Today we’d like to introduce you to Katerra Locke.
Hi Katerra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to introduce yourself.
As a young girl, I always enjoyed reading and writing. I would write poems and short stories and create my books. Being a flight attendant, I have been able to travel the world. When my son was born, I wanted him to see and experience different places and people, so I began taking trips with him. We have been to several places, such as St. Thomas, Florida, California; Barcelona, Australia; Turks&Caicos, and Hawaii. My son, Elias, takes his special blanket with him everywhere we go. One day I thought about creating a book series of all the places we have been. The many things he learns while we travel are incredible and expand his mind. He tries new foods, knows how to communicate with others who speak other languages, he tries new activities like snorkeling for the first time. In addition to him having books about our travels, I wanted other children to enjoy the stories, so I decided to publish the books so that they could be made available to all. I began the series during the pandemic, and I stopped at one point during the writing process. One day Elias asked where his book was and exclaimed that he wanted this book I had promised him! His excitement gave me the little push that I needed to follow through with completing the book. The books feature Elias and his magical blanket and follow them to different places while encouraging children to try new things. The bright and colorful illustrations keep little readers engaged; at the back of each book. There are many facts about the destination, so kids can learn interesting information about the locations. Magical blankets are also available to purchase so children can have special blankets. Elias and I visit many schools and daycares, in person or virtually through Zoom, where we read the books to classes, and children are allowed to purchase the books. We have participated in Author Night for Juneteenth events in Murfreesboro, TN. Mrs. McCarthy of Discovery School in Murfreesboro, TN, has incorporated the books into the annual project of all kindergarten classes.
Elias and the Magic Blanket: Turks & Caicos and Elias and the Magic Blanket: Barcelona are available in-store at The Book Juggler in Downtown Memphis at 548 S. Main and online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Elias and the Magic Blanket: Turks & Caicos was edited by Amy Betz, former Senior editor for Disney and Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus. Both books are currently being directed by Sara Cravens, the voice actress of Mortal Kombat, Fire Emblem, etc., and are narrated by Elias Locke and Lori Jackson.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hardest challenge with anything is getting started. Finding out where to begin, what to do, who to contact, and seeing it through. I knew I had to finish and see it through when I realized that even if not a single thing came from this, it was still a dream I wanted to pursue, and I would regret it if I did not. Sometimes you can be your biggest obstacle giving in to self-doubt and fears and talking yourself out of following through with your goals.
Please tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others.
What’s unique about the book series is that they are inspired by actual travels my son, and I have taken. Many illustrations in the book are from photos of our vacations. The books inspire kids to learn about different places and encourage them to want to try new things and explore the world around them, no matter how near or far. I am most proud of how proud Elias is off the books. It is exceptional seeing how he can see himself as the main character. That’s how all children should feel; seen and important, and they should know that they can go anywhere and do anything. The possibilities are endless.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I got my love of writing from my grandmother, Loraine Jackson, and my father, Richard Locke. My son, Elias, will always hold me to my word and make sure I follow through with my goals. My aunt, Lori Jackson, has been a huge supporter and provided many community opportunities for class readings. As an educator, she believes in the books’ educational tools. My best friend, Amber Floyd, also helps by providing many creative ideas and suggestions for a project for the books. My fiancé, Quinton Thompson, is the biggest advocate for the books and keeps me focused on my goals.
Pricing:
- $9.99 Elias and the Magic Blanket:Turks&Caicos
- $9.99 Elias and the Magic Blanket: Barcelona
- $29.99 Blankie the Magic Blanket (available in orange or red)
Contact Info:
