Courage, adventure and wonder. These are the themes Wallalong children’s author Karen Hughes explored in her first published novel called The Shaman’s Secret, which is part of her Kalika Magic series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The mother of four has written the book for children aged nine years and over but there is no touchy feely message in her writing.
The story comes with an element of danger.
The Shaman’s Secret is an adventure story based on two characters, Kai and Indie, and their power animals.
“Indie is the female character. She is strong and feisty. I was thinking of my girls when I created her,” Hughes said.
“Her power animal is the golden eagle. She is spontaneous, waves a sword, but has a tough journey.
“Kai is a quiet, thoughtful character and is brave when he needs to be.
“His power animal is the owl. He has a lot of responsibility and magic powers.
“The story tells children they are not alone, that the power is within them.”
Hughes has always had this story inside her,but it wasn’t until she gave up a career as a corporate lawyer that the creativity started to flow.
“I loved writing stories but I became a lawyer – which is a very black and white job – in Canberra,” she said.
“After the birth of my fourth child, Lily, I decided I didn’t want to do that anymore – the long hours, children in day care.
“I wanted time with Lily.
“I also needed creativity and a sense of self. I had always been a passionate reader as a child. I had lost the wonder and magic along the way.”
Born and raised in Tamworth, Hughes finished secondary school, attended university and practiced law in Canberra for eight years.
Then came a dramatic decision with husband Andrew.
“We decided to rediscover ourselves. We threw in our jobs, travelled and lived near Forster for two years,” she said.
“We were looking for a school for our children and we found Linuwel at Maitland and that was our main reason for settling here five years ago, along with lots of family and connections in the area.”
With pioneer ancestors at Dungog and a father who grew up on a pumpkin farm in Maitland and attended Maitland Boys High School, the region felt like home.
Hughes has had her own shamanic journey.
“Through meditation I experienced flying with an eagle.
“That was my experience through this ancient form of getting in touch with yourself.
“I came out of that knowing there are no limits, I can write and publish a book.
“I have to write these books, otherwise I would go mad.”
The next book in the series, Emerald Child, is due for release in May and Hughes is working on a third novel.
The Kalika Magic series will be launched to school children at East Maitland Library this month.
A launch party will be held at Organic Feast, East Maitland on Friday, March 6 at 4pm and there will be a tour of Hunter Valley libraries and schools.
The Shaman’s Secret is available at kalikamagic.com and at bookstores and has already been sold throughout Australia and internationally.