We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

Meet M.J. Walters and C Cappelletti, authors of the wonderful children’s book, On Rainy Days.

What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?

Cristiana Cappelletti: I’d say that among my most important accomplishments are turning difficult family and health challenges into something positive by creating books, zines, and exhibitions, as well as learning a second language and completing a Photography degree in that language.

Michael Walters: Earning a degree in Graphic Design, writing a 70,000-word novel despite being dyslexic, and discovering that I can research a topic and confidently give talks to an audience are among my proudest accomplishments.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

On Rainy Days was inspired by our love for books and stories, and by a strong desire to create something together. It really did begin on a cold, rainy day, when we started imagining the characters and the settings. I (Cris) painted the backgrounds in watercolour, then scanned them, and Mike used his Photoshop skills to show me what was possible. At first it was challenging, but once we got going the characters came to life. We incorporated elements of our reality as well as places I have travelled to. We wanted the book to feel like an escape from reality, something both familiar and magical.

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

Cris: The book that has had the biggest impact on me is Barbapapa’s New House by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor. I loved it not only because the family’s house is still my dream home, but also because of their resilience in the face of difficulties. Despite being forced out of their home, they create a space entirely their own, round, playful, made of natural materials, with every child having their own room. That story continues to inspire me to keep going and find my own place in the world.

Mike: The book that inspired me as a child was Space Wars by Steven Eisler, with a foreword by Chris Foss. It’s a compilation of works by different science fiction artists. Because of my dyslexia, I found reading very difficult, but this book, with its images of worlds, machines, and aliens, offered me a glimpse into societies that didn’t exist. Through its pages I was transported to places that sparked my imagination and encouraged me to create stories in my head. For me, images have always carried more power than the written word ever could.

How would you summarise your book in as few words as possible?

Bored Barry is whisked into a magical world where he and Bathtube must outsmart the mischievous Pits’n’Pots bird in an adventure full of quirky characters, colorful landscapes, and unexpected friendships.

What were your first experiences with writing?

Cris: My first experiences with writing began with keeping diaries as a child, which later grew into writing poems, something I still do today. Over time I started making zines, some of which were sold at Magma in Manchester and the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool. More recently, I’ve created and published four books through Amazon KDP. Writing has always been a way for me to express myself and share my perspective with others.

Mike: My first experience with writing came when I created two time-travelling mice characters for a graphic design project. Once I visualised them, I realised they had a story I needed to tell, so I decided to learn how to write. However, my dyslexia made this process long and challenging. I began by finding and joining local writing groups, which were instrumental in helping me understand how to get my stories from my mind onto paper.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

In our opinion, the key ingredients for a good story are mystery, adventure, and well-developed characters. We especially enjoy creating full spreads that immerse the reader in the world we are narrating, helping them feel part of the story.

How long do you spend writing every day?

It varies. While working on On Rainy Days, other ideas for children’s books came to us spontaneously, and we would jot down drafts, whereas creating the illustrations is a much more time-consuming process.

How long did you spend writing this novel?

For On Rainy Days, we first drafted the story, then created the characters, giving them personalities and appearances that reflected who they were. This process took about a month. Next, we made a storyboard to map out the book. It took about a year to complete the illustrations, as we were figuring out how to work together for the first time and wanted full-page, bright-coloured artwork. The story was written by both of us, while I (Cris) created the backgrounds with watercolours, which were then scanned. The scans were then imported into Adobe Photoshop, and Mike worked his magic to assemble them and add the characters. We also designed the book layout ourselves, which took some time.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

The most challenging part of creating this project was learning to work together, as we each brought very different skills to the table. Balancing the time needed to dedicate to the project with the patience and perseverance required to see it through tested us in many ways. Through this journey, we learned to trust each other’s judgment, lean on each other’s strengths, and appreciate how our differences could come together to create something stronger than we could have achieved alone.

What did you find most helpful when writing your book?

Having each other’s support and complementary skills was the most helpful part of writing our book. Collaborating allowed us to share ideas, overcome challenges, and stay motivated. Feedback from our nephews, nieces, and even adults also gave us encouragement and reassurance, helping us refine the book and feel confident in our work.

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Cris: Don’t listen to people who try to bring you down instead of supporting your passions. Stay focused on what you love and keep pursuing it.

Mike: Don’t be put off by the task ahead, even if you find it difficult to get your ideas onto paper. The stories you have in your mind are worth telling, and with patience and practice, you will find a way to bring them to life.

'On Rainy Days' is available now on our website.