Local Author Emulates The Feeling Of Anxiety in Book 'Pixie and the Bees'

Local author and business owner Erika Richmond of Open Sky Stories hosted a book signing for her book ‘Pixie and the Bees’ at the modern Makers Market Shop on Tuesday.

Erika Richmond at Modern Makers Market Shop. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Richmond wrote ‘Pixie and the Bees’ based on her experience living with anxiety.

She says a few years ago she was experiencing health issues, and having a hard time getting diagnosed.

“I was in physical pain, I was nauseous 2/7, this lasted about a year. My doctor was amazing, she saw me weekly, did every test she could, she kept bringing up the possibility of anxiety and I would say no, that’s not it - it’s too physical it can’t be that,” said Richmond.

Eventually Richmond accepted her diagnosis and began writing about her experience, and Pixie was born.

The story of Pixie and the Bees is about a young pixie that one day swallows a swarm of bees, though doctors can’t seem to help her and her friends don’t know what is wrong with her.

“I felt like I had bees swarming and buzzing through my entire body, and that was the only way I could describe it,” she said.

Pixie goes on a journey of learning what can make her feel better like riding her bike or going outside. As she begins to learn more the bees come out one by one.

“To be honest I wasn’t sure how to end it, because I can’t have a full on happy ending - so at the end the bees don’t all go away, she just learns and learns to trust herself again.”

Initially when Richmond wrote this book, because it was about her own experience, she thought it would be a book for adults.

But Richmond teamed up with local artist Brooklin Holbrough to illustrate the book, and that opened it up to be read by all ages.

“I have had so many people reach out to me whos children have read it and love it. It never mentions anxiety, it doesn’t say anything about mental health, it’s just a story and they get it on a very different level than adults do.”

In addition to being an author Richmond founded Open Sky Stories, a community that encourages connection, creativity and collaboration through writing.

Her products, which include collections of writing prompts, fortune cookies and ‘Pixie and the Bees’, can be purchased at Modern Makers Market Shop, Hi Ho Silver, Watson and Lou and online.

For more information about Open Sky Stories visit their website, Instagram or Facebook.

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