In a surprising career pivot that's capturing literary attention, actress Aubrey Plaza, best known for her deadpan humour in Parks and Recreation, has revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind her new children's book.
The Legend of the Christmas Witch, co-authored with Dan Murphy, represents more than just another celebrity publishing venture. For Plaza, it's the fulfilment of a creative vision years in the making, born from childhood storytelling sessions with her grandmother.
From Screen to Page: An Unexpected Transition
While many know Plaza for her television and film roles, few would have predicted her emergence as a children's author. The book tells the alternative Christmas story of the Christmas Witch, a character Plaza developed during her youth in Delaware.
'This project feels like coming full circle,' Plaza explained during recent interviews. 'The stories I created with my grandmother were these magical, dark fairy tales that always had unexpected heroes.'
The Grandmother's Legacy
The actress credits her late grandmother with nurturing her creative spirit and encouraging the imaginative thinking that eventually produced The Legend of the Christmas Witch.
'She was the first person who made me believe my stories mattered,' Plaza shared emotionally. 'We'd spend hours making up characters and worlds together. This book is really a tribute to that bond.'
Beyond the Usual Celebrity Book
Unlike many celebrity-authored children's books, Plaza's offering delves into darker, more complex territory while maintaining the wonder essential to children's literature. The Christmas Witch character represents the misunderstood outsider - a theme Plaza connects with personally.
'I've always been drawn to characters who don't quite fit in,' she noted. 'The Christmas Witch is this powerful, mysterious figure who's been unfairly portrayed for generations. Our book gives her the origin story she deserves.'
The publication marks a significant moment in Plaza's career, demonstrating her range beyond acting and into literary creation with a deeply personal touch.
