A Visit With the Cottage Fairy

Photographs courtesy of Paola Merrill

Slow Living • Connecting to Nature

With over one million subscribers to her YouTube channel The Cottage Fairy, artist Paola Merrill's meditative and calming videos are reflective representations of daily life in the Okanogan foothills of Washington.

Village Books Events Coordinator Claire McElroy-Chesson recently caught up with Merrill — a former Village Books bookseller and graduate of Western Washington University—and asked her some questions in anticipation of her upcoming book, The Cottage Fairy Companion, hitting bookshelves later this fall.

Q: A few years have passed since your time here at Village Books. Now you're a Youtuber with over one million subscribers! How has life changed since we saw you last? A: I have so many fond memories of my time working at Village Books. A few years ago I moved to a small town in Okanogan County to work at a preschool. Once lockdown hit us I found myself temporarily without work, so I decided to make use of my time getting creative with my camera. I began to film the nature in my area and uploaded some short films to YouTube. I hoped the beauty and romanticism of the videos would offer some peaceful escapism to those who also felt isolated and anxious during such a difficult time.

Q: Congratulations on the publication of your book, The Cottage Fairy Companion! Can you tell us a little bit about it and what inspired you to write it? A: Thank you so much! I was inspired by the sights and sounds of the Cascade mountains I call home, wanting to share my love of nature, simplicity, and cozy home life. My book is a collection of meditative prose, poetry, recipes and crafts.

Q: What did you learn as you put the book together? A: It is a long process that can challenge you in many ways—it was incredibly fruitful to put the book together as a companion to my YouTube channel, hoping to connect with other kindred spirits who value similar aspects of simple living.

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The Cottage Fairy continued

Q: You also have a thriving Etsy business. Can you tell us about your art and what inspires you? A: To have my own Etsy shop, TheCottageFairyArt, has always been a dream of mine. I am so happy to be able to pour my love of fairytales, flowers, and nature into my art. I am particularly inspired by children's books and illustration.

Q: As an influencer, who are YOU influenced by? A: I am deeply influenced by my family and ancestors. I love delving into the history of my people and learning about the legends and experiences that make me who I am.

Q: We miss you here at Village Books! I recall your natural artistry that manifested in beautiful window displays. Can you take a walk down Memory Lane and share a favorite memory from your time with us? A: My favorite memories are my conversations with many lovely customers. I got to know many on a first name basis while there and enjoyed swapping reading recommendations! I look forward to my next visit!

The Cottage Fairy Companion

by Paola Merrill

available in November, paperback, Yellow Pear Press Pre-Order Your Copy from Village Books today!

Romanticize your life anywhere. The Cottage Fairy Companion helps readers open their eyes to the everyday magic right in front of them. It gives a new perspective by revealing the lessons nature teaches about finding beauty through the good times and the bad. Everyone—from city-dwellers to country bobkins—can find delight in this book. It shows that you do not need a cottage in the rustic countryside to achieve a cottagecore aesthetic, or to apply aspects of slow living to your daily life.

Paola is hoping to visit Village Books and chat about her book sometime soon —keep an eye on villagebooks.com for developments.

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