By Owen Quinn author photos copyright Angela McFadden
Can you tell us about yourself?
I am 55 years old, my profession is graphic designer and live in Glasgow, Scotland.
When did your passion for writing begin?
I had always thought about writing a story of my life but never had the
confidence to do it. I remember years ago before email and mobile phones I
would write letters to my friend who was going through a serious illness at the
time and she said to me ‘you should write a book’ it stuck with me. In June 2023
I put pen to paper and that’s when my real passion began, it was no longer just
an idea.
Tell us about your book. What was the genesis behind it?
A young girl is told about the death of her mother. The reader follows her and
her pet dog who is her best friend, on how she navigates through her emotions
and how she copes with major events in her life with family and friends. It is
loosely based on my own life as my mum died when I was six years old. A lot of
it comes from my own experience’s.
Do you find writing a form of therapy for yourself?
Definitely. When I had my initial concept of it, it wasn’t to help me I wanted it
to be about helping young children who suffer great loss at such a young age. I
didn’t realise how much it would help in dealing with repressed memories and
feelings and it has been a healing process along the way.
Tell us about each book. What are they about?
The first book is about Ruby Lou being told about the death of her mother, then
there is the Christmas and New Year books and how they find a way to
celebrate amongst all the sadness. Finding out how her friend and his family
celebrate Chinese New Year. The fourth book is New Beginnings, she finds out
she will be moving home, she meets her friends baby sister and helps her cope
with the loss of her pet dog. Celebrations is about moving home, summer
holiday and learning about American Independence Day. I try to strike a
balance between serious themes, surrounding them with playfulness in real life
moments.
#ourfirstbook#childrensbooks#grief#support#familyandfriends#love
Were they always intended to be a multi book series?
Yes, I wanted to create different themes for each one.
What platforms do you use now to promote your work?
I use Instagram and Facebook.
Was it a harder journey than you thought it would be?
Yes! I was so naïve when I started. As a graphic designer I was used to
designing, producing booklets and leaflets but this is just so different, I have to
write the content too! It has been an amazing journey.
What can people expect from the books?
Some sadness, some joy, some laughter. My real hope is that they find some
solace in what is such a devastating time in their life.
Tell us about the illustrations. Was that style designed to appeal to a younger
audience to help deal with the subject matter?
I hadn’t drawn since I was a child so my first attempt at the main characters
was ok, it wasn’t what I had hoped. I wanted it to look more modern. My
friend’s niece is an illustrator, so she took my character creation to another
level. I then chose the colour palette and style which I wanted to be bright and
bold to contrast the dark subject matter. I am loving drawing again, creating
the world of Ruby Lou and Angel.
How did you find the process of uploading the book to Amazon?
As this is my day job I know about the printing process, but I struggled with
some of it and I feel for people who are doing this with no knowledge of it.
Describe the feeling when you held the very first copy of your book?
My initial thought going through it felt like it was part of my work and checked
it all as I would in my day job, it didn’t feel real. I kept looking at it then it hit
me it was mine and I started to cry.
How involved are you in deciding on the covers?
The cover, the backgrounds, the writing is all me. The only thing I don’t do is
the character illustrations.
How important is networking for you?
I think it is very important in getting your work out there. I am new to this, so I
am trying to find my way and who best to get in touch with.
What’s the hardest part of promoting your book?
Putting yourself out there, I can hide behind the characters, but I need to be
more prudent in selling the world that I have created.
Why is it important that people read these books?
I wish I had something like this when I was a child as there were times I felt so
alone even being surrounded by a loving family. There are different characters,
so even if you don’t relate to the main character there may be another that you
see yourself in.
It was once said to me that being a writer is the loneliest job in the world.
Would you agree?
I think it has to be. You are creating something that only you know what you
want to say.
What defines the perfect book for you?
One that you can’t put down. You are desperate to turn the page and you don’t
want it to end.
What advice would you give to any budding writer out there?
Go for it. I never in a million years would have believed that I would have
gotten this far. If you truly believe and love what you are doing it will carry you
through.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a colouring-in book based on the books that I am hoping to
have out soon.
Where can people find your books?
On Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/4icnZdw
#ourfirstbook#childrensbooks#grief#support#familyandfriends#love
The Time Warriors and Beyond 