Northern Highlights - Kristyna Litten

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

KRISTYNA LITTEN

1. Why did you become a writer & illustrator?   

Ever since I was young I knew that I would be doing something creative when I grew up, but it wasn’t until I went to Edinburgh College of Art that I actually began to do any writing. I really loved drawing my own characters but it took me a while to gain the confidence to write any stories for them. 

I began to look at more and more picture book illustrators as inspiration and began to write one of my very first stories which I entered for the Macmillan Prize. After being highly commended two years running, it gave me a confidence boost to continue writing and illustrating my own stories.

2. Tell us about where you live.

I live in the largest village in England near to the city of Hull. I absolutely love living here and I’m incredibly fortunate to have lots of outdoor space within walking distance. At home, I grow my own veg and let my hens (Rosie and Maggie) wander around the garden. I frequently go to my local libraries in the village and in Hull, and I am lucky to be involved in the events they organise. I am also a member of a couple of sport clubs and help out at my local rescue centre. I feel very much part of a friendly community and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

3. Where do you write/illustrate? 

I’d love to be one of those people who are able to go to a cafe and get out my notebook or sketchbook but, being a typical introvert (and easily distracted by other people), I’ve always been most productive working on my own. I am lucky to have a space (though small) to call my home studio and I share it with my pet/assistant rabbit, Herschel.

  

4. What for you is the 'Spirit of the North’?

It has to be the people. I think generally there is a real hard-working spirit amongst people both professionally and in the community. However, there is still a sense that some opportunities feel much less achievable in the North. Sometimes when I to go into schools in and around Hull, it always comes as a shock to children when I tell them I am a local illustrator and author. The assumption is always that I must be from London if this is my job so it’s lovely to see their minds broaden when they realise a future in arts is on their doorstep.

  

Though I think we Yorkshire people are real grafters, we are also famously proud of the place we call home and love spending our down time in the countryside. For me, a perfect weekend in East Yorkshire would involve walking on the beach followed by fish and chips.  

5. Has this spirit influenced your work?

Being a part of the community libraries is fantastic. Early in my career I volunteered at the Summer Reading Challenge and that really encouraged me to continue working alongside the libraries. I am lucky to have been asked to do numerous events for them, including Humber Mouth Literature Festival and The Big 

Malarkey Festival.   

6. If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, 

where would it be? 

I think it has to be Malham (as seen in The Trip). I went there for the first time on a school trip when I was eleven and have been back a few times since. It just seems to have a bit of everything. When I was younger, it always reminded me of the lush green land they find at the end of The Land Before Time.

7. What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North?

Just making these connections between authors and illustrators is great. If there are more opportunities to support each other or do events together that would also 

be fantastic.

You can find Krystyna on Insta/Twitter: @Kristynalitten