Laura Dockrill is an award-winning writer and illustrator from the UK, part of our Aarhus 39 selection of the best emerging writers from across Europe. Here she talks about her new story for Quest, our new anthology of stories for children, inspired by journeys.
Tell us about your story...
The piece is about a young person coping with the loss of somebody they love and the grievance passed down from a parent. It's about relief a bit too, love, fun and imaginary friends, of course.
Why did you pick that theme?
Death is such a scary thing to me and only seems to get scarier the older i become because there is so much more at stake, so much more to lose, I like to think that a child could manifest that into some coping mechanism that actually could potentially be a much more effective process than an adults approach.
When did you decide to become an author?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to tell stories. I grew up surrounded by lots of inspirational and amazingly eccentric adults that would always talk openly around us. Our parents never sheltered us from conversation and so we were forever scooping up a wealth of material from a young age. My brother, sister and I would imitate adults, put on shows or make up stories. Our parents are hugely creative and love human beings so we were raised naturally fascinated by people. My mum is curious about everything. I have proudly inheritors that from her. If my dad ever played us a song he would know the back story of the artist and what the song was about. This always ignited something in me and took the art further. It's what engaged me and informed me of the true art and nature of telling a story and where that story is born. Even in the notion of my dad retelling that and passing that on to me I understood the wonder and brilliance of passing something on and how real life inspires art.
When did you publish your first book?
My first book was published in 2008, a bright pink illustrated poetry book called Mistakes in the Background. It comes with free stickers and wrapping paper! Its so special to me. It reminds me of growing up.
What is special about writing for children?
I've often been asked if writing for children is limiting because of the boundaries but I find it liberating. With children you can say 'Rita was born in a volcano' and a kid goes 'got it' where adults would immediately begin to challenge that fact. As a writer the possibilities are endless. When writing for adults I don't think about who will be reading the work- I write for myself. But when writing for children I always have a strong vision of the young people reading the words and I want to make them laugh out loud and feel stuff. I design characters with them in mind, I want them to make friends inside the pages. I feel honoured to have such a wonderful trusted responsibility to be having a conversation through my work with a young reader, the stories we write could stick with them forever and potentially shape the way they see a certain something. Plus. They are the most honest audience ever! You don't get to put up a front or hold back because there is nowhere to hide!
What does it mean to you to be a part of the anthology and the Hay Festival?
I feel really proud. I've taken part in Hay a few times and I am a massive fan of the festival. It's really special to see a whole time and place dedicated to the love and joy of literature. Especially for young people. It's crucial that children see books illuminated in such a way as music or film is. The anthology is such an exciting idea. I can't wait.
Do you have a favorite spot where you write?
I like to just to write in the comfort of my own home. With a window in front of me and a cup of tea by my side. Nothing fancy. I used to write on a sewing machine as my desk and an ironing board after that so the fact I have a table is a big enough deal.
Where is that? And why is that your favorite spot?
It's my favourite spot because I need to feel completely locked in physically and feel comfortable to let my brain fly out of its skull! Often after a day of writing I completely forget the writing day entirely because my imagination has flown out of the window somewhere and I find it harder to summon that escapism if the environment is too new.
How do you get inspired?
Inspiration is absolutely everywhere. I try always to keep an open mind and heart and take as much in. I never stop working. I try always to ask questions, to keep an ear to the ground, to keep company with friends and to make friends - always. No day is a wasted day. Nothing is a regret because there is always something to pinch and steal away with you, something that can be recycled. You don't just have to read to be a writer, all art forms are precious and influential. I am inspired by my home, my area, art, film, dance, fashion, food, my friends and family. What I know and what I don't. There is so much to say yes to and take from. It's what you do with it that's the special bit.