Mark Snoad knows a good story when he sees it, even if it’s one that sprang from the vibrant recesses of his own imagination.
The Ormiston Senior College assistant principal and community theatre actor is excited about the release of his first published children’s book, Maggie and the Mountain of Light.
It’s for eight to 12 year olds and tells the story of the fictional character Maggie.
She’s based on Snoad’s daughter Mikayla, who’s battled medical challenges including severe food allergies.
Maggie has no hidden superpowers so will be relatable to young readers, Snoad says.
“There are a lot of these really good books with a hero who has to tap into some hidden reservoir of power they’ve got that’s related to the gods or magic. Maggie doesn’t have any hidden powers.
“She’s just scared all the time, she carries her meds bag with her and in it she’s got her EpiPen, her asthma inhaler, and she’s got her food that’s safe for her to eat.”
Snoad says Maggie and her friends go on a magical adventure that protects the world from “inter-dimensional threats”.
“She goes to an apocalypse training camp, a fun one, in London, and she finds out there’s a secret level to the organisation.
“It’s called ‘Guardians’ and it’s hidden from the world. The story is hugely fun and the characters were fun to write.”
The book’s title comes from the famous Kohinoor diamond, the name of which means ‘Mountain of Light’.
It’s in the possession of the British Royal Family but is claimed by India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, which is something Snoad learned about from one of his school’s Afghan pupils.
Snoad says he’s always had a desire to write fiction but it was a challenge to find the time.
“I started writing a bit more seriously about 10 to 12 years ago on a young adult fantasy novel and I was trying to get an agent. It was kind of like a humour fantasy.
“I wasn’t getting much traction on that and then I had this idea for another story.
“Mikayla had just got her [Girl Guiding] Queen’s Guide award a few years ago, and her doing all of the challenges they need to do was quite inspiring for me.
“Even though she’s got severe food allergies and anxiety and asthma, she’s brave to still go out every day and try new things.”
Snoad has also taken inspiration from Mikayla’s younger sister Hannah, who’s always looked out for her sibling.
He wants readers of his book to realise anybody can be a hero and they don’t need magical abilities or powers.
“I hope people will find a message of hope in the book and they look for that magic in the every day.
“You can be the hero of your own story. It’s a fun read, it’s a light read, it may sometimes deal with heavy topics but there are real fun moments to it.”
Snoad is launching his book at 3.30pm on May 10 at Pakuranga Library, and at 5.30pm on May 11 at Poppies bookshop at 83 Picton Street, Howick.
Copies of the book will be for sale for $25 and they can be purchased online at www.amazon.com.
