About the Author
Celesta Rimington
Behind the scenes
From loss to a military family and a job at the zoo, Celesta finds story ideas from life and "what-if" questions.
Hi, this is Celesta! Thanks for visiting! Here is a bit of my author backstory and a deeper look at what inspires my writing.
I was an avid reader at a young age, encouraged by my mom who made library outings a priority. By the time I reached third grade, my teacher appointed me to be the editor of our classroom newspaper. In fourth grade, I began writing my own short stories with the goal of becoming a novelist. I discovered that reading helped me find joy and confidence during times of uncertainty and change. Writing was a gift that helped me learn about myself and what I needed to say.
When I was very young, I lost my father in an accident. I don't remember him, but I miss him anyway. As Lexington Willow says in The Elephant's Girl, "It's possible to miss people you can't remember." I enjoy learning everything I can about my dad, and that has added layers to the way I view family and my growing-up experiences.
I was raised in an Air Force family with my mom, adoptive dad, and seven half-siblings. Some of my vivid memories of being the eldest of so many children are: building forts, exploring outside our various residences across the country, and making up fantastical stories for my younger brothers and sisters.
When I turned sixteen, I took a job at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska. I worked in the gift shops and on the grounds crew, but my favorite assignment was on the steam train when I gave the speech from the caboose. I loved learning the animal facts and sharing them in fun and interesting ways. The magical wonder of being around all the animals became the first ideas for what would one day become my debut novel The Elephant's Girl.
Have you noticed how we humans love to connect to each other through stories? If you see a movie with me, I guarantee I'll ask what you think about the characters and plot afterward! Stories help us learn about each other and who we are. They help us find meaning in our experiences.
Because of the way I notice stories in everyday life, my ideas for books come from paying attention to details in the world around us. My stories can evolve from the feelings of an experience or be inspired by a place I have lived or traveled to as a child. Sometimes my glimmers of a plot start from adventures with my family or from discovering a fascinating fact that I want to learn more about. I often ask myself "what-if" questions about these discoveries and then tease out the potential for magic and wonder.
The themes in my books grow out of the universal desires we all have to love, feel brave, be strong, and know we are valued and heard.
It often starts with an image
Much of Celesta's story inspiration is shown best through photos. Click on the links below to see some images that inspired her books!
Featured projects (4)
Reach inspiration photos
The Elephant's Girl inspiration photos
Tips for Magicians inspiration photos
Celesta's next project...
Immersive settings and magical discoveries!
Don't miss these books
A magical forest
A zoo mystery
Magic in the desert
