Author Interview – Lynne North

When we first met up with Lynne she’d written “Zac’s Destiny” (see review), a magical tale of a lowly miscast boy who soon realises he has a greater purpose to serve.

In her latest book a witch called Gertie embarks on magical and enchanting adventures in search of her true witch within.
The book’s pace and lightness of humourous touch echoes her previous work, engaging quickly with a pleasing call to the young “readers” inherent delight in parallel universes and quirky magical characters. The momentum is high, moving the story along whilst constantly developing our interest in the very interesting characters.
A good read for youngsters then but I wanted to ask Lynne three simple questions about writing for children.

WHY did you choose to write for children?
“This might seem a strange reason for why I choose to write children’s books, but it is mainly because I still have a childlike outlook on life. Some might say I’m in my second childhood (or third!), but in all honesty, I don’t think I ever left my first.
I love to write fantasy, and I am currently writing a YA (Young Adult) fantasy for an older market. My books to date however have been for the approx 7 or 8 to young teen age range. I like to write for an audience that will delight in fantasy, magic and humour. No one reads a book and believes quite like a child. I remember it well, and I long to be an author that children will remember as they grow up. My days of Beatrix Potter, Enid Blyton and later Tolkien will stay with me always.
‘Caution: Witch in Progress’ is my first book to be published by Ghostly Publishing, and I’m hoping this will be followed by a re-release of Zac’s Destiny. I then have another, very different humorous fantasy in the wings, followed by my YA novel.”

WHAT do your children’s books focus on?
“My children’s books are very different in content, but focus on success through effort, belief and determination. I want my readers to cheer on my main characters and to live through their troubles, plights and adventures with them. My characters might be ‘different’ in some way, like ‘Gertie’ in Caution: Witch in Progress. Being different is not a bad thing. We all have to find our own path through life and though it can be difficult, becoming who we really want to be is so important.
I love to write humour, and I hope I have achieved this in ‘Caution’ and in my latest book yet to be published. I think children are more likely to keep reading something that makes them laugh, or is exciting enough to propel them on to the next chapter. I have had great feedback from children and adults alike for ‘Caution,’ and hope to bring enjoyment to a wide audience with it. ”

And finally, what’s the secret; HOW to write for children?
“The main concern in writing for children is knowing your subject matter, the type of thing you can write for your chosen age group, and the things you can’t.
Children don’t want to get stopped in their tracks by big unwieldy words they are not sure of. If the reading flow stops, they might give up on it altogether. I try to write in a simple way, without talking down to my readers. Some love to laugh, others enjoy adventure or even to be frightened. The test is to find the happy medium in your chosen theme.
One of the best ways to learn how to write for children is, in my opinion, to read children’s books that are doing well out there. J.K. Rowling of course deserves a big mention here. I read a lot of children’s books, and thoroughly enjoy doing so. It is never a chore or something I do because I have to. I love the books of the unparalleled Terry Pratchett above all others. I also think Joseph Delaney, F.E Higgins and Angie Sage are great children’s writer’s, to name but a few.
And what is most important about writing for children? A plausible, happy ending…what more could we ask for? ”

Thank you, Lynne.

Original source: http://www.unheardwords.com/lynnenorth.html