“The world needs a new hero. A real hero who is ordinary and vulnerable. You have to find the courage you never knew you had.”
On October 5, Geri Halliwell-Horner (51), a renowned author and former member of the iconic girl group Spice Girls, came to Neuqua Valley High School as part of a world tour for her newly released adult novel, Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen. Horner is a global celebrity as a singer, writer, producer, and actress. She had meaningful conversations with students in the Neuqua auditorium.
Her book presents a story of a young girl’s wide-ranging adventure, and it quickly rose on The New York Times Bestselling list. Neuqua students had the privilege to see her talk about her book. During her visit, the staff of the school newspaper, the Echo, had a precious opportunity to have an interview with Horner.
She has demonstrated her talent in writing and literature. In 1999, she first published her autobiography, If Only, in 1999. Since 2008, she has released the Ugenia Lavender series of children’s books. Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen marks her debut in the genre of young adult novels.
Wanting to reach the hearts of all readers, regardless of age, Horner emphasized the importance of a hero whom her readers feel authentic. Rosie Frost, the titular character in her novel, is a shy, young girl, who is suddenly orphaned and then faced with many dreadful obstacles.
Regarding her rationale for writing this adult novel, she said, “I hope that you’ll connect with something or someone in there, the driving force, because there are stories that can be timeless and good. Good heroes are ageless, that was my endeavor. It is just to give you a story of a hero that uplifts you. Because I think you deserve that. Regardless of where you’re from, you know, whether you’re whoever you are, boy, girl, or anyone doesn’t matter.”
Horner’s novel draws history to shape its plot, specifically the era of Henry VIII. She explained how Anne Boleyn, one of Henry’s wives, wrote a rulebook for her young daughter, which was passed on to Queen Elizabeth I. The rulebook assisted her in her reign and the founding of a school on Bloodstone Island. Rosie Frost, sent to this school after her mother’s death, grapples with grief and uncovers secrets about her past through a mysterious case given to her. A majority of the story takes place at Rosie’s new school, where she enters the Falcon Queen games for the chance to meet the headmistress and create a new school rule. These challenges she faces are daunting, yet it is one unexpected mentor who guides her with a rulebook and empowers her to stand up to bullies and unveil the secrets of the island.
Horner spoke about her struggles in the writing process, revealing that maintaining the story structure and keeping track of all the details are more difficult than they appear. Horner said, “It’s really hard. And I really admire anyone who’s written a book. This was hard because when you write a long, chunky bow, you’ve got to remember every bit that’s happened and the structure”. She received invaluable feedback from many talented individuals, including William Boyd, a renowned Scottish author. After reading her draft, William told her to rewrite it in the third person and the past tense. “That was a game-changer,” she stated.
Geri Halliwell-Horner’s second book of the trilogy is planned to be finished by the end of November. She firmly believes in not underestimating the younger generation and acknowledging their intelligence and maturity. Her characters in Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen are diverse, and they reflect the value of taking control of one’s power.
Her journey to create a hero for all ages is inspiring. Her book empowers the young generation because it presents the significance of unyielding courage in the face of hardship. “You’re more grown up than you think. You’re smart, way smarter sometimes,” she emphasized in this interview. As Horner continues to complete the rest of her trilogy, readers can find that her work is based on the belief that great heroes can touch the hearts of readers both young and old.
