I am Yolanda Cullagh, a wife, mother of four, grandmother, author and owner of C-Wings Books. I have three boys - Joshua (25), Jacob (22), Ian (13) and one daughter - Brigid (8).
C-Wings Books began with Sebastian the Dragonfly, Book 1, which I self published in August 2006. I had written this story and 3 others quite a while before that time; however, I needed an illustrator. My very supportive husband, Michael (who is also very much my partner), drew the first pictures of Sebastian, and very soon after that, my son, Ian, began drawing Sebastian everywhere. The pictures were very animated, and even though I will always think of those first, I saw Sebastian with a more serious side. Then, Paulette Allen, my mother and now illustrator, asked if she could give it a shot. She already had an art business where she painted the Catholic Saints on large wooden fence boards. I had not considered her just because I knew how busy she was (and still is). So, we agreed that she would do a couple of paintings and then we would talk about it some more. I loved everything about them - beautiful colors and incredible detail. My next thought was whether or not she would want to illustrate at least 4 books. Sabina the Beach Fly, Book 2, was self published at the end of 2007, and Sherwood and Vega, Forest Flies, Book 3, in 2009!
Going back a little further though, to when I was a child, I wasn't sure quite how I fit in or that being unique was really such a great gift. Much of my time was spent pretending - wishing upon every star. I wanted to live in a magical forest filled with all creatures that could fly - enchanting angels, captivating fairies and mysterious sprites.
School gave me a chance to express my imagination on paper, and it allowed me to be surrounded by books - pages filled with words that to me had the power to create the very forest I wanted to live in.
Based on this, I have often personified objects, animals, plants and insects. For example, I have written about flowers with faces and voices that were much wiser than me, a candle whose drops of wax were actually tears, and dragonflies, my favorite winged creatures that all have stories to tell and appreciate being unique!
Paulette Allen - My Mother and Illustrator
Our Lady of Guadalupe by Paulette Allen
Sebastian with a Friend by Ian Cullagh
St. Paddy's Day Parade 2009, New York City
Brigid and Me 2009
Angel by Brigid Cullagh
My Friend, My Partner, My Husband - Michael
"Wind to thy wings. Light to thy path. Dreams to thy heart."
Mercedes Lackey
"You are one of a kind; therefore, no one can really predict to what heights you might soar. Even you will not know until you spread your wings."
Gil Atkinson
"I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings."
