Where were you born? What were your dreams as a child?
I was born in jolly old London, dreaming of magical worlds filled with witches, wizards, and talking animals! My imagination ran wild as a child. I always wanted to be an author, and now I am.
How has your experience as a displaced Londoner living in Baltimore influenced your creative work?
Moving from rainy London to sunny Baltimore was quite the adventure. The energy and diversity of Baltimore feeds my creativity every day. I find inspiration strolling along the harbor and soaking up the eclectic, funky vibes.
What inspired you to become an author and illustrator, particularly for children's books?
As a kid, I was always drawing and making up elaborate stories about fantasy worlds. It was a no-brainer to turn my passion into a career creating spellbinding tales and illustrations to enthral young minds.
Your books are known for being imaginative and exciting. Can you tell us about your creative process and how you come up with such captivating stories?
My creative process is quite chaotic. Ideas blizzard through my mind, then I grab the most magical ones before they disappear into the ether. I scribble down notes, make piles of drawings, drink WAY too much tea, and pace around acting out scenes. It's organized madness.
What are some of the challenges you face while creating children's books, and how do you overcome them?
Writer's block is a creativity-sucking beast. When it strikes, I doodle monsters and silly characters to get my moxie back. A change of scene also works wonders - I'll take my notebook to a cafe or park for some fresh inspiration.
How do you strike a balance between writing and illustrating? Do you find one aspect more challenging than the other?
Balancing writing and illustrating is an ongoing juggling act. I often switch back and forth between the two to keep my brain nimble. Doodling helps when I'm stuck on a passage. And if I need illustration ideas, writing a quick scene usually sparks new visuals.
Your illustrations have a unique style. Could you describe your artistic influences and how you developed your signature art style?
Pop art, Victorian illustrators such as Beatrix Potter and German Expressionism influences my art, as well as stop animation. I blend vintage and modern aesthetics in my unique style. My whimsical watercolor technique adds a playful splash of color to my work.
Many authors have specific themes or messages they like to convey through their books. Are there any recurring themes or messages that you aim to communicate to your young readers?
I want my books to spark wonder and empower kids. Life can be tough, so I hope my stories inspire readers to stay curious, imaginative, and brave in facing obstacles, just like my characters.
Are there any real-life experiences from your time in London or Baltimore that have found their way into your book, Katy on Broadway?
Absolutely! In my chapter book Katy on Broadway (first in the Kitty in the City series), Katy Cat is based on my own tuxedo cat called Mouse, who 'sings' all day, and most of the night. The musical numbers in the book incorporate my love of Broadway showtunes. My own life adventures often find their way into my writing.
Illustrating for children's books requires the ability to visually engage young readers. How do you ensure your illustrations are captivating and resonate with your target audience?
I create lively characters with expressions and actions that reflect their personalities. Vivid scenes allow readers to visualize being there. I augment my paintings with fun textures, patterns, and digital effects to add eye-catching flair. Most importantly, I insert my weird sense of humor to make kids laugh.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors and illustrators who want to create meaningful and imaginative children's books?
Follow your creative dreams and develop your unique artistic voice. Experiment and play around. Read lots of books for inspiration. Never be afraid to make mistakes - just keep imagining, learning, and having fun.
Have you encountered any memorable reactions or feedback from young readers that have touched or surprised you?
It's incredibly rewarding when kids say my characters feel like their best friends. I love hearing that my stories helped them through tough times or inspired their own writing and art. It makes every late night illustrating worth it.
Living in two culturally diverse places, London and Baltimore, how do you incorporate elements of both environments into your stories?
The multicultural vibes of both cities seep into my work. You'll find cheeky British humor alongside American can-do spirit in my books. And my characters reflect the diversity of these rich cultural melting pots.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects you are working on?
I'm brewing up an illustrated middle-grade series about a teen witch who wreaks havoc with her half-baked spells, and can't wait for readers to dive into this zany magical world. This year I will also publish a middle grade book about zombie mermaids. If you ever wondered what makes these mysterious creatures tick, now's your chance to find out.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
AllAuthor has been a game-changer. The exposure and resources help me connect with readers globally. I'm beyond grateful this website exists - it's a true blessing for authors everywhere.
