Official Site of Author April Henley
My Books
A medieval fantasy for those who love the Arthurian Legend, Merlin, dragons and other mythical creatures, and magic.
​
What happened to the great and powerful wizard Merlin after King Arthur? The old narratives say he disappeared, was cursed and imprisoned by an enchantress, or turned into a bird and entered the esplumoir. But now, a new story comes to light, revealing the lost chapter of the wizard's life a hundred years after the death of the King.
​
Merlin is a retired wizard living with dragons in their mountain keep. One day, the lord of dragons approaches him to ask him to use his magic to prevent magical creatures from disappearing from the world. Merlin devises a plan that is strange and a little daunting, and it sets him on a path of discovery. Follow him as he sees wonders, both beautiful and terrible, in the realms of fantastic beasts and beings, learns ancient truths, and confronts a tragedy in his past. Treasures in a Bottle is a story with magic and heart, a treasure, if you will, to anyone who gets lost in its pages.
​
This is the world's first novel coloring book! Be spellbound by over 200 pages of story and color 50 stunning images as you go.
Appropriate for all ages. Children (8+) through Adult.
​
"April Henley's Treasures in a Bottle takes legend and folklore beyond the possibilities of what is already believed...The narrative is riveting and reads like a legend, one to be shared around campfires for generations past and present." - Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Now available as an Audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!
When the Night Mares rear their heads, one hobgoblin has the light to stop them!​
​
Chandler is a hobgoblin who enjoys practical jokes. But one night, he comes across a living Night Mare, and though he saves the sleeping child, the Night Mare is not vanquished, nor is it the only one. Night Mares are hiding under all the children's beds in the village, preying on their dreams. Will Chandler give up his mischief and use his magic for good?
​
This is a story coloring book! Includes 44 colorable illustrations alongside the cozy fantasy for children (and their parents) to read and enjoy!
​
Age Range: 4-8 Years
Releases September 15th!
Author Bio
April Henley is an indie author (out of Texas), a proud Baylor Bear, and the founder and owner of Bay Horse Press! She crafted her first story as a child about a blue winged unicorn named Sapphire, but her passion for story writing increased during a Creative Writing class in high school. She wrote her first story (that is now "Treasures in a Bottle") and would revisit it again and again through college and her 20s. In 2020, she came back to the story one more time and, in 2023, published it.
When she writes, it is by the window with a view of her garden, a cup of tea, and a candle burning - no artificial lights, no distractions - just her and her characters, and the only sound is the strokes of the keyboard. She authors Fiction/Fantasy stories, inspiring children to use their imaginations and encouraging readers of all ages to get lost between the pages. Her outside interests include horseback riding, Renaissance festivals, cosplay, food, and travel.
Writing Advice from my Favorite Author
If I don't write every day, the characters begin to stale off in my mind...The tale's narrative cutting edge starts to rust, and I begin to lose my hold on the story's plot and pace...The work starts to feel like work, and for most writers that is the smooch of death.
Stephen King,
On Writing
I often have an idea of what the outcome may be, but I have never demanded of a set of characters that they do things my way...In most (instances), (the outcome) is something I never expected.
Stephen King,
On Writing
If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it...Murder your darlings.
Stephen King,
On Writing
What's in a Publishing Name?
Why the name Bay Horse Press? Choosing a name for my publishing brand was a creative and challenging process. I had a list of at least twenty names to consider, including The Dragon's Book Hoard, Wildwood Press, and Once Upon a Page, but I wanted the name to be personal. One of my most endearing life chapters was my time as a horse owner and the memories I made with my bay thoroughbred, Tommy. When I first got this amazing animal, I wanted him to get to know me and learn my voice, so I sat in his stall and read to him. First it was Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", then "Seabiscuit", then the works of Edgar Allan Poe, assorted fairytales and fables, and finally "Gone with the Wind". It was one more way I got closer to him in between rides and grooming and cookies. Though he has passed on from this life, his memory is alive, and I guarantee it will race through the pages of future writings.
