by Lola Roiser
I have always loved reading and writing stories that can transport you into different dimensions. Stories are one of the joys in my life, the thing that keeps me going through the day, knowing that when I get home I can just put my feet up and read. It is when I open a book that I am immersed in a different life and this makes me think about the story’s origin.
Where do the ideas for the stories come from?
What inspires the ideas?
Could I become a published author one day?
Well, who better to ask than a published author herself. I was very fortunate to interview Nicola J Moore, who has currently written 3 published books: Dancing Bean: The Boy Who Loves Ballet; NIGHT-NIGHT, NANA: A Child’s Guide To Grieving and Loss; and her brand new book – Adventure in the Land of the Fairies (the first book in her Magic Cupboard Under The Stairs series). Her book NIGHT-NIGHT NANA became one of the Amazon best sellers in children’s books on the topic of grandparents. She has had lots of sales in the UK and received very good reviews from the US. I have looked at all her books and the reviews have been outstanding with most awarding five out of five stars.
The link to her website is https://www.pernicketypixiepublishing.com if you would like to have a look at her books.
- Why did you choose to write books for younger children as opposed to older children and adults?
One of the first things I do before beginning to write is decide which age group a story is best suited for, as this has implications for the format of the book, the language used, word count and plot/ character development.
With Dancing Bean: The Boy Who Loves Ballet, I knew straight away it would work best as a picture book for very young children.
With NIGHT-NIGHT NANA: A Child’s Guide to Grieving and Loss, I wanted to provide a resource to help young children/ pre-teens navigate grief. I chose this age group because the book was inspired by my daughter’s experience of losing her nana at that age.
With ‘Adventure in the Land of the Fairies’, I wanted more scope for character and plot development. I couldn’t squeeze the story into a picture book or stretch it into teen fiction. Therefore, I decided to make it a chapter book for six to ten-year-olds.
I am also currently working on a teen fiction trilogy. The plot for this is much more complex and, by necessity, it will take longer to write. So I come up with a story idea and then decide which age groups/ formats that story suits, rather than choose an age group and then come up with a story.
- Before you wrote Night-Night Nana did you have to research about grief and how children react to grief and loss because I understand that this must be a very delicate subject to write about?
Yes, I did a lot of online research. I also reflected on my daughter’s grieving journey and the activities we did to help her process and come to terms with her loss, such as writing poetry and continuing to celebrate her nana’s birthday.
At the back of the book I include several activities which children can do to help them navigate their grief. I also include dedicated pages for children to add their own pictures and poems of their grandmother. In writing this book, I wanted to provide support and comfort to children experiencing grief whilst also helping them create a lasting tribute to their deceased grandmother.
- Why did you decide to write Night-Night Nana as a poem?
There is so much beauty in language. I love poetry and have always used it as a way to explore and process emotions and experiences. Writing NIGHT-NIGHT, NANA as a rhyming poem therefore seemed a natural choice. In addition, I was aware of how popular rhyming stories are among children. Rhyme and rhythm can enhance a child’s connection with, and enjoyment of, what is written on the page.
Here are some excerpts from NIGHT-Night, NANA:
- Where do you get your inspiration from for your fictional books?
I get my inspiration from the world around me. From my lived experiences (both good and bad) and from the experiences of my daughter. I also draw inspiration from the stories that I enjoyed reading as a child.
- Was ‘The Magic Cupboard Under the Stairs’ your first chapter book? If so, why did you choose to write one?
It is my first published chapter book, yes.
I have been writing stories since I was young and it has always been my intention to write and publish chapter books and novels. I came up with the idea for the Magic Cupboard under the Stairs series towards the end of last year and decided that there was no time like the present, so I started writing ‘Adventure in the Land of the Fairies’ earlier this year.
- You mentioned that Adventure in the Land of the Fairies is the first book in The Magic Cupboard Under the Stairs series – if so, do you have a long term vision of how the stories and characters might develop over the course of the whole series?
Yes, I do. At this time I have ideas for the first seven books in the series. The second book is already close to completion. I plan on bringing out books 2 and 3 next year.
- I have always loved writing stories for fun and have created small story books as presents for family members. What advice would you give me or anyone who wants to become a published author?
Writing is both a science and an art. It requires practice, knowledge and talent. So, write as often as you can. This will help you improve your writing skills, develop your individual style and become more productive.
You should also read as often as you can as this will help you to increase your vocabulary, expand your thinking, enhance your imagination and further develop your writing style. It will also give you an understanding of what readers want when they pick up a book and what goes into making a story captivating to read.
Links to Dancing Bean: The Boy Who Loves Ballet – Https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYK6812N Https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DYK6812N
Links to NIGHT-NIGHT NANA: A Child’s Guide to Grieving and Loss- Https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F749MDQQ Https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F749MDQQ
Links to Adventure in the Land of the Fairies – Https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068345748
