She is a passionate storyteller who enjoys creating emotionally led, uplifting chapter books geared toward younger readers, especially those in the Middle-Grade or YA age group.
With her slice-of-life approach and love of animals and nature shining through every tale, more mature readers are able to deeply resonate with the strong sense of realism depicted in her writing. Immersive, nostalgic, and wholesome - her focus is on crafting character-driven narratives that encourage greater reflection and facilitate more educational and discussion-based learning.
Alison is known as a prolific children’s author who expertly weaves underlying lessons into each story with gentle simplicity and restraint, while keeping weighty subjects accessible and easily relatable to a wide audience.
Well-known themes such as found family, increasing responsibility, friendship, coming-of-age, personal growth, resilience, and survival play key roles and appear across many of her increasing number of published works.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. I was homeschooled.
Q.2 When should we expect your next book? What will it be about?
A. Book Six of this series is set for release in early September 2026. It will continue the Saddlers Ranch journey for Coral, Lexie, and Tilly, as they spend a week helping out at a riding school where Coral’s cousin works.
Readers can expect the same level of slice-of-life realism and emotional depth first introduced in Cloud, while exploring a fresh range of challenges for each of the girls as they eagerly familiarise themselves with the high-calibre expectations and different clientele at Acres Crest.
Q.3 Cloud introduces readers to Saddlers Ranch through the eyes of Coral, Tilly, and Lexie. What inspired you to begin this series with their friendship rather than focusing solely on the horses?
A. I always enjoy exploring the bonds between humans and animals, and I found this friendship to be a very grounding focus point for the narrative. While the animals in my books are generally depicted as characters in their own right, themes of familial relationships and marked dialogue are better portrayed on a more relatable human level; thus, the need to make the girls’ friendship a core part of the story rather than relying too heavily on just the horses’ personalities to effectively draw reader interest.
Q.4 The ranch itself feels like an important character in the story. Was Saddlers Ranch inspired by a real place or entirely created from your imagination?
A. While the story is quite strongly based on realism rather than fantasy, and the ranch setting may resonate with many true-to-life cattle stations - especially across the USA -, Saddlers Ranch itself is purely imaginative.
Q.5 Cloud arrives with a reputation for being difficult, yet the story quickly reveals there is much more beneath the surface. What inspired his character, and what message did you hope readers would take from his journey?
A. The well-known adage of ‘appearances can deceive’ is clearly illustrated here. Basically, the scene is meant to establish to readers that not everything is necessarily as it seems, and not to judge others or situations prematurely without first getting to know the full story. The gelding seems challenging at first because his owner doesn’t take the time to understand him or determine the cause of his unruly behaviour before deeming him ‘worthless’.
Q.3 Cloud introduces readers to Saddlers Ranch through the eyes of Coral, Tilly, and Lexie. What inspired you to begin this series with their friendship rather than focusing solely on the horses?
A. I always enjoy exploring the bonds between humans and animals, and I found this friendship to be a very grounding focus point for the narrative. While the animals in my books are generally depicted as characters in their own right, themes of familial relationships and marked dialogue are better portrayed on a more relatable human level; thus, the need to make the girls’ friendship a core part of the story rather than relying too heavily on just the horses’ personalities to effectively draw reader interest.
Q.4 The ranch itself feels like an important character in the story. Was Saddlers Ranch inspired by a real place or entirely created from your imagination?
A. While the story is quite strongly based on realism rather than fantasy, and the ranch setting may resonate with many true-to-life cattle stations - especially across the USA -, Saddlers Ranch itself is purely imaginative.
Q.5 Cloud arrives with a reputation for being difficult, yet the story quickly reveals there is much more beneath the surface. What inspired his character, and what message did you hope readers would take from his journey?
A. The well-known adage of ‘appearances can deceive’ is clearly illustrated here. Basically, the scene is meant to establish to readers that not everything is necessarily as it seems, and not to judge others or situations prematurely without first getting to know the full story. The gelding seems challenging at first because his owner doesn’t take the time to understand him or determine the cause of his unruly behaviour before deeming him ‘worthless’.
Q.6 Many horse stories focus heavily on riding competitions, but Cloud also celebrates responsibility, teamwork, and everyday ranch life. Why was it important to include these quieter moments?
A. My storytelling style often focuses on these simple, everyday moments, seeking ways to turn the ‘norm’ into something much more meaningful that leaves readers feeling greatly inspired by its overall charm and quiet sincerity.
Q.7 Without giving away spoilers, what can readers look forward to as The Horses of Saddlers Ranch series continues?
A. While each title in The Horses of Saddlers Ranch series can be read as standalone narratives, each instalment does build on the previous books, and I would generally recommend that readers work through them in the intended order to get the most understanding out of the overall setting and all the different characters.
Doing so would also provide a more comprehensive reading experience for dedicated readers, instead of what any one book would offer independently.
The series continues to explore the lives of Coral, Lexie, and Tilly quite closely as they grow up, along with introducing a vast array of new faces – each instalment is titled after a different horse, and these girls have to navigate lots of new experiences through their teenage years; some very straightforward and others highly challenging…
Q.8 If you could spend one full day with any character from Cloud, who would you choose and why?
A. Cloud, obviously! And then Firestorm. And Striker. And Navigator. And all the other horses belonging to the Johnsons… I love animals, and the gelding’s ‘eager to please’ temperament feels highly endearing.
Q.9 Were there any scenes in Cloud that surprised you while writing or took the story in an unexpected direction?
A. No, I don’t think so.
Q.10 What inspired you to become a writer, and when did you realise storytelling was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
A. I have been writing creative short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always aspired to become a professionally published author. Now, that time has come, and I continue to enjoy crafting these new manuscripts as often as I can.
Q.11 Looking back, is there anything you would change or add to the story now?
A. That would be reasonably unlikely, but if I did, any revisions would probably only include a few very minor adjustments and no major changes.
Q.12 What advice would you give aspiring writers who are working on their own first novel or children's book?
A. Just keep trying! Be as creative as you can, and don’t let anyone place restrictions on your scope of work. Remember, every author has a unique voice, and no one else can write your stories the way you envision them to be.
Q.13 Have you received any reader responses that deeply moved or surprised you?
A. Absolutely! Cloud is one of my most-requested titles with book clubs and other reading communities at the moment, and all these groups deeply resonate with its vivid imagery and well-suited compatibility for group learning and more discussion-based sessions. Most readers seem to comment on how immersive the book’s setting and characters feel and how much they want to continue the series afterwards.
Q.14 Are there any authors or books that have had a significant influence on your writing style?
A. Yes, there are probably several. I grew up as an avid reader and was exposed to many different writing styles and genres from a young age.
Q.8 If you could spend one full day with any character from Cloud, who would you choose and why?
A. Cloud, obviously! And then Firestorm. And Striker. And Navigator. And all the other horses belonging to the Johnsons… I love animals, and the gelding’s ‘eager to please’ temperament feels highly endearing.
Q.9 Were there any scenes in Cloud that surprised you while writing or took the story in an unexpected direction?
A. No, I don’t think so.
Q.10 What inspired you to become a writer, and when did you realise storytelling was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
A. I have been writing creative short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always aspired to become a professionally published author. Now, that time has come, and I continue to enjoy crafting these new manuscripts as often as I can.
Q.11 Looking back, is there anything you would change or add to the story now?
A. That would be reasonably unlikely, but if I did, any revisions would probably only include a few very minor adjustments and no major changes.
Q.12 What advice would you give aspiring writers who are working on their own first novel or children's book?
A. Just keep trying! Be as creative as you can, and don’t let anyone place restrictions on your scope of work. Remember, every author has a unique voice, and no one else can write your stories the way you envision them to be.
Q.13 Have you received any reader responses that deeply moved or surprised you?
A. Absolutely! Cloud is one of my most-requested titles with book clubs and other reading communities at the moment, and all these groups deeply resonate with its vivid imagery and well-suited compatibility for group learning and more discussion-based sessions. Most readers seem to comment on how immersive the book’s setting and characters feel and how much they want to continue the series afterwards.
Q.14 Are there any authors or books that have had a significant influence on your writing style?
A. Yes, there are probably several. I grew up as an avid reader and was exposed to many different writing styles and genres from a young age.
However, for this series in particular, my work has previously been likened to those of Lauren Brooke, Pippa Funnell, Stacy Gregg, Jenny Oldfield, and Olivia Tuffin, among others. They are similar in nature to series such as Chestnut Hill, Heartland, Sandy Lane Stables, and The Palomino Pony.
Q.15 What do you hope readers remember long after they have finished reading Cloud?
A. That some of the most worthwhile or beneficial bonds come through dedication, patience, and hard work - they are not always formed instantly (as fairytales would have it).
Q.15 What do you hope readers remember long after they have finished reading Cloud?
A. That some of the most worthwhile or beneficial bonds come through dedication, patience, and hard work - they are not always formed instantly (as fairytales would have it).
In real-life, it often takes a great deal of time to establish this trust, and it can be difficult, but once this mutual understanding has been achieved, the results are generally incredibly rewarding.
Q.16 How many books have you written? Which one is your favourite among them?
A. I now have 13 published books, and prior to that, I have already written many other drafts that are now just waiting for their own chance to shine. While I love all of these stories, of course, my personal favourite is definitely Black Knight, the third book in The Horses of Saddlers Ranch series.
Q.17 How did you come up with the name of your characters?
A. They literally just pop into my head for no apparent reason, as if somehow begging for the chance to be used.
Q.18 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. I certainly believe writer’s block exists and can become a real problem for some authors, but it’s not an area I tend to struggle with myself.
Q.16 How many books have you written? Which one is your favourite among them?
A. I now have 13 published books, and prior to that, I have already written many other drafts that are now just waiting for their own chance to shine. While I love all of these stories, of course, my personal favourite is definitely Black Knight, the third book in The Horses of Saddlers Ranch series.
Q.17 How did you come up with the name of your characters?
A. They literally just pop into my head for no apparent reason, as if somehow begging for the chance to be used.
Q.18 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. I certainly believe writer’s block exists and can become a real problem for some authors, but it’s not an area I tend to struggle with myself.
Creative writing has always come extremely naturally to me, and I never seem to be short of ideas, so this concept is not something I’ve ever put a lot of necessary thought into.
Q.19 How did you come up with the name of your books?
A. Again, these names just seem to appear from out of nowhere. It is more a sudden impression of a particular word or phrase that then turns over in my mind until I can adequately do it justice, rather than because of any logical thought or further reasoning.
Q.20 What has been the most rewarding experience of being an author so far?
A. Getting to connect with readers directly. I much prefer genuine, organic outreach, and I think most readers recognise this increased level of author involvement as it provides even more depth and behind-the-scenes insight about each book and the thought process behind its initial creation.
Share your social account links -
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564826494439
Website - https://www.alisonbellringerauthor.com/
Q.19 How did you come up with the name of your books?
A. Again, these names just seem to appear from out of nowhere. It is more a sudden impression of a particular word or phrase that then turns over in my mind until I can adequately do it justice, rather than because of any logical thought or further reasoning.
Q.20 What has been the most rewarding experience of being an author so far?
A. Getting to connect with readers directly. I much prefer genuine, organic outreach, and I think most readers recognise this increased level of author involvement as it provides even more depth and behind-the-scenes insight about each book and the thought process behind its initial creation.
Share your social account links -
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564826494439
Website - https://www.alisonbellringerauthor.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment