Ask the Author: Gavin Buckley
Answered Questions (6)
Gavin Buckley
Thankfully, it's not something I've dealt with at this early stage in my writing career.
I guess it's not something that worries me overly as much of the time I'm illustrating my stories, new ideas pop into my head over the months it takes to get the artwork done. At the moment, it is actually difficult to find the time to write down all of my stories amidst my busying about the various pages of artwork still to be done.
The ideas notebook is getting very full at the moment... Long may that continue.
I guess it's not something that worries me overly as much of the time I'm illustrating my stories, new ideas pop into my head over the months it takes to get the artwork done. At the moment, it is actually difficult to find the time to write down all of my stories amidst my busying about the various pages of artwork still to be done.
The ideas notebook is getting very full at the moment... Long may that continue.
Gavin Buckley
I love being able to spend time with my son as he grows up. The thought of missing out on his childhood was my reason for going full-time with my new-found passion and I don't regret that decision for a second. It's been hard work getting this far and there's so much more hard work to do but it's the most enjoyable pursuit I've ever indulged in.
It's also wonderful that I can combine the two - having the time to write for children allows me to engage with my son on a completely unique level as he 'field-tests' all my stories. It's the best thing in the world.
It's also wonderful that I can combine the two - having the time to write for children allows me to engage with my son on a completely unique level as he 'field-tests' all my stories. It's the best thing in the world.
Gavin Buckley
The best advice I can give to other aspiring writers and illustrators is to never give up. It sounds cliched but it's absolutely true. Research, listen to feedback (both positive and negative) and go and create. The only way to succeed is through perseverance and an unwavering belief that if others can do it, why can't you?
Also, don't try to be someone else or imitate a popular style. If you do it your way, it will sound natural and it's much more likely that people will respond to it's authenticity.
Also, don't try to be someone else or imitate a popular style. If you do it your way, it will sound natural and it's much more likely that people will respond to it's authenticity.
Gavin Buckley
I have my latest work already written and edited and am currently about 10% of the way through the illustrations.
Whereas my first book, The Smellyphant, was written in rhyming verse, the new one is in prose. I'm pretty excited about it and the select few people I've given a sneak preview to absolutely adore it. It's properly laugh out loud funny for both children and adults alike and I can't wait to release it later this year.
Whereas my first book, The Smellyphant, was written in rhyming verse, the new one is in prose. I'm pretty excited about it and the select few people I've given a sneak preview to absolutely adore it. It's properly laugh out loud funny for both children and adults alike and I can't wait to release it later this year.
Gavin Buckley
This is a fairly easy one to answer as any author with a young child would no doubt agree.
My two year old son is an absolute treasure trove of ideas and he's blissfully unaware that he's constantly planting little seeds that grow into new characters, plot ideas and themes for my stories.
My two year old son is an absolute treasure trove of ideas and he's blissfully unaware that he's constantly planting little seeds that grow into new characters, plot ideas and themes for my stories.
Gavin Buckley
In truth, it actually evolved as I was writing it.
I initially set out only to create the opening passage of a children's book based on a character idea that just popped into my head one morning. The plan was to illustrate that small section and start approaching illustration agents to get work as an illustrator for picture books. I guess I just forgot to stop writing and start drawing, with the end result being my self-published debut title, The Smellyphant, that was released last month.
I initially set out only to create the opening passage of a children's book based on a character idea that just popped into my head one morning. The plan was to illustrate that small section and start approaching illustration agents to get work as an illustrator for picture books. I guess I just forgot to stop writing and start drawing, with the end result being my self-published debut title, The Smellyphant, that was released last month.
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