I’ve always loved fairy tales—the original kind. The ones that don’t talk down to you. The ones that understand fear, endurance, loss, and hope, and use magic as a way to tell the truth when plain words aren’t enough.
So when I read that Heather Russell-Kay had reimagined classic fairy tales through a lens of chronic illness, resilience, and emotional truth, I immediately ordered a copy of Whispers Through the Forest. That combination—fairy tales and lived experience—was irresistible.
I’ll be honest: my paperback copy (It is also available on the Kindle and is part of the KindleUnlimited) has not arrived because I had it shipped to Crimson Jack Acorn, III and he has not shared it yet.
I ordered the paperback because all proceeds are being donated to donated to the MS Society, the MS Trust and Shift MS, to help support those living with MS and I wanted to help with that.
So while I have not read it yet, but I could not wait to introduce you to Heather and her work.
Readers describe the book as beautifully written, thoughtful, heartwarming, and strangely comforting.
Some say it’s a book you can read again and again.
Others talk about how it offers insight, empathy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with chronic illness.
Whispers Through the Forest is described as dark, whimsical, and heartfelt: stories of magic, shadow, and resilience. From forests where danger lurks just beyond the path to kingdoms where hope must be actively fought for, these tales explore pain and humour side by side, along with the unexpected strength it takes simply to endure. It’s fairy-tale storytelling that doesn’t soften reality—but instead reframes it, allowing happily-ever-after to exist in a quieter, truer form.
Beyond her writing, Heather’s work in the world reflects the same compassion and creativity found in her stories.
She runs Heather’s Little Tutoring Company, where she tutors English and Drama at primary and secondary levels, including GCSE and A-Level, working across exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, and WJEC.
She also prepares students for the Kent 11+ and secondary and sixth-form entrance exams. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in confidence-building, individuality, and helping students discover how they learn best—through lessons designed to be interactive, engaging, and genuinely fun.
Perhaps most beautifully, Heather also runs drama groups for people living with MS and other chronic illnesses—spaces focused on creativity, connection, self-expression, and joy. It’s easy to see how this work and her writing are deeply intertwined: both are about being heard, being believed, and finding magic where life has made things difficult
I can’t wait to read Whispers Through the Forest for myself—but I didn’t want to wait to share Heather Russell-Kay with you.
So before my copy even arrives, here’s our conversation with a storyteller who understands that even in the hardest chapters, there is still room for wonder.
Interview with Heather Russell-Kay
How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?
- This is my first time writing seriously.
- I wrote the first story years ago, and the idea for a collection stayed with me in the background for a long time.
- It wasn’t until this summer that I finally sat down and wrote the rest of the book.
- Living with chronic illness was the main inspiration; writing felt like a way to make sense of things I couldn’t always put into words.
What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?
- I write fairy-tale-inspired fiction with a strong metaphorical and emotional core.
- As a reader, I love anything lyrical or slightly strange, especially fairy tales, magical realism, fantasy, and books that explore inner worlds rather than neat plots.
- Also, anything with dragons!
Who are some of your favourite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?
- I’ve always loved stories that trust the reader and allow space for imagination.
- Fairy tales and folklore have had a huge influence on me, and The Lord of the Rings is a story I always return to.
- I especially adore its themes of resilience, inner strength, and carrying on through darkness.
- Those quieter, emotional undercurrents are what tend to shape my own writing.
For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?
- My writing is quiet, metaphorical, and emotionally honest.
- I’m drawn to themes of chronic illness, resilience, invisibility, grief, acceptance, and hope — often sitting side by side.
- I’m interested in what it means to live in a body that doesn’t behave as expected, and how people find meaning within that.
What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?
- Whispers Through the Forest grew out of my own experience of living with chronic illness and, in particular, Multiple Sclerosis.
- The forest and its stories became a metaphor for a body and a life that constantly changes.
- Writing in fairy-tale form allowed me to explore painful realities gently, without needing to explain or justify them.
Do you have a favourite scene in your current book? What makes it stand out to you?
- I’m most drawn to the scenes where the characters feel heard and believed.
- Those moments are often quiet, but they carry a great deal of weight for me.
- Wanting to give people living with chronic illness a voice and to show the importance of being heard sits at the heart of the book.
- Learn more about multiple sclerosis at the Mayo Clinic.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. This damage can cause symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, vision problems, and difficulty with movement, which vary widely from person to person.
Overview of “Whispers Through the Forests”
These short stories for adults with chronic illnesses celebrate courage, imagination, and the little miracles that make life meaningful, even in the most difficult times.
Every writer has their own rhythm—what does your writing routine look like on a good day?
- On a good day, it’s slow and gentle.
- I write in short bursts, often with lots of naps.
- Chronic illness means I have to listen carefully to my body, so my routine is flexible rather than fixed.
Was there a moment while writing this book when everything suddenly clicked (or when you almost threw the manuscript across the room)?
- In many ways, the writing itself felt surprisingly natural.
- Once I began, the stories seemed to unfold on their own.
- The doubts crept in afterwards, when I started questioning whether it was too truthful or too raw, especially as I usually try to maintain a positive voice when discussing my life with MS.
- Letting go of the idea that everything needed a clear resolution was a turning point for me.
What books, movies, or personal experiences have influenced your storytelling the most?
- Personal experience has been the most significant influence on my writing.
- Living with chronic illness reshapes how you see life, hope, and identity.
- Beyond that, fairy tales, folklore, and films that embrace symbolism rather than realism have had a lasting impact on me.
If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?
- Just write. 😊 Write what feels true to you, even if it feels scary.
- You don’t need to explain everything or make it palatable for everyone, because there will be someone out there who recognises themselves in your words, and that feeling of being seen really matters.
What are you currently working on, and what can readers expect from you next?
- I’m taking a gentle pause at the moment, but I’m beginning to imagine what might come next.
- I’m thinking a book with similar themes, maybe a slightly different perspective, and, hopefully, dragons.
How do you stay motivated or creative when the writing gets tough?
- I remind myself that rest is part of creativity.
- Stepping away, reading, or simply letting ideas sit quietly often brings me back to work with more clarity than forcing myself to do so ever does.
Where can readers follow you online and keep up with your future books?
Follow Heater on X at @dizzythedonkey
You can also follow Heather on her Blog
NOTE: It looks like Heather’s mascot is a donkey. MAYBE, just MAYBE, one of her donkeys will visit Crimson Jack Acorn, III and Ava Honeysuckle on the Trash Panda Publishing Podcast.
Where to Buy “Whispers Through The Forest”
Available at Amazon in paperback, Kindle and KindleUnlimited
In England, it is Available at Waterstones
