Summer Lovin' 2026: Join us on August 8 for our 1st birthday party celebration at Elaine's Literary Salon in Old Town, Alexandria — Children's Book Authors, Student Art Exhibit, Student musicians, Craft projects, and more! • Until then: Check out our daily features, Meet our new columnists and sponsors, and Submit your work for publication

Meet Kerri Hagerty, Inkandescent Kids Book Fair Featured Author!

Welcome Kerri Hagerty, a dedicated law enforcement officer and children’s book author! Her books, The Adventures of Olive, will be available for sale at the Inkandescent Kids Book Fair on August 8!

Tell Inkandescent Kids about The Adventures of Olive!

The Adventures of Olive and the Very Best Day Ever is a book series inspired by my real-life adventure dog, Olive. As a puppy, Olive was timid and afraid of almost everything. Through our years of friendship and encouragement, Olive learned to overcome her fears and try new adventures. In the books, Olive and her animal friends show readers that courage isn’t about never being afraid; it’s about taking that first brave step. Their adventures are full of fun and laughter, but the message is a reminder that there isn’t any fear that you can’t overcome with a little help from your friends.

Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?

Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Read as many books as you can, write often, and remember that every great author started with a blank page. Your stories matter because no one else sees the world quite the way you do.

Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I always had a love for reading, but I never imagined I would become a writer until I was an adult. That taught me the important lesson that it’s never too late to follow a dream. We all have our own path, and every experience along the way helps shape the stories we’re meant to tell.

Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?

The most important thing I’ve learned is that writing is rewriting. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. The best stories are created by being patient, making improvements, and believing in yourself. Even if it takes you 10 rewrites.

Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your book?

The series was inspired by Olive’s real-life journey. Olive started out as a timid little puppy who was afraid of everything and grew up to become my constant companion and the ultimate adventure dog. Through the power of friendship, Olive learned to overcome her fears and try new adventures. Watching her grow gave me the idea to write stories that encourage children to be brave and try new things. Somehow when you have a best friend by your side, it is easier to try new adventures. Today, Olive is my brave four-legged best friend who really surfs, hikes and camps with me.

Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

I hope that readers take away two things from my books, encouragement and joy. I want children to know that it’s okay to feel scared sometimes, but fear does not have to stop them from trying something new. Encouragement to try new things and not let fear hold you back from accomplishing your dreams and goals. I hope readers also see the joy in life and realize that there is a great big beautiful world waiting for them to explore it.

Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?

Seeing my first book published was a dream come true. Holding it in my hands for the first time was both exciting and surreal. More than anything, it reminded me that big dreams can become reality when you’re willing to work hard and believe in yourself.