Wednesday 1 February 2017

Today's interview is with Australian author/illustrator Alison Reynolds who has been publishing since 2003 with Five Mile Press. She talks here about her latest two children's books.                                                                            
Can you tell readers about your book?       My two latest books are PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE PLAYGROUND MEANIES and PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE.

These are the latest two picture books in the Pickle and Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds series aimed at children 4- 8. They explore social etiquette and positive behaviour in a light, humorous way. The Playground Meanies is about bullying and The Big Snow Adventure tackles respecting rules.

Each book features a Handy Guide to Good Deeds on the last page, which can be used as a discussion point for adults and children.

What is the book’s history to publication?  The Five Mile Press http://www.fivemile.com.au/ commissioned these books as part of an ongoing series. The editor approved my initial concepts after a bit of toing and froing.
                                                                  
Why did you choose Five Mile Press as your publisher?                                             I’ve worked with The Five Mile Press for many years and value highly my relationship with them. They’ve offered me many wonderful opportunities to write many different style books. They’re perfect match for somebody like me who enjoys a challenge.

How long did it take from submission of your manuscript to receipt of advance copies? The whole process from initial concept to being edited took about five months.

Which editor did you work with? Was there a lot of work that needed to be done to your manuscript? How was the editing experience for you?                                            I worked with the super talented Melissa Keil at The Five Mile Press. She manages to point out where the text can be improved with tact and perspicacity. There was not as much work needed as for the first two books, because I know the characters now. With Melissa, I feel we’re working together to make the books the best books they can be.

Who is the book’s illustrator? Why do you like her work?                                          Mikki Butterley is a brilliant illustrator who lives in the north of England. She comes from a background of creating cards, and her attention to detail is extraordinary. I adore her work for the sense of fun she captures. Whatever wild wacky idea I come up with in the text, Mikki seems to be able to match it up with a gorgeous illustration. I also love her colour palette.

Anything else you’d like to say about your publisher?                                                      I would recommend The Five Mile Press to illustrators and other authors. They produce a range of different fabulous products, which makes it an exciting company to work with.

Have you written other books for children?                                                                  I’ve had over 70 books published, including board books, picture books, chapter books, choose-your-own-adventure style books and even a non-fiction adult book.  I work for different publishers, which helps me maintain a flow of work.

Do you belong to a writing group?                                                                                    I’ve belonged to a few writing groups in the past. One group has transformed into a lunching group of close friends as I’m the only one who still writes on a full-time basis. I firmly believe writing groups can be excellent especially when you’re starting out, but you need to be in one that suits you. If you find you’re in a toxic writing group that makes you feel bad, belittled and if you’re the one who is doing all the work, run. I’m lucky enough to be working with editors who give me thoughtful, excellent feedback, so I’m not in a writing group at the moment.

I had a few outstanding writing tutors/mentors when I studied, for example Janey Runci, Sari Smith, Rachel Flynn and Marg McKenzie. 

What are you now working on? 
I have an idea that I’m playing with for a series for 6- 8 year olds. I’m not at the stage of sending it out to publishers yet, but hope to be there soon. I’ve had a variety of books published, including picture books, board books, chapter books, middle grade books and even an adult non-fiction book.

Anything else you’d like to add?                                                                                      To aspiring writers out there: never give up; never give up; never give up.

I would love you to check out my website at www.alisonreynolds.com.au


20 comments:

  1. Great interview! Love hearing the behind the scenes. Great advice Alison. Never give up! JSP

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    1. Thanks Aussie Author. Di asks all the thoughtful questions. Hope you never do give up! Alison

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  2. JSP It would be so exciting to work to a publisher's request. The series is lovely and the illustrations are just right.

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    1. I really enjoy working to a brief as it really forces you to focus. And there's nothing like a deadline to get you working.

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  3. I love the covers on both picture books. They would appeal to young children and adults alike. Mikki uses a well-thought-out colour palette.

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    1. I love the colours too, Lynette. Are you an artist?

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    2. I'd like to illustrate my own picture books and one day, I will. I never give up.

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  4. Loved reading about the process of a commissioned series, I do live in hope one day. Thanks for sharing and of course, I am keen for the JSP. Cheers, Julie Grasso

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    1. Hopefully you will get a commissioned series soon, Jules!

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  5. Good to hear there can be toing and froing between editor and author and thanks for encouraging us to never give up - we do need to hear it! JSP Nat Petrohelos.

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    1. I love that aspect of publishing, Nat. A book really is a collaborative process between writer, editor and illustrator.

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  6. Thanks for this post and the interesting notes about Five Mile Press as well as the editing process. You've reminded me about a PB series that I had put aside...time to dust it off! JSP

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    1. Get that duster out and go,Steph! Good luck.

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  7. JSP/PB Thanks for giving us some insight into the commissioning process with Five Mile for a series. It's always interesting to hear how other writers go about their work and what their interactions are like with editors too.

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    1. Happy to hear you enjoyed the post Kellie. My life is made so much easier when I have such wonderful editors I can trust and respect.

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  8. Good to hear about your author/publisher collaborative relationship. I was impressed by Melissa at the KidLitVic event last year. Well done on these books :) (JTP/PB - is that cheating?)

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    1. Not cheating :) Melissa is an amazing writer as well an amazing editor. I adore her books.

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  9. Thank you for sharing these sweet books! I feel we need more books that handle bullying and boost kid's confidence. Thank you for sharing the love and encouragement for aspiring authors! JSP

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  10. Thank you Amber. I think some of us forget how hurtful things can be when we are little.

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