Ask the Author: Gill Marshall
Answered Questions (6)
Gill Marshall
I haven't had this yet! I've had so many stories rattling around in my head, with so little time to write them, and I haven't run out of ideas yet. But for those days when the writing just doesn't seem to flow, I tend to leave it and do something else, like some promotional work, or booking some readings in at the local schools etc. Because if I try hard to write or tweak some works and I'm not in the mood or right frame of mind for it, it won't work and the readers will be able to tell! So I wait until it feels right. As long as that doesn't take absolutely weeks and weeks, it works well for me. I try to make sure I'm writing something every week. When I move from picture books to chapter books, I reckon this will get harder though....!!
Gill Marshall
Do your research, read similar works that are out there in the market, get feedback from those in the know (not just friends and family) and take that feedback onboard. If you look for an agent and it doesn't work, don't lose heart. You can always self-publish on Amazon and keep trying. That's what I'm doing. It's hard work but if you enjoy it and it's what you really want to do, then stick with it and keep trying.
Gill Marshall
I have so many stories rattling around in my head, and I get to write them and I have so much fun with them. I also get to work with my sister, as she does the illustrations, and we do have a giggle. It's hard work though. We don't have a publisher or an agent, so we have to do all our own promotions. When you first start out, it's very hit and miss. People don't know you or your work. You have to persevere and find different avenues, find a niche.
Gill Marshall
That's an easy one...Tad's Christmas story, entitled "Tad and the Christmas Jumper". It's a super-cute tale, where Tad helps his friends over the festive season and then reaches out to someone less fortunate than himself. Keep your eyes peeled for the book to be published. I'm hoping it will be ready for Christmas 2021...!!
Gill Marshall
A lot of what I write is based on real experiences, whether mine or a friends etc. Of course, the truth is embellished for the stories, to make them more fantastic and fun. Also, I watched a lot of cartoons when I was younger and a lot of that imagery remains in my head. It inspires me greatly in the style of how I write and what I want the illustrations to be.
Gill Marshall
"Jammy Tad" is my most recent book & it came to mind simply by an image of Tad boinging around trying to help people, mixed with the memory of a friend who always had sticky hands!! That then led to me combining the two. Intrigued? Take a read, see what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback :D
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