Introducing Andy Wheeler: A New Voice in Children's Supernatural Mystery – The Story Behind 'The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage'

Some stories linger long after the final page is turned—The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage is one of them. In this debut children's book, author A. G. Wheeler invites readers into a world shaped by childhood memories, Welsh folklore, and a lifelong love of ghost stories and classic supernatural mysteries.

Blending history, emotion, and the eerie atmosphere of a forgotten past, The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage isn’t just a chilling ghost story—it’s a deeply personal journey into the power of place, memory, and the echoes that remain when the past refuses to stay buried.

In this Q & A, Andy shares the inspiration behind his story, how a solitary cottage on a cycling route became the seed for a haunting tale, and the creative process that brought Charlie, Susan, and the ghostly Owain to life. Whether you're a lover of atmospheric thrillers, historical fiction, or timeless mysteries, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how a modern ghost story was born.

What inspired you to write The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage? Was there a real-life event or personal experience that sparked the idea?

I’ve always been fascinated by ghost stories and the rich history of old places, particularly in Wales, where folklore and real-life tragedies often intertwine. The idea for The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage came from childhood memories, old stories about mining disasters, learning Welsh History in school, and a love for classic supernatural mysteries and films. I wanted to create something that felt timeless—a story that could be both eerie and deeply emotional.

The origins of The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage began with a real place—one that I pass regularly on my cycling route. While Brynmoor Cottage is its fictional name, the real cottage that sparked my imagination sits just above the Heads of the Valleys road on the old Hafod Road in South Wales. Nestled in the landscape, it has an air of mystery about it, a place that feels steeped in history and whispers of forgotten tales.

Each time I passed by, I found myself thinking, There’s a story here to tell. With every ride, my mind pieced together fragments of an idea, shaping characters, a setting, and an eerie atmosphere that would become the heart of the novel. The image of the cottage lingered in my thoughts until, during the summer of 2024, I finally put pen to paper and began writing what would become The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage.

This is a technique I use often when writing—seeking inspiration in real places, allowing them to guide the story’s atmosphere, and letting the landscape itself breathe life into the narrative. Brynmoor Cottage, as it exists in the book, is an extension of the feelings this real cottage evoked in me: isolation, mystery, and the sense that something unseen lingers just beneath the surface.

As we move through this creative journey, I’ll share more about how different elements of the book came to life, along with the images that helped shape its world.

The book blends mystery, history, and the supernatural. Why did you choose this mix, and how does it shape the story?

I love stories that don’t just scare you but also make you think and feel. By blending mystery, history, and the supernatural, I was able to create a layered narrative where every ghost has a story, every secret has weight, and the past isn’t just background—it’s alive and demanding resolution. The book's mining disaster reflects historical events, giving the supernatural elements an emotional depth that makes them more than just spooky occurrences.

Brynmoor Cottage itself feels like a character in the book. How did you develop its eerie atmosphere and significance to the story?

Old houses have a presence, don’t they? The creaking floorboards, the whispering wind, the way they seem to hold onto the past. I wanted Brynmoor Cottage to feel like it had secrets like it was watching and waiting. I built its eerie atmosphere through small details—the way the light falls, the unexpected sounds in the night, and the unsettling feeling that something lingers just out of sight. Its significance grows as the story unfolds, turning it into more than just a setting; it becomes a portal to the past and a key to the mystery.

Charlie and Susan have very distinct personalities. Were they inspired by real people, or did they evolve as you wrote?

Charlie and Susan evolved naturally, but there’s inspiration from real life. My grandson loosely inspired Charlie, who has a wonderful mix of curiosity and caution. On the other hand, Susan developed as the story needed her—she’s braver, more adventurous, and often takes the lead. Their sibling dynamic was essential to me because I wanted them to feel

real—not just as individuals, but in how they interact with each other, with all the little tensions and bonds that siblings have.

When developing the characters of Charlie and Susan, I drew from real-life inspirations to bring them to life. Charlie is based on my grandson, Charlie, and his likeness was carefully recreated using photographs to ensure his representation on the book cover felt authentic and personal.

Susan’s creation took a slightly different route. Initially, she was meant to be a more generic illustration, but that changed when I shared an early story draft with a friend for her daughter to read. Her daughter, Frankie, loved the book so much that she sent me a video expressing her excitement and enthusiasm for being one of the first readers. That moment had such an impact on me that I decided to use Frankie as the visual inspiration for Susan.

To ensure a natural family resemblance between Charlie and Susan, we made small adjustments to her appearance, but overall, it is Frankie’s likeness alongside my grandson on the cover. This personal connection to the characters adds more meaning to the story, making it all the more special.

Owain’s character brings a haunting yet touching element to the story. What was your approach to writing a ghostly character with depth?

Owain isn’t just a ghost—he’s a lost child trapped by circumstances beyond his control. I wanted him to feel real, to have emotions, regrets, and a yearning for connection. Instead of making him a typical eerie figure, I focused on his sadness, innocence, and desperate need to be heard. That’s what makes him haunting—not just his presence, but his story.

What was the most challenging part of writing The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage?

Balancing the mystery and the supernatural elements while keeping the story grounded in emotion. I wanted the book to be unsettling, but not just for the sake of being scary—it needed to have heart. Ensuring every clue, every ghostly encounter, and every piece of history fit together seamlessly was a challenge. Still, it was also one of the most rewarding aspects of writing it.

How was your experience working with Bear With Us Productions on the design and illustration?

It was fantastic. As the MD of the company, I found it great to see the company from the client’s perspective. The team truly understands how to visually bring a story to life. From the eerie cover design to the careful attention to the atmosphere in the illustrations, everything complements the story perfectly. They always respect the author's vision, and that makes all the difference.

When creating the cover, I wanted it to evoke the nostalgic feel of an old Enid Blyton book while blending the intrigue of an Agatha Christie novel. At the same time, I aimed for a cinematic quality, something that felt atmospheric and immersive.

The cover needed to encapsulate the key elements of the story—wrapped in fog, mystery, and a subtle edge of threat and danger. The cottage plays an important role, but the real focus is always on the siblings, Charlie and Susan, as they embark on their first mystery together. Their expressions, the environment, and the shadowy ambience hint at the secrets hidden within Brynmoor Cottage inviting the reader to step into their world and uncover the truth alongside them.

My illustrator, Martynas, has been with us for many years, and his ability to bring a scene to life from a brief verbal description or a small piece of text is remarkable. For this project, I explained the style I envisioned and provided him with reference photographs from a Welsh mining village circa the 1950s. From that, he created the artwork that perfectly captured the mood and setting of the story.

The artwork went through very few changes—what you see in the book is predominantly the original designs Martynas created. We didn't even have a sketch phase. I instinctively felt that black and white illustrations would best represent the era and atmosphere of the story. The absence of colour adds to the mystery and gothic charm, reinforcing the haunting and immersive quality of the narrative.

The book has a strong cinematic feel, was that intentional? Could you see it being adapted for the screen?

Absolutely! I write visually, imagining each scene as if it were unfolding on screen. I wanted the suspenseful moments to feel vivid and immersive like you’re right there with Charlie and Susan. I’d love to see it adapted—it has all the right ingredients for a chilling and atmospheric film or series.

Do you have plans to continue Charlie and Susan’s adventures in future books?

Yes! 'The Secrets of Hollowbrook Manor' is already in the works, and I also have a third book, 'The Curse of Ashford Hall', planned. Each book stands on its own but also connects through a larger mystery that unfolds across the series.

If readers could remember just one thing from The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage, what would you want it to be?

That the past never really stays buried. Everything leaves an imprint, whether it’s history, memories, or the people we’ve lost. And sometimes, it’s up to us to listen, understand, and set things right.

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The creation of The Shadows of Brynmoor Cottage was a very straightforward and natural process. The artwork and design encapsulate everything I love about a mystery thriller that delves into ghosts and the unknown.

The book captures my deep love for classic Hammer horror movies and children’s thrillers like The Amazing Mr. Blunden, The Watcher in the Woods, and old TV shows like The Children of the Stones. These stories captured my imagination as a boy, leaving a lasting impression that has stayed with me and continues to influence my writing today.

With this book, I wanted to evoke that same sense of eerie wonder and suspense, bringing readers a thrilling adventure that lingers in their minds long after they turn the final page.