A Magical Meeting with Debra Frasier

Debra Frasier as The Queen of Letters introduces me to the process for choosing my word of power.

A Magical Meeting with Debra Frasier
By Annette Bartlett-Golden

Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to write and illustrate children's stories. So I was delighted to hear that the well-known children's book writer and illustrator, Deborah Frasier, was going to be a guest speaker at the 2018 Carolina Mountains Literary Festival in Burnsville, North Carolina. She is the author and illustrator of the beloved classic On the Day You Were Born, Miss Alaineus, A Fabulous Fair Alphabet, and Spike Ugliest Dog in the Universe, as well as many others.

Besides being a best-selling author, I soon realized that Debra Frasier is also an incredibly imaginative, creative, and generous person. In her presentation, Debra explained how she came to write and illustrate her first children's book after a very difficult pregnancy and the process she uses when developing a new book. Aware that there were many prospective authors and illustrators in the audience, she made a point of giving excellent practical advice on how to get started, which I especially appreciated. At the end of the presentation she gave away free copies of her book Miss Alaineus as a way of giving back to the town of Burnsville and those attending the literary festival.

Debra told us that she believes a big part of her work as an author is to bring fun reading related events to communities. In the afternoon, after the presentation, Debra setup her festive AmaZing Alphabetini tent on the Town Square. There, presiding in the role of The Queen of Letters, she explained the magic of the alphabet and helped individuals discover their Wise Word of power, a special word meant to empower the person throughout the coming months. While Debra's events are geared for children, adults are welcome, too, and many of us waited patiently in the rain for our turn. I was surprised and touched by how personal the experience was and the appropriateness of my word. It was a magical meeting!

This is the second year that I have attended the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival. A small town, mountain scenery, good friends, a free literary festival and a meeting with a truly amazing person, Debra Frasier, all made for a memorable, inspirational, and life changing weekend.

Two books written and illustrated by Debra Frasier.