When did you decide to be a writer?
In October 2021, during a car journey with my children, a book idea came to me.
It sparked something inside me that I had long forgotten - when I had written poetry at university to complement my designs and artwork.
Being creative is who I am and being a writer is an extension of that.
When did you start to write books?
My first book was published in January 2022 and the second in April of the same year. They have been a huge success in giving me the enthusiasm and confidence to pursue what I love.
Where do you get your ideas?
Ideas may come to me at any point, day or night. Walking, talking with my family, or in the shower!
I try to see the world through a child’s eyes. I listen to my own children, as well as funny conversations they have with their friends, which generally spark an idea. Once I have created a character, I put myself in their shoes. Like being an actress, I try to feel the emotions of what each character is going through.
How long does it take to write a book?
Timescales can vary depending on what I am writing and how quickly the inspiration comes. On a good day, if the creativity is effortless and flowing, I can write around two thousand words in an hour. Other times, it can be sticky, so I stop and do something else until the inspiration comes back.
I never force ideas.
Do you write with a pencil?
I do…well actually with a pen! I love pen and paper.
I always keep a notebook close to hand to scribble ideas or sketch a character and location.
Everything I do starts in my notebook and then if it is flowing well, I transfer it over to my laptop and continue from there.
Where do you write?
If I have peace, I sit in my living room and relax on the sofa. Though, I have recently created a writing space in another room, where I have a desk and can spread out a little more.
Why do you write the kinds of books you do?
I am inspired by children and how they see the world – so innocently and honestly. As adults, we can sometimes lose this excitement and inner confidence, but I am certain that books can remind children to retain this. A good book stays for life and so does an important message.
Do any of your books come from your own childhood?
I have a few story ideas in the background inspired by my own childhood.
I grew up on a small farm, outside a little village in Scotland. We had many animals, which our mother looked after – but what if the animals told their side of the story? Watching our father building fences, working below the Land Rover, or sheering sheep at the weekends; and memories of my brother and I constantly playing outside or creating our ‘gang hut’ in an old chicken shed, (although we were the only gang-of-two that were ever it in!)
I also danced until I was 18 years old so there are many memories and emotions that I would like to draw on there.
Why don’t you illustrate your own books?
Although I went to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, illustration is a skill set that I feel I have not mastered yet. I am happy to draw what I see, but I struggle to extract and refine a character out of my head and onto paper.
Do you like being an author?
I love being an author. It is such a relaxing process to create stories, and then sharing them with an audience is the most rewarding feeling. It is beautiful to watch children’s faces light up or their inquisitive minds switch on as they listen to my words. There are often questions or comments that come afterward.
I once asked a group of children what they wanted to be when they grew up and one little girl answered, “I want to be a witch!” which caught me a little off-guard as most other answers were firemen or teachers. It turned out, however, that the nursery group had just been reading Room on The Broom by the amazing Julia Donaldson.
More recently, after reading one of my books to a group, I had a little boy of 7 years, tell me that the green light fairy didn’t exist as there were always red lights when he was in the car. With a smile, I replied, “Really? Perhaps next time you are stuck at a red light then, you could try asking for the green light fairy and see whether she works her magic. It worked for my children, and I have heard from other parents that it has worked for their children. So, it can work for you too.”
I visibly saw the curiosity pass through his mind and that alone made it all worthwhile.
What is your writing process?
It depends on what I am writing, though everything normally starts in my notebook. If I am writing poetry, it will normally stay there re-writing it until I am happy.
If I am writing prose, however, I start in my notebook with ideas and phrases, or sometimes with the first few paragraphs. If the words are flowing freely and I am happy with where the story is heading, then I transfer over to my laptop as it is faster for me to get the words out.
What advice do you have for writers?
Never force a story. When it is ready to come out, it will. Some of the best stories I have written, and I am delighted with how they flow and feel, are those that have come effortlessly onto paper.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I understand the feeling of writer’s block yes, though I never let it get to me. When I feel that things are starting to get a little sticky, I stop and do something else. Make a cup of tea, play with my children, create some social media posts, or tidy the house. The words always come back when they are ready, sometimes in a couple of hours, sometimes in a few weeks. I never write for the sake of writing because that’s when the words sound forced.
What are your hobbies?
Other than writing, I read as often as I can. I still dance, albeit around the house to my own music these days, and I also enjoy drawing and designing.
I have two wonderful children who entertain me and keep me busy, so playing with them is a huge part of my life as well as everything that comes with being a Mum.
(Image, with thanks to Gunter`s Imaginarium)
Comments