Action Pulp!

By Adam Messer

“Adventure doesn’t always mean something big and scary; sometimes it means trying, learning, and believing in yourself.” – Danadra Mitial.

Danadra Mitial writes children’s adventures and faith based stories encouraging literacy and character development.

Please introduce yourself.

Hi! I’m Danadra Mitial, the founder of Chill & Quill Publishing and the author of the Adventures of Ayan children’s book series. I write adventure stories for kids that blend imagination, heart, and a love of the outdoors, with the goal of helping children build confidence and an enjoyment for reading. My work is inspired by my son, my faith, and my belief that stories can shape how children see themselves and the world.

What genres do you write and why?

I primarily write children’s adventure and faith-based stories. I’m drawn to these genres because it’s where growth and purpose intersect. I want kids to see themselves as brave, capable, and curious, and to associate reading with fun, discovery, and possibility. I also write with parents and educators in mind by creating stories that encourage both literacy and character development.

What is your earliest memory of reading?

One of my earliest memories is being read to as a child by my mother and feeling completely transported by stories. I remember how books made the world feel more magical and how they transported me to different worlds, allowing me to tap into my own creativity. That feeling stuck with me and it’s something I try to recreate for young readers today.

When did you know you wanted to write? How did it happen?

I have always been a writer. In my earlier years, I wrote short stories, songs, poems and jingles. After college, I stopped creating and did mostly “adulting.” It wasn’t until I had my son that I suddenly became inspired to pick the pen back up again. Watching him grow, learn, and explore the world made me want to create stories that reflected his curiosity and heart. Adventures of Ayan was born from that desire, to create books that feel adventurous, meaningful, and rooted in childhood wonder.

What’s one of your favorite scenes in one of your books?

One of my favorite scenes is when Ayan and his friends are first pulled into their adventure world through the magical compass. It’s that moment where ordinary life turns into something extraordinary and you can feel the excitement, a little nervousness, and the spark of courage all at once. That transition into adventure is exactly what I love about storytelling.

What makes a good character? A bad one?

A good character feels real and relatable, even in a fantastical setting. They have fears, hopes, and room to grow. A “bad” character isn’t necessarily evil, it’s one that feels flat or exists only to serve the plot without any depth. The best characters change in some way by the end of the story.

What moves the story for you?

Emotion and purpose move the story for me. I’m always thinking about what the character is learning, what challenge they’re facing, and how they change or develop throughout the journey, just like we do in real life. 

What is your favorite book and why?

That’s always a hard one, but I love stories like Jumanji and The Chronicles of Narnia because they combine adventure, imagination, and deeper meaning. I enjoy highlighting the extraordinary capability of children to learn, grow and adapt to different circumstances that make them better in the long-run. 

What do you want to say to your audience?

I want readers, especially children, to know that they are capable, brave, and full of potential. Adventure doesn’t always mean something big and scary; sometimes it means trying, learning, and believing in yourself. And to parents and educators, thank you for helping foster a love of reading. It truly changes lives.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Write consistently, even when it’s messy. Don’t wait for perfection. Stories are built through revision and persistence. Remember why you started. If you stay connected to your purpose, the craft will keep growing. And lastly, continuous development is key. Since reigniting my craft, I’ve joined writers groups in my niche, taken classes and attended conferences with the goal of improving with each book. We never stop learning.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

I’m passionate about creating stories that encourage kids to get outside, stay curious, and believe in themselves. Through Chill & Quill Publishing, my goal is to build a library of books that families, schools, and communities can grow with for years to come.

Website: http://www.chillandquill.com/

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