Learn about the inspirations behind her award-winning middle-grade series
Kerri Lukasavitz discusses her Oak Lane Stable series, blending equestrian passion with storytelling, her literary journey, and commitment to animal welfare, inspiring young readers with authentic, engaging narratives.
Kerri Lukasavitz is a remarkable voice in the world of middle-grade literature, captivating readers with her Oak Lane Stable Novel Series. Her stories, deeply rooted in her lifelong passion for horses, offer a vivid glimpse into the hunter/jumper show world through the eyes of a young rider. With nearly three decades of experience as a horsewoman and a recent return to riding, Kerri’s narratives are infused with authenticity and drama that resonate with both young and adult readers alike. Her educational background, with a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design/Illustration and an MA in English, further enriches her storytelling, allowing her to create immersive and engaging worlds. Her works have garnered numerous accolades, including nominations for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and recognition from The Midwest Book Award, affirming her talent and dedication to her craft.
We conducted this interview with Kerri Lukasavitz to delve deeper into the inspirations and experiences that shape her writing. Her commitment to animal welfare, her artistic and literary expertise, and her personal connection to the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine all contribute to the rich tapestry of her stories. Through this conversation, we aim to explore the elements that make her series a beloved staple for young readers and to celebrate the impact of her work on the literary landscape.
Kerri Lukasavitz captivates readers with authentic, heartfelt stories, blending equestrian expertise and literary talent into award-winning middle-grade novels.
Your Oak Lane Stable Adventure Series brings to life the realities of the hunter/jumper show world through the eyes of a young rider. What inspired you to focus on this specific aspect of the equestrian world for your middle-grade novels?
The hunter/jumper riding discipline has always been my favourite and is familiar to me, so it seemed fitting to write about it in the Oak Lane Stable Series. As a child, when I had both of my ponies, I would jump them over fallen tree limbs and anything else I could use that was around our ten-acre farm. I had dreams of being an eventer or famous show-jumper rider or moving to the East Coast to fox hunt regularly. I worked as a show groom, trainer, and riding teacher for two Class-A hunter/jumper show stables when I was a young adult. The books were inspired by my time at both farms as well.
With your extensive background in both fine arts and English, how do you blend your artistic skills and literary knowledge to create vivid and engaging settings in your books?
When I studied writing for young readers, I learned that children love details in stories. Although many people feel that writing for children is somehow “easier” than writing for adults, this is not the case. I have to be careful with age-appropriate language, drama they will find engaging, and themes they can relate to. Creating vivid, imaginary worlds using “word painting” is important for their reading development and holding their interest. As the author, it’s my job to use my creative talents and skills to write the best book I can for their young minds.
Cassie Piotrowski, the protagonist in Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable, faces a moral dilemma when she encounters the starving horses. How do you hope young readers will relate to Cassie’s struggles and decisions throughout the series?
I worked hard to create Cassie Piotrowski’s main character throughout the series. I wanted young readers to understand the realities of being around horses through Cassie’s experiences—not all experiences are positive. It takes more than just loving horses to make sure their welfare is addressed. Proper horse care is a lot of hard work. Dedication, perseverance, and strength are only a few of the qualities that will make a fine equestrian. Cassie doesn’t have everything handed to her either. She must work toward her goals and triumph over adversities as many readers who ride know. I wanted the stories to feel real and not give her everything she wanted. Life is not always easy, even for children.
You’ve received recognition from various literary awards and organizations. How has this recognition influenced your writing journey, and what does it mean to you to have your work acknowledged in this way?
I was ready to quit writing after Mystery Horse’s sales dropped off and Gray Horse had five chapters completed and was put away in a drawer. Getting Mystery Horse published had been difficult and heartbreaking, but winning the Hal Prize for Nonfiction released a new determination within me to keep writing. I have won other awards for short-form pieces and for the book series since then. The awards gave me an added boost to know that other people found the writing noteworthy. They have given the books credit and helped me to reach new reading fans as well.
Your passion for animal welfare is evident in your dedication to donating a percentage of your book sales to organizations like the Midwest Horse Welfare Association and the Wisconsin Humane Society. How has this commitment shaped your storytelling and connection with readers?
I feel that readers know I am committed to animal welfare, not only within the stories but by regularly donating to animal causes as well. Animals need our voices and dedication to look out for their welfare. It is necessary for us to speak up and take action when their care and treatment fall short of what is required for them to thrive. I cover several other incidents throughout the series about Cassie experiencing less-than-ideal horse situations. It’s a theme that runs through all of the books.
As someone who grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine, how does your personal connection to the environment influence the settings and themes in your books?
I am a country girl by heart. I grew up in a rural community where everyone knew each other. Glacier-made rolling hills, small ponds and marshes, farmers’ crop fields, and abundant deciduous forests are what I call home. I lived on a Midwestern ten-acre farm with my six-member family, two ponies, several dozen chickens, three dogs, four ducks, and several pairs of domesticated rabbits. My mother made us go outside to play and find constructive things to do instead of sitting in front of the T.V. These life experiences are all woven within the book-series setting.
