An Author Interview with Lisa Manuzak Wiley

A bewitching new graphic novel series is arriving this fall!

Author-illustrator Lisa Manuzak Wiley, who grew up in Hawaii, blends cozy fantasy, sisterhood, and tropical charm in a heartfelt homage to her roots: The Witches of Pepperwood Bay Vol. 1. Lisa shared the inspiration behind the story’s magical world, the sisterly dynamics at its core, and how her time drawing for numerous children’s books and working on popular video games like Skylanders and Destiny 2 helped shape this debut graphic novel.

Perfect for fans of The Tea Dragon Society, Witches of Brooklyn, and Steven Universe, readers ages 7-12 can step into a sun-soaked, coastal world where three witch sisters oversee an enchanted lighthouse. Whether solving magical teapot mysteries or navigating family squabbles, protagonists Juniper, Lily, and Clover remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple through a community like a spell.

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What inspired you to create The Witches of Pepperwood Bay?
It all began as a webcomic back in 2015 while I was working in video games and illustrating children’s books. I wanted to create something that felt comforting and magical – something cozy. Growing up in Hawaii with my sisters gave me a lot of inspiration; the setting, the warmth of the relationships, and the idea that magic can be part of everyday life. The lighthouse was always there in my imagination, and the sisters – Juniper, Lily, and Clover – are very loosely based on me and my siblings.

What do you want young readers to take away from the book?
Cozy, curious, and cared for. I want kids to feel like they’ve stepped into a safe, magical space filled with warmth and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. It’s a world of spells and sea breezes, where even the teapots have secrets.

The book touches on family dynamics and community. Why was that important to you?
Family, especially chosen and sibling relationships, is something I treasure deeply. Growing up, my sisters and I were all very different – but we had to learn how to respect each other’s personalities. That became a central theme: how our differences can be strengths, and how trust and empathy build lasting bonds. I also wanted the community around them to reflect that warmth, with a cast of characters who support each other even in the face of magical mishaps.

What’s your favorite magical detail or creature in the story?
I have a soft spot for the magical teapot that kicks off the mystery – Ms. Fiddleneck’s prized possession. But I also loved designing the tiny seaside dragons and enchanted seaweed. There’s a sense of whimsy I wanted to keep throughout, where you’re never sure if the next page might introduce a new magical friend.

What advice do you have for young readers who love storytelling or making art?
Keep exploring and making what feels fun and true to you! Even small doodles or silly stories can become something bigger over time. Witches of Pepperwood Bay started as a small passion project – and I never imagined it would become a published book. So stay curious, stay kind, and don’t be afraid to let your imagination get a little weird!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Manuzak Wiley is an illustrator, storyteller, and former concept artist.

She works in children's books and used to work in the video game industry; making people smile and feel good is what she loves to do. Lisa has a passion for storytelling and creating characters for people to connect with and love. She enjoys bright colors, happy atmospheres, and magic, but she’s also partial to a bit of darkness and spookiness.

Lisa was born and raised in Hawaii and has lived in many different places including Southern California, Australia, Seattle, and upstate New York. Currently, Lisa is back in Southern California with her husband, a corgi, two fluffy kitties, and a lot of plants.

Find her at www.lisawileyart.com.