True Fiction Project: S6 Ep 7 - "The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales From the Clinic"
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Introduction
In the seventh episode of the sixth season of True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora delves into the imaginative world of middle grade fantasy with Victoria McGrath, the author of her debut graphic novel, "The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact", the first installment in the series "Tales From the Clinic." This episode explores Victoria's journey from real-life challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown to crafting a vibrant fictional universe inspired by her daughter's dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
Guest Introduction: Victoria McGrath
Renita Hora warmly welcomes Victoria McGrath to the show, highlighting her passion for middle grade fiction and her dedication to the genre. Victoria expresses her excitement about sharing her work and connecting with the audience.
Victoria McGrath [03:04]: "Hello, Renita. I'm excited to be here speaking with you and your audience."
Inspiration Behind "Tales From the Clinic"
Victoria shares the heartfelt story behind her graphic novel series. During the prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in Ontario, she found herself grappling with isolation and anxiety, both as a business owner whose practices had to pivot dramatically and as a mother with her daughter confined to online classes. Seeking stress relief, Victoria turned to creative writing, allowing ideas to flow naturally as they do for many writers.
Victoria McGrath [00:54]: "I just really needed the creative project to give me some kind of stress relief, really, about feeling so isolated and anxious."
The core inspiration for the series stems from her daughter's long-held aspiration to become a veterinarian. This personal connection laid the foundation for a story about young friends assisting their mothers in a veterinary clinic, blending real-life elements with fantastical adventures.
Choosing Middle Grade and Graphic Novel Formats
Renita inquires about Victoria's decision to write a middle grade graphic novel, a format that blends visual storytelling with engaging narratives. Victoria explains that her love for comic books and continuity in storytelling influenced her choice. The appearance of a dragon as the main character naturally steered her toward a fantasy genre suitable for middle grade readers.
Victoria McGrath [06:43]: "When you get a dragon that pops in as a character, it takes a little bit of time to figure out where that character wants to be. And middle grade was just where it wanted to be."
She further elaborates on her childhood fondness for series like Tintin, which inspired her to create a series with consistent characters embarking on different adventures each time.
Collaborating with an Illustrator
Given that Victoria is not an illustrator, she discusses the essential collaboration process with her publisher, Hasmark Publishing, which connected her with a talented illustrator. Together, they transformed Victoria's vivid mental images into visual art, ensuring that the characters and settings faithfully represent her vision.
Victoria McGrath [11:11]: "But the characters are still the same. And so when you have in your mind what you want to see, the characters evolve into the whole picture of the story as you're writing it."
This partnership was pivotal in bringing the graphic novel to life, allowing the story's depth and richness to shine through both text and imagery.
Overview of "The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact"
Victoria provides a sneak peek into her novel, describing it as an adventure where two best friends, Sam and Julia, help out at their mothers' veterinary clinic. Their work leads them into multi-dimensional adventures alongside the clinic's patients. The setting is rooted in her childhood hometown, adding a layer of personal nostalgia and historical richness to the story.
Victoria McGrath [15:30]: "This is Tales from the Clinic. Book 1: The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact by Vicki McGrath."
Renita Hora reads an excerpt from the novel, showcasing the dynamic between Sam and Julia as they navigate their daily lives and fantastical adventures.
Publishing and Future Plans
Victoria reveals that "The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact" is available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook. The book is accessible on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo Chapters, as well as her personal website.
Victoria McGrath [12:32]: "It's on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indigo Chapters, if you're in Canada. And of course also on my website, which is VickyMcGrathAuthor.com."
Looking ahead, Victoria is committed to expanding her series, with plans for seven books in total. She anticipates releasing the next installment in 2025, continuing to develop the rich, multi-dimensional adventures that fans can look forward to.
Victoria McGrath [13:34]: "I intend to add them sort of every year. So hopefully 2025 will be the second one in the series."
Conclusion
Reenita Hora wraps up the episode by expressing enthusiasm for Victoria's work and the promising future of the "Tales From the Clinic" series. Victoria shares her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her debut novel and connect with the True Fiction Project community.
Renita Hora [14:00]: "Vicki, thank you so much for joining us on the True Fiction Project. It has been such a pleasure. So much fun."
Victoria McGrath [14:00]: "Thank you so much. I really enjoyed myself."
Where to Find "The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact"
- Title: The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact
- Series: Tales From the Clinic (Book 1)
- Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo Chapters, VickyMcGrathAuthor.com
- Social Media: Instagram @VickyMcGrath
Listen and Connect
If you're inspired by Victoria McGrath's journey or have a compelling story that could be transformed into fiction, True Fiction Project invites you to connect:
- Contact: renita.com/forward/contact
- Newsletter: substack.com/renitahora
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True Fiction Project continues to bridge the gap between real-life experiences and the realm of fiction, showcasing how everyday stories can inspire captivating narratives. Stay tuned for more episodes that celebrate the art of storytelling.