I was born and grew up in London, one of four siblings of a Jamaican mother and English father. I was a quiet, shy child with either my head in a book, or a pencil or paint brush in my hand. I studied Paper Conservation, then qualified as a librarian, and have been working in various libraries ever since.
What genre/s do you write in?
The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble is my first published picture book story. I enjoy mainly writing picture book stories, although I also have the synopsis for a junior fiction story.
What do you love about writing for children?
I’ve always loved the idea that picture books are really the first stories that children have read to them, and then read themselves when they start learning to read. That’s very special.
From where do you draw inspiration for your stories and characters?
Everywhere: Something read, heard, seen or felt.
What are the greatest blocks or obstacles you have experienced on your book-writing or creating journey?
Lack of confidence: You have to believe in your work. If you don’t, no one else will.
What’s a typical writing day for you?
As I work full-time, I don’t have one. I write when I feel inspired. I carry a notebook, or quickly scribble ideas on scraps of paper – which I sometimes lose. I always write in longhand with a pencil. When inspiration and time coincide, I can work on a piece of writing for hours and feel frustrated if I only end up with a paragraph that reads fairly well.
What advice do you have on writing and illustrating?
As I’m not an illustrator, I wouldn’t dare! As for writing, I would just say, read as many books in the genre you want to write in. It’s invaluable. There are so many lovely picture books being produced. Styles change, but if the story is good, hopefully, it will get picked up by a publisher.
If you couldn’t be a writer, what would you be?
It’s funny. I work as a librarian and write when I feel inspired. I don’t feel as if I’ve earned the title of ‘writer’ yet. I would like to be a giraffe.
What were your five favourite books as a child?
I loved The Secret Garden, Swallows and Amazons, A Sound of Chariots by Mollie Hunter, the Narnia Chronicles, and The Young Visitors by Daisy Ashford.
What else do you like to do, other than write books?
I like going to art galleries and rummaging in junk shops.
What would be your perfect day?
Spending a long, leisurely day with my boyfriend that included an art gallery, pub lunch, rummaging in junk/antique shops, walking and a film!
What’s next for Angela Mitchell and Sarah Horne?
I wish for increasing recognition and success for Sarah. I would love to have a second picture story published, and Sarah illustrate it! She has an amazing talent.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Take a look at all the wonderful books on the Maverick Books online shop at www.themaverickshop.com!
To follow on the rest of the tour with Angela visit:
6th July - Kim The Book Worm
7th July - My Book Chatter
Our review of The Jelly that Wouldn't Wobble will be posted later on today!