S4 EP177: Micki Bare, Author of Middle-Grade Magical Realism Series Zahra of the Uwharries

Join the conversation, text us now. Hello My Happy People,  Today on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt–Book Talk Podcast get ready to step into a world where fairy magic meets real-world heart in my conversation with award-winning, middle-grade author Micki Bare. A graduate of NC State University with a BA in Speech Communication and a Master of Arts in Teaching in middle-school social studies, Micki brings decades of educational insight—and eighteen years as a columnist—to every page she writes. Her latest novel, KIMIMILA RETURNS (May 2025), is the fourth installment in the beloved Zahra of the Uwharries series. When elder fairy Bubble Rain reappears—one of the feared omens signaling the end of her people—and a young fairy vanishes, Zahra must confront the shadowy Umbra Fae in her greatest adventure yet. We’ll dive into Micki’s inspirations, her seamless blend of magical realism and low fantasy, and how she crafts middle-grade stories that resonate with young readers and parents alike. Micki’s three-decade career in education—as teacher, administrator, and marketing director—infuses her writing with authenticity and heart. She’ll share how her years guiding middle-schoolers and penning a longtime column sharpened her storytelling skills, and what she’s learned about building worlds that both enchant and empower. Based in Asheboro, NC with her husband, Micki recharges by gardening, cooking, traveling, and hiking the Uwharrie peaks that inspired Zahra’s journey. Tune in to discover the magic behind the pages—and why every reader, young or old, will root for Zahra as she fights to save her fairy kin. Micki"s Website Micki on Facebook Micki on Instagram Micki on Threads Micki on YouTube Micki on TikTok Micki on Bookshop.org Support the show BurckhardtBooks.com: BUY THE LATEST ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine Buy & Read: The Into the West Saga Serial books Subscribe: Our Newsletter Apply to be a guest on our podcast: Podcast Guest Application About Dianne: Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I? Dianne Burckhardt on Facebook Dianne Burckhardt on TikTok Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, Click here!