a personal touch, inviting the audience to identify and relate to the characters she brings to life. As she continues her journey as an illustration artist, "Pabulum" stands as a testament to her dedication to crafting immersive visual narratives.

About the Book

In the mystical realm of "Pabulum," Zylphia, a young woman with aspirations beyond the conventional, grapples with the prospect of an arranged marriage that could shape the destiny of her kingdom. The arrival of a new suitor sets the stage for a transformative journey, revealing unforeseen adventures and creatures lurking beyond the decaying walls of Pabulum. Unbeknownst to Zylphia, the abandoned holds the key to salvation for her kingdom and the entire island, embarking on a quest to thwart imminent destruction. "Pabulum" weaves a tale of courage, discovery, and the resilience needed to confront the unknown, a captivating narrative brought to life through the evocative illustrations of Emily Robert-Yohalem.

Now, let's delve into an exclusive Q&A with Emily Yohalem, the brilliant illustrator of the book.

Q&A with Book Illustrator: Emily Robert-Yohalem

What inspired you to start illustrating this novel?

"I was inspired to illustrate Pabulum because I have always wanted to get my artwork out into the world, and when I got the chance to illustrate with my best friend, I jumped at the opportunity."

Can you tell us a bit about your artistic process?

"My artistic process includes analyzing the vibrant descriptions of the characters in the book and bringing them to life. One illustration was made even before the book was written, serving as the basis for my drawing style, a privilege that made the collaboration unique. I developed the visual style with colored pencil and graphite, my favorite medium. I aimed for realistic characters with a whimsical touch, ensuring confidence in capturing the details I envisioned."

How did you approach creating the characters for the novel?

"I approached creating these characters by first reading the book and basing the illustrations on their personalities. Cheyanna's detailed descriptions made this process seamless, capturing the energy of each character."

Did you encounter any challenges while working on the illustrations?

"I faced challenges in finding the right colored pencils for the cover illustration on a black background. Also, the initial switch from colored to graphite pencils posed a challenge, and being my own critic, I had to redo some illustrations. Once I got that sorted, It was easy to balance my vision with the author's as we have been collaborating since the beginning. Our likemindedness and excellent communication made this a work of passion for both of us."

Were there any specific scenes or characters that were particularly challenging to illustrate?

"The most challenging and favorite drawing was Kalyx. I drew inspiration from various sources, including my dog, aiming to capture the charismatic figure in the book. For all the images I sent all my rough sketches to Cheyanna to ensure I was going in the right direction, maintaining a collaborative approach to align with the written descriptions."

How did you work with the author to ensure the illustrations accurately represented their written descriptions?

"I sent all my rough sketches to Cheyanna to ensure I was going in the right direction, maintaining a collaborative approach to align with the written descriptions."

Did you have any specific sources of inspiration for the illustrations?

"My sources of inspiration included graphic novels, Faeries books, my dog, and my mother. Each source played a role in bringing the diverse characters and elements to life. The most interesting illustrations were a tie between Kalyx and the serpent. The challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, making the process more enjoyable."

How did you decide on the color scheme for the illustrations?

"The color scheme was initially based on the book's descriptions but changed when the decision for a black and white format was made. The front cover, however, reflected Cheyanna's vision of the Queen of the Night flower." When it came to input on layout and and design "I collaborated with Cheyanna, bouncing ideas back and forth. Ultimately, she made the final decisions on placement, keeping the front cover simple and impactful."

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Embark on a journey where words and illustrations intertwine, creating a realm of magic and wonder. Pre-order your copy of "Pabulum" today to experience the enchanting fusion of storytelling and visual artistry. Immerse yourself in a world crafted by the skilled hands of the Book Illustrator and let the captivating narrative unfold before your eyes. Don't miss the opportunity to secure your place in this fantastical adventure—reserve your copy now and be among the first to delve into the pages of "Pabulum."

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Introducing Bea Donaldson

Bea Donaldson grew up in rural Iowa, spending most of her time roaming her family’s century farm and reading in the small-town library. Storytelling has always been one of her favorite activities. After graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s in English, she began writing Pabulum. In order to complete the book, she took an introductory course from the Institute of Children’s Literature and was later invited to take their advanced writing course.

Amidst writing this book, she was diagnosed with melanoma and began a healing adventure, where she became a Natural Therapeutics Specialist. She has always taken an interest in mythology and ancient history, as well as quantum physics and botany. These influences are greatly reflected in her writing. She currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her son Kalyx.

Follow Bea on social: Instagram