Up Close and Personal with Fiona Foyer
Introduction
Hello Book Lovers, well can you believe it is week seven of our #MeetTheAuthorMonday blog. This week let me introduce you to Fiona Foyer, to the readers of her children's books she is often known as Auntie Fiona.
Now a little reminder, all the authors joining in with our interviews, are sent a selection of questions, not necessarily to do with the books they write but more to get ‘up close and personal’. So, without further ado, here are the questions Fiona chose to complete:
Childhood
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child growing up in Canada in the 1970s, I wanted to be a lorry driver.
There were trucking television shows everywhere back then, and I was completely captivated. The idea of driving for miles across Canada or down into the States felt like pure freedom. Big skies. Open roads. Movement. Adventure.
I loved the thought of travelling from place to place and seeing new landscapes every day. It felt independent and bold.
If I am honest, I still love driving. I genuinely enjoy it. Long roads calm me. A good journey clears my head. I have never learned to drive a lorry but part of me still thinks it would be rather brilliant
Fantasy
If you were a mythical creature from folklore or fairytale, what would you be and why?
If I were a mythical creature, I would choose the Phoenix.
Each year, instead of making resolutions, I choose a theme. I paint something that represents it and keep it where I can see it every day. It helps me focus on growth rather than pressure.
For several years, when I was very unwell, my theme was the Phoenix. The bird that burns, turns to ash and rises again stronger and whole. It was not about dramatic transformation. It was about steady rebuilding, healing, patience and hope. The Phoenix reminded me that endings are not failures. Sometimes they are part of becoming something stronger. I think that sense of resilience quietly runs through my stories as well.
Work/Writing
What is your typical day like when you are writing?
My typical writing day often begins with painting.
For my Colourful series books, the images come first. I paint the world as I write it. The words are intentionally simple, allowing the illustrations to carry much of the storytelling. I spend hours building and planning the colours, details and atmosphere before even starting the drawing of the paintings.
For ‘The Five Japanese Sisters’, the process is different because it is collaborative. My friend Yoshi and I write back and forth, exchange drafts, and sometimes rely on Google Translate as we shape the story together. Once the words feel right, I begin painting the story into life.
Research plays a huge part in my work. I can easily spend hours diving into history, geography, clothing, wildlife and cultural details to make the illustrations feel authentic. I love learning. When my Dad and I created ‘The Colourful Alberta ABC Book’ I discovered things about Alberta that I had never known. The research itself became part of the adventure and we had to include it in the index at the back of the book.
Relaxation
When I am not working, I relax by creating.
Whether it is painting, drawing, crocheting, or writing, I feel most myself when I am making something. Creativity is both my work and my refuge. If I am stressed, the best thing I can do is sit down with paints and disappear into colour for a while. The world quiets down, time slows down, problems soften. I feel very lucky that I get to create so often.
Personal
Share a funny incident from your life.
Funny and slightly absurd things also seem to happen to me quite regularly. My friends and family often just shake their heads and say, “Only you, Fiona.”
Recently, I received a text message from a number I did not recognise saying they had found someone’s purse and could drop it off at mine. I had no idea who they were talking about. When I replied to say so, they asked if I was the aunt of the person who had lost it. Apparently, they had found my business card inside the bag, the one that says Auntie Fiona and assumed I was the actual aunt.
The purse was reunited with its owner and I may have accidentally gained a new friend. My title of Auntie seems to travel further than I expect.
Extras
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?
I love children’s books. I love reading to children. Children’s books are such wonderful, beautiful objects. They are not just stories or lessons but they are also portable art galleries. Every page holds colour, imagination, and possibility.
It is a shame that we do not have as many books like that as adults. Perhaps we should.
'The Five Japanese Sisters, the Meeting of Sakura'
In a small, serene village known for its lush green tea fields, a kind-hearted woman named Haha becomes the proud mother of five daughters, all born on a day of brilliant rainbows. Because this was such a special day these sisters are blessed with unique gifts: -
The first sister Aka was given a cherry blossom sapling and can talk to trees.
The second sister Ao has hair that is long and strong like rope.
Midori the third sister can make a special tea that can soothe and make you feel happy.
The fourth sister Daidai is given a pair of special glasses so she can see things that are difficult to find or are very small.
Fifth and final sister is Kee she is given the gift of healing and can heal with love and light.
When their mother is kidnapped by a dragon, the sisters must work together, using their talents and the guidance of a cherry blossom tree, to embark on an adventure that leads them to the dragon's lair.
Through courage and kindness, they learn that the dragon only sought help for an injury. By showing compassion, the sisters form a special bond with the dragon. Haha, their mother gives the dragon the name Sakura, who becomes part of their family.
Social Media Links
Website Linktr.ee/fionasfables
Facebook Auntie Fiona
Book Link https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Fiona-Foyer/author/B0DXX7BYFN
**If you live in the Gloucestershire area Toadstools Bookshop in The Shambles Newent also stock copies. Along with many other wonderful books by Indie Authors.
Let me say a big Thank You to Fiona Foyer for joining us 'up close and personal' ahead of the book fayre. Please show your support drop by Fiona's social media pages and give her a like and a follow.
Charlotte L. Taylor and I still have a few things to organise for 'The Little Hedgehogs Book Fayre' Thursday 2nd April 2026. Have you got the date in your diary? We will be celebrating reading with Herefordshire Libraries commencing with Simon in Ross-on-Wye, and it will be here before we know it.
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Comments
I love the 'The Five Japanese Sisters, the Meeting of Sakura'. The illustrations are so unique, well worth checking out.
I'll let you in to a secret I wanted to be a lorry driver growing up too. I even had an interview to be a London Bus Driver in the late 70's but even though I had an interview I was told they didn't take on women drivers I should be a 'clippy' punching tickets. No way was I doing that.