Author Interview – Miranda Herald
This month I caught up with fellow cozy fantasy author and Cozy Vales scribe Miranda Herald about her books and inspiration. Hi Miranda – tell us about yourself.
Hello, I’m cozy fantasy author Miranda Herald. Imagine living where the line between reality and fantasy blurs so delightfully that even the morning dew seems enchanted. That’s where you can find me! My days unfold on a small farmstead, a quaint backdrop for the wild tales that spill from my laptop. It’s here, among a gaggle of opinionated farm animals and a library that’s bursting at the seams, that I conjure stories of magic mingling effortlessly with the mundane. When I’m not writing, you might find me homeschooling my kids or going on real world backpacking adventures to explore the great outdoors.
That sounds charming! And your books are set on a farm, but one a bit different to your farmstead, what’s that world like?
Welcome to Briarhaven! This charming world contains a little bit of technology and a lot of magic where the extraordinary is just part of everyday life. My current work in progress in this world is the Practical Guide to Unicorn Ranching, the third book in the Magical Farming Series. These books have the vibes of the game Stardew Valley, but invites you into a world where you might have a carnivorous carrot or a sentient tomato plant growing right in your backyard.
Imagine living in a place where your livestock guardian flys and the fox raiding the chicken coop might actually be a shapeshifter. It’s a community where every field hides a secret and every barn is a portal to adventure. Here in Briarhaven, magic isn’t just a sprinkle of fairy dust—it’s the soul of the soil. Whether you’re learning to cultivate dancing sunflowers or trying to keep track of an ornery levitating goat, life is never dull on these enchanted farms!
Sounds tricky keeping track of your goats! Can you tell us more about what inspires you to write in that setting?
I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and the potential for magic in everyday settings. My background in biology and my life on my small farmstead has helped me create a realistic backdrop for the fantastical elements in my stories. Briarhaven is really about exploring those “what if” scenarios in a setting that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange.
Did any of that come from your reading? Which authors do you enjoy reading most?
I enjoy a wide range of authors. I grew up reading Tamora Pierce and Anne McCaffrey and I feel they definitely influenced my desire to write fantasy. Every once in a while I will reread old favorites, but am currently reading a book by Travis Baldree. Although, I really become giddy when I find a true gem from an author that isn’t well known.
All fabulous choices. Where can we learn more about you and your book(s)?
Embark on a journey to Briarhaven by joining my newsletter and stopping at my website, mirandaherald.com. For a daily dose of whimsy connect with me on my Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. For those who crave deeper exploration into the cozy corners of my writing, gain early access to my works in progress, special giveaways, snail mail, and behind the scenes peeks in my readers group, Cozy Adventure Club.
The Cozy Herald Newsletter (Get a FREE novel!) https://mirandaherald.com/cozyreaderherald/
Cozy Adventure Club Readers Group: https://reamstories.com/mirandaherald
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaHeraldAuthor
