For Debbie Bishop, writing is an epic adventure. Her uplifting ages while delivering messages of resilience and hope. “Everything I do is ‘edutainment,’” Bishop says of her idea to mix entertainment and education to give readers stories that emphasize fun and positivity and promote “more joyous lives.”
A novelist, podcaster, screenwriter, producer, and graphic designer, Bishop is the author of several fantasy and science fiction books, as well as a comic book series, graphic novels, and nonfiction works. The author recently relaunched her Pillywiggin series, a YA fantasy series that includes The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond—initially conceived as a video game and published as a children’s illustrated chapter book, with art by Andy Park—and The Lost Shadow Boys. The fantasy books, tinged with darkness, are set in the human world and in hidden realms within it. “The diverse characters have challenges they overcome, harsh circumstances they thrive in, enemies they work with—and throughout their adventures, what they truly discover is themselves,” Bishop says.
Bishop began writing film scripts in college and worked in Hollywood, creating marketing and design campaigns for TV and film projects. In 2003, she launched Angel Gate, an entertainment company that has released graphic novels and YA and children’s books. She also ran the production company Left Field Film. “In launching the companies early on, I was lucky to learn on the job,” Bishop says. “I not only write my books, I design them, and basically do everything.”
Bishop promotes positivity throughout her works, and has studied spirituality, religion, and metaphysics—an interest she got from her mother. Among her books is the self-help guide What is The Meaning of Life? You, which is packed with life lessons. She’s also the host of By.Storytellers, a podcast for creators. “I saw other authors and artists that had written great things but hardly anyone knew about them,” Bishop says. “The goal is to promote people and their works.”
Like Bishop’s many projects, her Pillywiggin series—available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese, among other languages—emphasizes kindness, teamwork, and grit, and abounds with joy. “I hope readers enjoy the stories, escape to interesting places, and are inspired by the positive, strategic, smart ways the characters overcome their challenges,” she says.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys
Vol 1 Variant cover
$19.99
ISBN 979-8334159433
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys
Vol 1
$19.99
ISBN 979-8862843590
Pillywiggin: Awakening
Vol 2
$19.99
ISBN 979-8317374167
Pillywiggin: The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond
illus. by Andy Park
$42
ISBN 979-8862413557
