LU Student Publishes First Book
This week the Argus had the pleasure of interviewing author Val Murray on her newly published book Kate and the Dragon. The book is the first in the series titled, The Avalier Adventures, written by Murray and illustrated by Sarah Johnston.
Image provided by Val Murray.
Murray originally hails from Southern Ontario but is currently enrolled at Lakehead University. She is in her fourth year of the English program. Murray has an extensive background in literature and technology, and both of her parents worked in the technology sector; her father had a career at IBM, while her mother taught Novell and worked as an editor.
Like many others, Murray first began writing in elementary school. However, from a young age she had a knack for creating interesting characters and writing with wit.
“I have a distinct memory of writing a story for class in grade 3, the topic was fantasy. I wrote this story; I think there were mermaids involved. The narrator of the story was a reporter, a black capped chickadee who wore a black cap.”
When I first picked up book one, Kate and the Dragon, I was enthralled by the vibrant illustrations and the unique world building. When I sat down with Val Murray I was moved and inspired to experience firsthand the creation of the book.
On Kate and the Dragon:
TA: Throughout the process of writing Kate and the Dragon, who has been your biggest motivator or support system?
VM: “ I wrote in the acknowledgements, ‘For my sister, the original Kate’. The name ‘Katherine’ means warrior and that has always suited my sister.”
Murray also holds her mother in high esteem for editing her work, and her professors at Lakehead for providing feedback and encouraging her to publish the book.
TA: What Inspired you to write children’s books?
VM: “ I originally wrote this story as an assignment. In Spring of 2019 before covid, I was taking Children’s Literature with Dr. Chris Parkes. For the final assignment we could write an essay on Charlotte's Web, or write a picture book. After finishing the assignment I decided I liked the book and wanted to publish it. I want to shout out Dr. Parkes for creating such a cool project!
TA: I love the message in Kate and the Dragon. The Dragon isn’t some mythical beast, he is a character with fears and ambitions. What other themes do you intentionally incorporate into your books?
VM: “The first thing is inclusivity, and secondly, empathy. In most stories, especially in video games, when you see a Dragon your job is to kill it. But these guys, they see a Dragon and the first thing Kate asks is ‘hello are you alright’. The point is, non-violent solutions to traditionally violent problems.”
Kate and the Dragon has an array of well-written 2SLGBT+, racialized and gender diverse characters. Murray believes representation in children’s literature is important.
“I’ve tried to make a point of thinking of these things, the whole cast shouldn’t have to be white and so they’re not. One of the goals is to normalize things that should be normal, the fact that Kate has a wife isn’t a big deal. Dylan (Kate’s wife) is there as a character and not an accessory.”
One of Murray’s greatest objectives is to normalize and create awareness, without being condescending to her audience. The messaging is subliminal and incorporated in great detail throughout the book; for example with the character Dylan, who always wears her safety goggles when she’s working as a blacksmith. Murray believes in empowering children through her work, especially by not over-simplifying her language. She believes children are capable and should have the opportunity to learn new things.
“I poured everything in this book that I thought kids need to know; Kids need to know that men and women can be friends. Kids need to know that some people need elevators, and that when you’re going into a workshop you need your safety goggles.”
TA: Are you going to work with your illustrator Sarah on the next book?
VM: “ Yes. When I pitched the idea for Kate and the Dragon, I told Sarah if we do this I want her on for the rest of the series. Sarah cares about the background details that no one else would bother with. It’s the little things like that, that turn a project from a good one to a great one. She took my ideas and did with them what I never would have been able to do and I’m so excited to work on book two with her”.
In regards to book two, Sebastian and the Royal Heir, Murray anticipates that it will further showcase Johnston’s illustrative talent. As well, two new characters and a new setting called the Museum of Magical Artistry will be revealed. The tentative release date of book two is in Fall 2022.
Kate and the Dragon is available at Barnes & Noble, Chapters Indigo, and the Bookshelf in Thunder Bay. You can keep up with Val Murray on her website, and with Sarah Johnston on her instagram @sdjohnston_illustrator.
Author’s Note: The Avalier Adventures, Book 1: Kate and the Dragon was originally published under the author name of Susie Murray. Future printings and installments will be published under the author’s new name, Val Murray.