Award-Winning Author Brings Chess, Faith, and Nature to Life in Captivating Stories
Victoria Winifred discusses her journey as a children’s author, blending chess, adventure, and education. She shares insights into her award-winning books, upcoming projects, and passion for inspiring young readers.
Victoria Winifred’s name has become synonymous with innovation in children’s literature, seamlessly blending education with adventure to create stories that both captivate and inspire. An award-winning author with an impressive body of work, she has introduced young readers to the world of chess through her pioneering genre, “Chess Fiction for Kids,” while also crafting tales that celebrate nature, mathematics, and faith. From The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story, which earned critical acclaim and multiple first-place awards, to the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries and Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains, her stories are as enriching as they are entertaining.
Victoria’s dedication to fostering a love for learning extends beyond the page. Through dynamic school visits, interactive presentations, and her involvement in the chess community, she continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers. Her upcoming fantasy trilogy, Chess Mountain Chronicles, promises to take readers on a grand adventure, exploring the mythology and deeper conflicts that shape the chess universe she has so brilliantly imagined.
In this exclusive interview, Victoria shares her journey, the inspirations behind her beloved books, and the passion that drives her to create stories that leave a lasting impact.
Victoria Winifred masterfully combines storytelling with education, creating imaginative, enriching books that captivate young minds and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
How did your background as an educator influence the development of “The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story”?
As an elementary school educator, I’ve always valued the incredible intellectual capacity of children. I wanted to create a story that both entertained and sparked curiosity, showing kids that learning and adventure can go hand in hand. My goal was to weave those ideas into a page-turning narrative, where every twist and turn of the story also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. I aimed to captivate readers with excitement while inspiring them to rise above their challenges, just like the characters in the story.
What inspired you to blend chess themes with fantasy elements in your children’s books?
In addition to my love for teaching, my passion for chess, which I’ve taught and studied extensively (I hold a graduate certificate in chess and education), played a big part. I was inspired by William Jones’s 1763 poem Caïssa. The myth of the goddess of chess and Mars, the god of war, fascinated me, and I learned that chess had its own mythology—a unique aspect I hadn’t seen explored anywhere, and certainly not in children’s literature. This discovery led me to blend chess with fantasy, creating a world where strategy and imagination intersect.
Could you share the process behind creating the engaging characters in “The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God”?
The characters in The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God were developed to be relatable and multifaceted. Kassie, a determined 12-year-old princess and daughter of Caïssa and Mars, represents growth through her loyalty to her kingdom and her bravery toward her classmates—similar to how she cared for the pupils back on Chess Mountain. Her journey is a classic coming-of-age story, as she learns to “do things scared” and finds strength in herself. Min, one of her classmates, evolved into a key character whose quiet resilience and inner strength grew more apparent as the story progressed. His arc surprised me, resonating in unexpected ways and adding depth to the narrative.
How do you ensure that your stories are both educational and entertaining for young readers?
I believe that learning should feel like part of the adventure, not an obstacle. In The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God, while the story is packed with excitement and plot twists, the lessons—like problem-solving, resilience, and fairness—are woven in seamlessly, almost like chess moves unfolding naturally. Chess itself serves as a perfect metaphor for life, teaching readers that every challenge, like every move, has purpose. I also draw on philosophy to encourage young readers to think critically, all while keeping them immersed in the story with humor, action, and relatable characters. The goal is to inspire, entertain, and let them discover valuable lessons along the way.
Can you tell us about your other and upcoming works?
I’ve now written more than a dozen books, including three more chess-themed stories for elementary readers. I’m currently expanding the world of Chess Mountain into a fantasy trilogy for teenagers and adults called the Chess Mountain Chronicles. The first book, Caïssa and Mars: Battle of the Chess Lords, will be released in late 2025. It brings to life the mythology from the original poem, introducing timeless new characters, thrilling action, and a clash of good and evil, while exploring the origins of Chess Mountain, the rise of the Originals, and Mars’s internal struggles, along with his meeting with Caïssa and their eventual alliance and kingdom. The second book, which overlaps with The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God, offers surprising perspectives and delves deeper into the conflict on Chess Mountain during that time. The final book will bring everything together in an epic conclusion, where destinies, alliances, and secrets collide to determine the fate of Earth and the chess kingdom. My original middle-grade book will remain as a stand-alone, serving as an introduction for younger readers to the trilogy as they grow older.
“The world of Chess Mountain Chronicles is my most ambitious project yet, blending fantasy with the deep strategy of chess.” – Victoria Winifred
How do you incorporate your passion for chess into your school visits and presentations?
I make chess come alive for students by blending fun and interactivity. Through chess math challenges, Readers Theater scripts based on my book, and even movements that embody chess strategies, I help kids see chess as more than just a game—it’s a metaphor for life, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Each presentation is designed to meet grade-level standards, with unique options available for all ages. I aim to engage students while sparking curiosity and creativity. To book a visit, contact me at VW@VictoriaWinifred; I’m happy to work with any school budget!
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to create educational yet captivating stories for children?
Write about what you know and love. If you’re passionate about a topic, that enthusiasm will come through in your writing and captivate your audience. Start writing now, even if you only have time for short bursts. Every little bit gets you closer to your story. Seek out mentors and professional editors to help you refine your work. Reading widely and studying effective storytelling techniques will also enhance your craft. Writing is a journey, and each draft brings you closer to the finished product. Finally, remember that the story should always come first—if your heart is in it, children will be drawn to the characters and lessons you’ve woven into the narrative.
