Hollie spoke to Susan Wardell about their gorgeous children’s book, The Lighthouse Princess. A delightful contemporary fairytale about an independent princess, who looks after a very special lighthouse lamp, fishes off the balcony and goes swimming with seals.
Tell us about yourself.
I have an academic job, a big garden, and a restless mind. I like to hop between genres and mediums, and see how they cross-pollinate.
What inspired The Lighthouse Princess?
A walk on a wild Southern beach, the story of Rapunzel, my own introverted heart, and raising a daughter.
How did you team up with illustrator Rose Northey?
My manuscript was selected for use in the Gavin Bishop Award for first-time illustrators... and Rose entered and won!
How does it feel being a finalist in two categories at the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults?
Startling and delightful. I feel encouraged to dig even deeper into the space of Children's writing.
What are some of your favourite childhood books?
Enid Blyton's Faraway Tree series. Debbie's Dream (Gilbert Delahaye). Books full of animals and adventures.
What is in the pipeline for you?
A couple of projects connecting my academic interests (in emotion and mental health) with children's writing, and also trying my hand at longer (junior fiction) texts.
What is your favourite snack to enjoy while writing?
Salt and vinegar chips, all the way!