S2 Ep 10: Blending science and fantasy in The Secrets of Underhill by Kali Wallace

Messages about caring for the world we live in cannot come at more important time in our lives-and this is book is a great way to discuss environmentalism.We met with Kali Wallace and discussed writing in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and environmental fantasy, as well as pacing, plotting, and maybe…not plotting. (Really, finding what works for you!)Here are a few of our favorite lines from her book. You’ll see that we chose two very different quotes, yet they illustrate Kali’s talents as a writer in the way she can beautifully (and succinctly) describe this world. * Alexis: page 13 “As they stared down at it, the plum blossomed into a five-petaled flower. It resembled a plum blossom, except that in its center, where a cluster of stamens would normally sur- round the pistil, there was a tight yellow knot of something that looked soft, almost feathery. That little yellow shape trembled and elongated, as though waking up from a nap with a lazy stretch. With one short, en- ergetic shake, it spread open to reveal butterfly wings. It wasn’t a proper butterfly, as it had no body or legs, but the wings fluttered and it rose a few inches into the air, its bright yellow color seeming to glow. Nick gasped in delight. Her surprise turned to dismay when the butterfly wobbled and tumbled to the ground. Its wings were uneven and crin-kled; it tried again but could not lift more than an inch off the ground. After the second try, it collapsed into the mud, the gleaming yellow now muted.”* Brittany: Page 128 “The whole hillside of giants had a hushed, reverent feel to it.” Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Kali WallaceKali Wallace studied geology and earned a PhD in geophysics before she realized she enjoyed inventing imaginary worlds more than she liked researching the real one. She is the author of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels for adults, teens, and children, as well as a number of short stories and essays. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. - Bio from Kali’s websiteAbout The Secrets of UnderhillAn eleven-year-old apprentice fights to save an ancient grove of magical trees that hold the key to her community's survival in this page-turning fantasy adventure. Perfect for middle grade fans of Kelly Barnhill and Jessica Townsend.Nick Sixsmith has spent her whole life on the road. The daughter of a traveling arborist, she moves with her mother from town to town, caring for the ironwood groves the communities rely upon. When a dangerous blight takes hold of these magical trees, they must journey to the city of Mistwood--her mother's hometown--for answers.Nick can't wait to explore the prosperous city of Mistwood and all it has to offer: bustling markets and workshops, neighborhoods built under a roaring waterfall, and the vast ancestral grove of ironwood trees. But dark secrets simmer beneath the surface as people start to disappear and tensions rise in the city.As the mystery grows, Nick and her new friends from Mistwood must follow the trail where it leads them: underground, to a strange, enchanting world called Underhill. Only there, among the roots of the ancestral grove, will Nick find a way to save her new home and the ironwood trees.This immersive fantasy adventure combines vivid world-building with timely themes of environmentalism, and young readers will be riveted until the final page. -Summary from Kali’s websiteThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadWe have wrapped up Season 2! Thank you for being here with us-keep an eye on your inbox for a quick survey as well as when Season 3 kicks off! We would love to hear what you thought about our show-so leave us a comment or DM. Thank you for your continued support. Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com