Creating Hollow Grove: My Process

Broomsticks and Bedtime Stories

When I set out to create Hollow Grove, I wanted a magical town that felt real—a place readers would want to visit again and again. Here's a peek into my process:

1. Starting with a Vision

I asked myself, what makes Hollow Grove special? Magic, yes, but I also wanted it to feel like a close-knit community. Magic isn’t hidden here—it's a part of everyday life, from floating teacups in “The Brewing Spell” to magical creatures being groomed at “Fur, Fins, and Feathers”.

2. Crafting the Locations

I knew each spot had to stand out. The Brewing Spell became the heart of the town, a place where time itself could be brewed into tea. The Whispering Willow is the town’s history, a tree with roots deep in its magical past. Every location had a story to tell.

3. Populating the Town

I wanted the residents to be as magical as the town itself. Characters like Chai Steepwell and Charlie Bobbin didn’t just live in Hollow Grove—they shaped it. Each character had to bring something unique, whether it was Chai’s time-bending tea or Charlie’s time-stitching abilities.

4. Building the Magic

Magic is everywhere in Hollow Grove. It’s in the way spoons stir themselves and how every event seems touched by something otherworldly. But I wanted magic to feel familiar, too—a natural part of life in this strange but cozy town.

5. Letting the Town Evolve

As the stories grew, so did Hollow Grove. New characters, locations, and bits of history revealed themselves as I wrote. The town is as much a character as anyone else, and I can’t wait to see where its story goes next.

That's the short version of how Hollow Grove came to be! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Rebecca Nicely is the author of cozy magical books and the creator of Azure Moon Paperworks, where stories, reflection, and tea come together to create peaceful reading moments.