One day, while I was practicing at my rink, I had an idea for a book. Anyone who wants to become a good skater needs to master the so-called moves in the field. Edges, basic turns and steps are the ABC’s of skating; they are like scales for a musician. Not everybody likes fundamentals; most skaters would rather jump and spin than practice inside and outside edges. So I thought of a boy and a girl who are not allowed to compete because they haven’t mastered their basic moves. Yet they sneak to the competition anyway and then … That’s when the story begins.

Just like everybody else, skaters go through triumphs and difficulties. Periods of excitement are followed by injuries and disappointments. Every day as you enter the rink, you are welcomed by a shiny sheet of ice. There are new things to learn and obstacles to overcome. Like any other sport, figure skating requires a lot of strength and balance. And yet there is something that sets it apart. Skating is not only about athleticism; it also includes graceful ballet-like moves and programs performed to music. Skaters execute challenging moves, but at the same time, they wear gorgeous skating clothes decorated with sequins. Just being part of the beautiful skating world got my imaginative juices flowing.

I thought of the whole skating world as a beautiful fairy tale. I made up Skateland, a wonderful village where people skate everywhere – even to work and to school. Everybody in Skateland practices at rinks of different colors, and there are magical devices that help skaters to master difficult moves. Of course, not everything can be perfect; not even in a fairy tale. There are witches, whose only aspiration in life is to destroy the careers of promising skaters.

The whole Skateland series is an ongoing battle between good and evil. Anybody who is working towards a goal will be challenged sooner or later. And then you will have to make a choice. Am I going to give up, or will I keep fighting? Is it okay to lie and cheat, or shall I do things the right way? Skateland series teaches its readers the basic principles of honesty and fair play. It also encourages children to follow their hearts’ desires and to never give up. I really hope you will like my books.

(Mr. Walrus’s song)