Featured Author: Heather Russell-Kay
Heather Russell-Kay is a storyteller who believes that even in the hardest chapters, there’s room for wonder. Blending the magic of fairy tales with the truth of chronic illness, she writes to remind readers that every journey, no matter how heavy, holds hope, courage, and a touch of light.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found daydreaming about dragons and new worlds, searching for quiet moments of peace in her own, and connecting with readers who believe that even the darkest stories can still carry a spark of magic.
About the Book: Whispers Through the Forest
Genre: Fairy-tale–inspired short stories blending folklore and the lived experience of chronic illness
What if the fairy tales you thought you knew were hiding secrets?
Whispers Through the Forest is a haunting and tender collection of short stories where classic fairy-tale elements are reimagined through themes of resilience, shadow, humour, and chronic illness. From enchanted kingdoms where hope must be fought for, to forests where danger and beauty intertwine, these stories explore what it means to endure, adapt, and keep believing — even when the path is dark.
Dark, whimsical, and deeply heartfelt, this anthology invites readers to see “happily ever after” not as perfection, but as perseverance.
Magic. Shadows. And the quiet strength to endure.
What Inspired Heather’s Writing Journey
Whispers Through the Forest was born from Heather’s personal journey with multiple sclerosis. During moments when she felt unseen, unheard, and unsure how to explain the realities of living with chronic illness, she turned to storytelling.
By weaving her experiences into fairy-tale worlds, Heather created a space where those silent struggles could finally speak — gently, truthfully, and with magic rather than despair. Her goal was not only to share her story, but to offer comfort to others walking similar paths, reminding them they are not alone.
In a deeply meaningful act of giving back, all proceeds from the book are donated to MS charities, supporting the very community that inspired this forest of stories.
Excerpt:
“Many, many years ago, a noble King and Queen lived in a magnificent castle deep within the wild forests of Somnum…
They possessed everything they desired: wealth, land, and happiness. Yet one thing was missing from their lives: a child.
After many seasons, their wishes were eventually granted… magical gifts were bestowed upon the infant princess: virtue, beauty, and wealth.
But the most important gift had not been presented — the gift of health.”
Where to Find the Book
Available on Amazon:
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whispers-Through-Forest-Heather-Russell-Kay/dp/B0FVGDB4TT
US: https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Through-Forest-Heather-Russell-Kay-ebook/dp/B0FVCTN4PS
Connect with Heather
Instagram: @dizzythedonkey
