Northern Highlight - Andrew Sharp

Northern Highlight

 
Andrew Sharp

1. Why did you want to work in the children's book industry?

I didn’t set out to be in children’s publishing. Early in my career I had to move companies several times in a bid to earn enough to be able to afford to live in London. That process led me to Hodder Children’s Books where I fell in love with the books.

2. Tell us about where you live.

I moved to Perth with my family in July 2019. It was a bit of a shock for the boys as they are Londoners born and bred but they have adapted really quickly, as children tend to do. Perth is great. Its tag ‘Small city, big personality’ suits it well. It is small enough to feel intimate, big enough to have the amenities you would expect from a larger city. It has a stunning setting, straddling the mighty river Tay. Edinburgh and Glasgow are each an hour away, the Highlands are a short hop north so it’s the perfect location for ex-Londoners who love burning energy in city and countryside alike.

3. Where are you happiest working?

Pre-lockdown, I had a nomadic lifestyle roaming between my favourite cafes in the centre of Perth (Hinterland and Blend) and my kitchen. Currently, confined to the kitchen. I have recovered at last from having my workspace invaded by the rest of the family but I am going to renovate our spare room and turn it into an office.

4. What for you is the 'spirit of Scotland'?

It’s a blend of the people and the landscape. Both are wonderfully open. I really admire the strong streaks of generosity and pragmatism by which many Scots live, and which extend into public life here in a way that I didn’t see so much down south.

5. How does this spirit influence your work?

I am learning to overcome my English reserve!

6. Who, for you, are the great Scottish writers?

Children’s: Ross Mackenzie (my 11 year old son agrees)

 

Published by Kelpies

Adult: Irvine Welsh, Ian Rankin, Christopher Brookmyre – I admire their grit.

7. If you could be transported to anywhere in Scotland right now, where would it be? 

Loch Insh (near Aviemore) – preferably I’d be in the loch itself while wearing a wetsuit, though I would be happy just gazing across the loch from the shore. Loch Insh is my happy place.

8. What would you like to see from children's publishing in Scotland?

A strong financial recovery from the pandemic for individuals and companies, and renewed funding opportunities. I hope that we can come back stronger and I want to play a part in making sure that we do. If the big London-centric publishers decide to open offices in Scotland, I really hope that they will look beyond Edinburgh and open those offices somewhere else. The industry in Scotland is already quite Edinburgh-centric. Dundee has a great creative scene – including some of the world’s most famous comics – and I would welcome the company in Perth from where most of Scotland’s population is within 90-minutes reach. Stirling has an interesting history, is well-connected and within easy reach of Edinburgh and Glasgow so that would be a good spot for building creative infrastructure as well.

9. What's your favourite children's book set in Scotland?

Contemporary: The Nowhere Emporium
Classic: Kidnapped! 

 

Published by Vintage Children's Classics

You can follow Andrew on:
Twitter @Andrewsharp1 / @RightsSharp
Instagram androosharp