First Comics News: What ignited your love of storytelling? Did you read a lot as a child and what did you read?
Lisa Manuzak Wiley: I have been an avid reader of books since I was a kid! Some of my favorite memories are of my dad taking my sisters and I to the local bookstore and getting stacks of books to read. Fantasy is usually what I’m drawn to, and I grew up with Harry Potter as a mainstay.
Rich: What is Pepperwood Bay like as a place to live?
Lisa: Pepperwood Bay is a cozy and welcoming island paradise full of magic! You can encounter strange and wonderful beings, buy any manner of magical trinkets or delicious food, and maybe sample some mysterious potions if you’re brave enough. The island is full of sunshine and salty air, palm trees to nap under, and warm ocean waters to swim through! Just be careful not to disturb the kraken…
1st: Who are Juniper, Lily and Clover?
Lisa: Juniper, Lily, and Clover are the three witch sisters who oversee the magical lighthouse portal in Pepperwood Bay. They keep everything under control, and even though their differing personalities can make getting along with each other a little difficult, they do their best to provide magical solutions for any problems on the island. Juniper, the eldest, is the responsible leader; Lily, the middle sister, is shy and tends to be the peacekeeper; Clover, the youngest, is excitable and somewhat reckless, but still friendly to all.
1st: What sort of magical creatures will the reader find in these pages?
Lisa: There are all kinds of magical creatures to be found in Pepperwood Bay! There are classic mythical creatures like mermaids, kelpies, krakens, and vampires, but also creatures that are unique to the world like sea sprites and fairy gnats!
Rich: Is The Witches of Pepperwood Bay an all ages comic book?
Lisa: Yes, this book is an all-ages comic book! Kids and adults alike can read the story and enjoy the magical beachy atmosphere.
Rich: Who is the main villain in The Witches of Pepperwood Bay?
Lisa: Without giving too much away (this story is a mystery, after all!) the villain is whoever stole Ms. Fiddleneck’s magical teapot. Hopefully the witches can figure out who did it before it’s too late to save Ms. Fiddleneck’s sparkroot crops!
1st: What would you do with powers like the witches have if you had them?
Lisa: Witch powers would be amazing! I would probably be lazy and use my powers to wash the dishes or something. But I think it would be cool to make plants grow quickly, or brew potions to cure any ailment!
1st: Did you have fun illustrating all the dragons and unicorns in “Dragons vs Unicorn”?
Lisa: Illustrating fantastical creatures is one of my favorite things to do, so I loved working on Dragon Vs. Unicorn! They are such fun characters with lots of great expressions and fun situations to explore.
1st: What will you be working on next?
Lisa: For now, I’m working on Pepperwood Bay Vol. 2, and hopefully more new stories in the future!
1st: Who has influenced you the most in your career?
Lisa: It’s hard to say exactly who has influenced me the most. I’m very inspired by my fellow artists that I follow on the internet, and watching the varied career paths that are available to us. In terms of who has supported me the most, my dad has always encouraged my artistic path, and is always the first to buy my new books!
Rich: Do you think witches are real?
Lisa: That’s a tough one! I’d like to think that there is some kind of magic out in the world. All these myths and legends come from somewhere, after all! If there are “real” witches out there, I’d love to meet one and learn some magic!
Rich: What final words would you like to say to all the fans of your work?
Lisa: I am hugely grateful to anyone who enjoys my work or even takes an interest in what I’m doing! All the work that I do is to make people happy or be a space to let your imagination roam wild. I have a lot of fun doing what I do, and I hope you have fun too!
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