Synopses & Reviews
In a city (very much inspired by Portland and its surrounding boroughs) we find a young lady riding alone on public transit. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she catches a glimpse of the strangest sight. An ogre! An actual ogre wearing a tattered overcoat, a flat cap, and reading a newspaper! What follows is a growing friendship between the girl and the world-weary magical creature. Their interactions will help reveal a world of wonders that exists parallel to our own, but invisible to most. The stories in this anthology, crafted by a diverse group of authors and visionaries, will unfold in this setting — each one a unique take on the idea of “magic all around us.”
The stories will feature magic, mystery, chills, thrills, and true connection, all with a focus on imagination, resilience, and embracing the unknown.
The Magic We Miss anthology features 19 authors from all
walks of life and publishing backgrounds. Their artistry
and creative excitement is why this collection will be one
to treasure.
Featuring: Niyyah Ruscher-Haqq, Laura Stanfill, Sean Fishback, John Slovacek, Benjamin Gorman, Nancy Townsley, Joachim Sohn, Jennifer Lindsay, Jess Graff, Stephanie Carrier-Boodram, Kate Ristau, Robin MacGarghee, Matt Hawk, Colleen East, Frances Lu Pai Ippolito, and Gigi Little.
The collection is fully illustrated by Brian W. Parker, a well-known Portland illustrator, educator, and speaker. Stories featuring Portland and the surrounding boroughs. The city serves as a backdrop and a character in the stories with many familiar landmarks prominently featured. Local and well-known authors from the Portland writing community. Prominently featured diverse characters and communities. Stories that capture the "Keep Portland Weird" ethos. Published by a Black-owned publisher with strong ties to youth-focused initiatives, including the foster/adopt communities, POC creatives, sci-fi/fantasy and gaming, and visual arts. Two featured international contributors from Germany and Quebec, Canada. Book releases in Autumn - "The most magical time of the year."
Review
"The concept is so wholesome and heartwarming, and the stories range from hilarious to enchanting to downright scary. Great to get to experience the way so many different authors discover magic in Portland!"
About the Author
The Parkers live in Beaverton, Oregon,
and are the owners of Believe In Wonder Publishing, a
youth-focused publishing entity established in 2015.
With 20 titles to their credit, Believe In Wonder focuses
on promoting imagination, inspiration, and positive
thinking in audiences young and old alike. Find out more at www.believeinwonder.com
Brian grew up in Alaska, then Mississippi, and has always been in love with storytelling in every medium. Literature, movies, art, you name it! He earned a BFA in graphic design & illustration and an MA in writing & publishing. Currently, he is the adjunct professor of children's publishing at Portland State University. He is the co-owner and creative director of Believe In Wonder Publishing, which he co-owns with his wife. He has written and illustrated 20+ books, and spends his days working with the family creating new and amazing stories.
He currently lives in Oregon with his lovely (and very patient) wife, Josie, his changeling and sloth-ninja sons, Victor and Kamari, and a self-impressed orange cat named Peanut.
Josie is a southern girl at heart, and her creativity is deeply rooted in her love for helping others. She's spent her adult life as a caregiver for children, adults with special needs, and as a foster parent and advocate for children in the system.