I’m Dr. Narissa MacLennan-Matthews, a criminologist by profession, a mother by heart, and a storyteller by passion. Writing under the name Isles Matthews, I bring together my professional background in criminology, my experiences as a mother, and my love of imagination to create stories that celebrate kindness, individuality, emotional growth, and the importance of understanding one another.

My professional career in criminology has focused on some of the most complex and challenging areas of crime and social harm, including terrorism, honour-based crimes, human trafficking, grooming, and exploitation. These areas of study have given me a deeper appreciation of the vulnerabilities people can experience, the importance of recognising harmful behaviours, and the need for greater awareness, understanding, and compassion within society. While my academic and professional work explores the darker and more difficult aspects of human experience, my writing allows me to turn toward a world of imagination, hope, and possibility, where meaningful messages can be shared through the magic of storytelling.

My journey into children’s literature began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, in a time when family, connection, and finding comfort in the everyday became more important than ever. As a mother to disabled children, I began creating bedtime stories to bring a little magic, reassurance, and joy into our evenings. These stories offered us an opportunity to escape into imaginative worlds filled with wonder, adventure, and characters who could experience challenges, discover their strengths, and learn important lessons along the way. What began as something deeply personal, created out of love for my own children, gradually developed into a passion for writing stories that could reach and inspire other young readers and their families.

I am the author behind the heartwarming Tilly the Pixie series, a collection of whimsical fantasy adventures that celebrates imagination, kindness, inclusion, emotional development, and the beauty of seeing the world differently. Through the enchanting world of Tilly and her adventures, I aim to create stories that entertain children while gently encouraging them to explore their feelings, appreciate differences, build confidence, and develop a greater understanding of the people around them.

My background in criminology has shaped my awareness of the importance of safety, trust, vulnerability, and the ways in which people experience the world differently. Although my children’s books explore a very different world from the subjects I encounter professionally, I believe there is a meaningful connection between understanding people and creating stories that encourage empathy. Children are continually learning how to interpret their experiences, navigate relationships, recognise their emotions, and understand the behaviour of others. Through fantasy, these ideas can be explored in an accessible and reassuring way, giving young readers opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and develop their own understanding of kindness, respect, and personal boundaries.

Being a mother has had an equally profound influence on my writing. Creating stories for my own children has reminded me that every child experiences the world in their own unique way and that imagination can provide a wonderful space in which to feel accepted and understood. I want my stories to celebrate children who may see, experience, or interact with the world differently, while reminding them that they have something valuable to contribute. I believe children’s literature should offer more than entertainment; it should open doors to conversations, strengthen connections between families, and help young readers feel that their thoughts, feelings, and experiences matter.

Through the Tilly the Pixie series, I explore themes that are important to me, including compassion, resilience, friendship, self-belief, and acceptance. I want children to discover that courage does not mean never feeling afraid, that kindness can be found in the smallest gestures, and that differences should be approached with curiosity and understanding rather than judgement. I also hope my stories encourage children to recognise the importance of feeling safe, being listened to, respecting themselves and others, and knowing that they deserve to be treated with care and respect.

For me, storytelling is a way to bring together two important parts of who I am: my professional interest in understanding difficult human experiences and my personal desire to create something positive, comforting, and inspiring for children. While my work in criminology examines serious issues affecting individuals and communities, my work as Isles Matthews allows me to focus on the values that can help nurture a more compassionate world, beginning with the youngest among us.

My greatest hope is that the stories I create will stay with children long after they turn the final page. I want my books to inspire imagination, encourage meaningful conversations between children and the adults who care for them, and offer reassurance to young readers who may sometimes feel misunderstood or different. If a child finds comfort in one of my stories, feels more confident in who they are, or begins to see someone else with greater kindness and understanding, then my writing has achieved something truly worthwhile.

Through the magical world of Tilly the Pixie, I invite children and families to join me on adventures where imagination has no limits, individuality is celebrated, and every character has the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their own strengths. Above all, I hope my stories remind readers that, even in a complicated world, there is always room for kindness, understanding, and a little bit of magic.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

The inspiration behind Tilly the Pixie began at home, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when life became quieter, the world felt uncertain, and the importance of family and connection took on a whole new meaning. As a mother to disabled children, I found myself looking for ways to bring comfort, happiness, and a little magic into our everyday lives. One of the most special ways I found to do this was through storytelling. What began as bedtime stories created especially for my children soon grew into something much more meaningful: the beginning of a magical world that I wanted to share with others.

When I started creating these stories, my intention was simple. I wanted to give my children a place where their imaginations could flourish, where they could escape into wonderful adventures, and where characters could face challenges, experience different emotions, and discover that being different was something to celebrate. I wanted to create stories that made them smile, encouraged them to dream, and reminded them that they were valued for exactly who they were. As the stories developed, I began to realise that the messages woven into them might resonate with other children and families, too.

My experiences as a mother played a significant role in shaping the heart of the series. Raising disabled children has reinforced for me that every child experiences the world differently, with their own strengths, challenges, perspectives, and ways of expressing themselves. I wanted to reflect that diversity through a world of fantasy, where individuality is embraced and where differences are not barriers to friendship, belonging, or adventure. Through Tilly and the characters she encounters, I hoped to create a gentle reminder that there is no single way to be special, brave, or wonderful.

My professional background in criminology has also influenced the way I think about people, relationships, and the world we live in. Through my work and studies involving terrorism, honour-based crimes, human trafficking, grooming, and exploitation, I have developed a deep awareness of vulnerability, trust, safety, and the importance of recognising and understanding the experiences of others. Although Tilly the Pixie is a children’s fantasy series rather than a reflection of my professional work, these experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of empathy, respect, and helping people feel safe, heard, and understood. I wanted to create stories that, in their own gentle way, encourage children to value kindness, appreciate differences, and understand the importance of how we treat one another.

Ultimately, Tilly the Pixie was born from love: a mother’s love for her children, a love of imagination, and a desire to create something positive during an extraordinary and challenging time. What started as a personal way to connect with my children became an opportunity to share a little of that magic with the wider world. I never imagined that those quiet bedtime moments would inspire a series of stories that could reach beyond our home, but I am grateful that they did.

My hope is that every child who opens a Tilly the Pixie book finds something meaningful within its pages, whether that is the excitement of a magical adventure, the comfort of a familiar feeling, the confidence to embrace their individuality, or the reassurance that they belong. Above all, I want children to discover that their differences make them unique, their feelings matter, and their imaginations can take them to extraordinary places. For me, that is the true magic of Tilly: a little character inspired by my own children, whose adventures carry a message of kindness, inclusion, and the importance of seeing the world through one another’s eyes.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The story behind the title Tilly the Pixie is deeply personal, rooted in both my childhood memories and the kind of magical world I wanted to create for my own children.

Tilly was a name I had loved since I was a little girl, and I have always been drawn to the enchanting worlds of pixies, fairies, magic, and whimsical lands where anything is possible. My love of fantasy began at a time in my own childhood when my twin sister became very sick. During what was a difficult and uncertain period for our family, books became a source of comfort and escape for me. Having already devoured the wonderful stories of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, I discovered Harry Potter and was captivated by the idea of stepping into a world where magic existed alongside the challenges of everyday life. I also fell in love with Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the adventures of hobbits, and the extraordinary worlds he created. These books gave me somewhere to retreat into my imagination, a place filled with wonder, adventure, and possibilities beyond the reality I was experiencing.

Looking back, I realise just how important those imaginary worlds were to me. They offered comfort when life felt difficult and reminded me that even in uncertain times, there could still be magic, hope, and moments of joy. That feeling stayed with me long after childhood, and when I began creating my own stories, I wanted to capture that same sense of warmth and wonder.

The name Tilly felt natural from the very beginning. It was a name I had carried with me for years and seemed to embody everything I wanted my little character to represent: gentleness, curiosity, magic, and a welcoming sense of adventure. Finding the title itself wasn’t the difficult part; it was discovering the world I wanted to build around it and understanding just how meaningful that world could become.

As a mother to disabled children, I wanted to create something that went beyond a traditional fantasy adventure. I wanted to offer children a safe, warm, and welcoming place where they could simply be themselves. For some neurodivergent children, the world can feel overwhelming, with its bright colours, loud noises, busy environments, and constant demands. I wanted Tilly’s world to offer a gentler escape, a place where imagination could flourish, differences could be embraced, and children could feel accepted without needing to change who they are.

In many ways, I was drawing on the comfort that books had given me as a child, while thinking about the kind of magical space I wanted my own children to experience. Just as I had found reassurance in the pages of Harry Potter, the adventures of hobbits, and the wonderful worlds of my favourite childhood authors, I hoped to create a place where young readers could find their own sense of belonging.

Ultimately, Tilly the Pixie became the perfect title because it brought together a name I had always loved with a world inspired by the stories that had once comforted me. What began with childhood memories and bedtime stories for my children has grown into something much more meaningful: an invitation for children to step into a world where they are welcomed, their differences are celebrated, and they can find a little peace away from the busyness of everyday life.

For me, Tilly is more than a pixie. She represents the magic that stories brought into my own childhood, the love that inspired me to write for my children, and my hope that every young reader can find a place where they feel safe, understood, and free to imagine. Sometimes, the most extraordinary worlds begin with a simple story, a much-loved name, and a little bit of magic.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover is one that captures the magic of the story within without giving too much away. I have always believed that book covers are unique and special, each one offering a little glimpse into the world waiting between the pages. For me, a cover should do more than simply look beautiful; it should evoke a feeling, spark curiosity, and invite readers to step into a story they might never want to leave.

When I design my covers, I try to be mindful of my audience and create something that feels inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to the children I hope will fall in love with my stories. I want my covers to be whimsical, enchanting, colourful, and full of personality, with just enough mystery to make a child wonder what adventures might await them inside. There should be a sense of magic and fun, but also warmth, comfort, and a feeling that this is a world where they belong.

My favourite time of year is the period from Halloween through to Christmas, when everything seems to take on an extra sprinkle of magic. I adore the atmosphere of this season: the twinkling lights, rich autumnal colours, cosy evenings, fantastical decorations, and that wonderful feeling that something extraordinary might be just around the corner. That sense of enchantment is something I love to bring into my creative work, even when the story itself isn’t seasonal.

Ultimately, my dream book cover is one that makes a child stop, look a little closer, and feel that irresistible pull of imagination. I want it to feel like the entrance to a magical world, one that promises adventure while offering a sense of safety, wonder, and belonging. If a child picks up Tilly the Pixie because the cover makes them smile, sparks their curiosity, or simply makes them feel happy, then I feel I have achieved exactly what I set out to do. After all, the most magical covers don’t reveal the whole story; they make you want to discover it for yourself.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If Tilly the Pixie had a soundtrack, I think it would be a magical mixture of whimsical melodies, enchanting film scores, and songs that make you feel as though you have stepped through a doorway into another world. I would want the music to capture that feeling of childhood wonder, where anything is possible and even the smallest adventure can become something extraordinary.

Having always loved fantasy, I would definitely include music inspired by Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. There is something so beautiful about the way their soundtracks transport you somewhere else, whether it is the delicate, magical notes of John Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme” or the sweeping, adventurous orchestral music from Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings. They remind me of the books that first sparked my imagination as a child and gave me a sense of comfort during difficult times.

I would also love to include music that captures the playful, mischievous side of pixies and fairies. Something light, twinkling, and full of curiosity, with little musical surprises that make you smile. I can imagine gentle instrumental pieces accompanying Tilly’s quieter moments, alongside more lively, uplifting melodies for her adventures and discoveries.

And because Halloween through to Christmas is my favourite time of year, I would be tempted to sprinkle in a little seasonal magic, too! There is something about the music of that time of year that makes the world feel more enchanting, whether it is the mysterious atmosphere of a Halloween melody or the warmth and wonder of a Christmas favourite.

Ultimately, I would want the soundtrack to reflect the heart of Tilly the Pixie: imagination, kindness, friendship, courage, and the freedom to see the world differently. It would need to make children feel as though they were embarking on their own magical adventure, while giving them moments of calm and comfort along the way. Much like the stories that inspired me as a child, I would hope the music would stay with them long after the adventure ended, reminding them that a little magic can always be found if you know where to look.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

My reading tastes are probably as varied as my writing and professional life! At the moment, I can’t reveal too much about what I’m researching or planning for the future of Tilly the Pixie, but what I can say is that Tilly’s world is expanding, and she and her amazing friends are only just beginning their adventures. There is so much more to come, and I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. I’ll have to keep a little pixie dust over the details for now!

Alongside my children’s writing, my professional life as a criminologist keeps me very busy. I am currently working on three academic book chapters: two focusing on terrorism, including lone-wolf terrorism, and a third examining the policing of so-called honour-based violence and abuse. These projects require considerable research, reading, and critical analysis, so much of my professional reading is understandably centred on serious, complex, real-world issues. It is a very different kind of storytelling, grounded in academic research, evidence, and the realities of crime and policing.

When I finally get the opportunity to put the academic papers aside and read purely for pleasure, however, my tastes take a rather different turn! I absolutely love dark mafia romance, fated-mates stories, and anything involving fae, magical realms, and fantastical worlds. I enjoy stories that completely sweep me away, with intriguing characters, complicated relationships, a little darkness, and plenty of escapism. There is something wonderfully indulgent about disappearing into a fictional world where you can leave everyday responsibilities behind for a while.

I have always been drawn to fantasy, magic, and stories that transport you somewhere unexpected. From the enchanting worlds I discovered as a child to the darker, more romantic fantasy stories I enjoy now, books have always offered me an opportunity to explore different worlds and perspectives. I think that love of escapism is something that naturally finds its way into my own creative work, even though Tilly the Pixie is written for a very different audience!

I suppose my reading habits reflect the different sides of who I am. One moment, I might be immersed in academic research on terrorism or policing, and the next, I could be disappearing into a world of fae, fated mates, and dark romance. And somewhere in between, there is Tilly, her wonderful friends, and a magical world that continues to grow.

For me, reading is both a way to learn and a way to escape. Sometimes I need the challenge of exploring complex ideas, and sometimes I simply want to lose myself in a story and enjoy the journey. With three academic chapters to write and Tilly’s world continuing to unfold, I certainly have plenty to keep me busy. But I will always try to make room for a little fantasy, a little romance, and, of course, a little magic!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

My professional life is quite different from the whimsical world of children’s literature. Alongside being an author of children’s fantasy, I am a criminologist, published academic author, and visiting specialist with the Cold Case Unit at the University of Plymouth. My professional career has focused on some of the most complex and challenging areas of crime and social harm, including terrorism, honour-based crimes, human trafficking, grooming, and exploitation. These specialist areas require critical thinking, detailed analysis, and a considered understanding of human behaviour, vulnerability, and the circumstances that shape people’s lives.

As a criminologist, I have developed a particular interest in understanding the complexities behind criminal behaviour and the wider social issues surrounding crime. My work involves engaging with challenging subject matter that demands an evidence-led approach, an ability to question assumptions, and a willingness to explore different perspectives. These are subjects that have a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities, and they require sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the complexities of real-world experiences.

As a visiting specialist with the Cold Case Unit at the University of Plymouth, this work brings another dimension to my criminological interests, allowing me to contribute specialist knowledge and perspectives to the academic examination of unresolved cases. Cold case work requires patience, analytical thinking, and a willingness to revisit information with fresh eyes. It involves considering evidence, exploring potential lines of enquiry, and examining how criminological knowledge and research can contribute to a deeper understanding of cases that may have remained unresolved for many years. It is a fascinating area of work that reinforces the importance of attention to detail, critical analysis, and never losing sight of the people whose lives are affected by crime.

Alongside my specialist work, I am also a published academic author, with a number of publications to my name. Academic writing has been an important part of my professional journey, providing an opportunity to explore complex issues in depth, contribute to discussions within my field, and share knowledge with a wider academic and professional audience. Research and publication require dedication, discipline, and a commitment to presenting ideas clearly and thoughtfully. I value the opportunity to contribute to criminological scholarship and to engage with subjects that have significant implications for individuals and society. My academic work reflects a different side of my writing life, one grounded in research, critical enquiry, and the careful examination of evidence.

People who know me through my children’s books might be surprised by the contrast between my professional interests and my creative pursuits. My criminological work has brought me into contact with serious and often distressing subject matter, from exploitation and abuse to terrorism and unresolved criminal cases. In contrast, my writing as Isles Matthews allows me to step into a world of pixies, fairies, imagination, and magical adventures. Yet, despite their apparent differences, I believe these two sides of my life are connected by a shared interest in people, their experiences, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

My criminology background has taught me to look beyond the obvious, question assumptions, and consider the wider circumstances that influence people’s lives. As a children’s author, I draw on that same curiosity in a very different way. Through the Tilly the Pixie series, I aim to encourage children to approach the world with kindness, empathy, and an appreciation of individuality. I want young readers to understand that everyone has their own experiences, challenges, and ways of seeing the world, and that taking the time to understand one another can make a meaningful difference.

Of course, my journey into children’s literature also has a deeply personal side. My love of storytelling began in childhood, when books provided comfort and escape during a difficult period in my family’s life. Later, as a mother to disabled children, I began creating bedtime stories during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Those quiet moments of imagination eventually grew into the beginnings of Tilly the Pixie, a series inspired by my desire to create a warm, welcoming world where children could feel accepted, understood, and free to be themselves.

Ultimately, I am proud to have a professional life that brings together criminological research, academic publication, specialist work, motherhood, and creative storytelling. Whether I am contributing to academic discussions, exploring complex criminal cases, or creating magical adventures for young readers, I am driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world from different perspectives. My work as a criminologist and academic author reflects my commitment to examining difficult questions, while my work as Isles Matthews allows me to celebrate imagination, kindness, and the importance of making every child feel that they belong. It may seem an unusual combination, but for me, both worlds are an essential part of who I am.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My inspiration to write comes from a combination of my childhood, my experiences as a mother, and the magical worlds I discovered through books. I don’t think there was one single moment when I decided to become a writer; rather, it feels as though storytelling has always been a part of me, waiting for the right time to find its way out.

As a child, books became a particularly important source of comfort when my twin sister became very sick. During that difficult time, I found myself drawn to stories that allowed me to escape into another world, even if only for a little while. Having already enjoyed the wonderful books of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, I discovered Harry Potter and fell in love with the idea that magic could exist alongside the challenges of everyday life. I was also captivated by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, particularly the world of hobbits, mythical creatures, and extraordinary adventures. These authors showed me how powerful imagination could be and how a story could transport you somewhere entirely different, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of possibility when you needed it most.

Those early experiences stayed with me, and I think they helped shape the kind of storyteller I would eventually become. I have always loved the idea of creating a world that readers can step into, where they can lose themselves in an adventure, connect with characters, and perhaps find a little comfort along the way. I wanted to capture some of that same magic in my own writing, while creating something that felt personal to me.

The real turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when I began writing bedtime stories for my disabled children. What started as a way to bring a little happiness and imagination into our evenings gradually developed into the beginnings of Tilly the Pixie. As a mother, I wanted to create a world where my children could feel safe, accepted, and free to explore their imaginations. I wanted a place where differences were celebrated, where characters could be themselves without judgement, and where the busyness and sensory demands of the outside world could fade away for a little while.

My professional background in criminology may seem a world away from children’s fantasy, but I believe both have influenced the way I see people and the stories I want to tell. My work has involved studying serious issues, including terrorism, honour-based crimes, human trafficking, grooming, and exploitation. These experiences have deepened my awareness of vulnerability, the importance of trust, and the need for compassion and understanding. Through my children’s writing, I can explore the more hopeful side of human experience, encouraging kindness, empathy, inclusion, and respect through magical adventures that children can enjoy.

Ultimately, I think the biggest influence on my writing has been the combination of the little girl who found comfort in books and the mother who wanted to create that same sense of comfort for her own children. Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, J.K. Rowling, and J.R.R. Tolkien all helped nurture my love of imaginative storytelling, but my children gave me the reason to begin telling stories of my own.

Tilly the Pixie grew from that very personal place. It is my way of passing on the magic that books gave me as a child, while creating a welcoming world where young readers can feel understood, embrace their individuality, and discover that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures begin with the simplest stories.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My favourite place to write is at home, in the cabin. There is something wonderfully peaceful about having a little space of my own where I can step away from the busyness of everyday life and let my imagination take over. For me, writing is as much about finding the right atmosphere as it is about finding the right words, and the cabin gives me that sense of calm and freedom I need to wander into the magical worlds I create.

I love being able to settle down with my thoughts and allow ideas to develop naturally, whether that means imagining Tilly’s next adventure, dreaming up new characters, or exploring the little details that bring her world to life. Sometimes a story comes together effortlessly, and other times I can spend ages thinking about a single idea before it finally finds its place. Having somewhere familiar and comfortable to write allows me to embrace both parts of the process.

There is something fitting about creating a whimsical world from my own little retreat. When I sit down to write, the cabin becomes my own small escape, much like the magical worlds I loved discovering in books as a child. It is where everyday thoughts can transform into extraordinary adventures and where a simple idea can grow into something filled with wonder, warmth, and possibility.

As a mother, I treasure having this space to reconnect with my creativity and enjoy the quiet moments that writing brings. It gives me the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and lose myself in the stories I hope will bring comfort and happiness to other children. Perhaps that is why the cabin feels so special to me. Just as I want to create a safe, welcoming world for children through Tilly the Pixie, my cabin is my own little haven, a place where imagination can flourish, ideas can grow, and a little bit of magic can happen. It is where I feel most at home as a storyteller.

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