Northern Highlight - Sheryl Webster
NORTHERN HIGHLIGHT
Why did you become a writer/illustrator?
I’ve always loved reading, and still have my collection of Enid Blyton books from when I was a child. I remember thinking how magical books are, the way they can carry you off into another world. I still get that magical feeling now when I pick up a book. When I became a Primary school teacher my big passion was in sharing my love of reading and encouraging reluctant readers to see that there was a book out there that they would like, they just had to find it! I always tried to tie books in with my lesson themes, and often looked for stories to introduce certain topics. If I couldn’t find one…I made my own story up. My own writing started when our family was out walking one wild, windy day. I was calling to our children and the wind was blowing my words away. They were having great fun shouting back to me what they thought they had heard. ‘Stay by me’ became ‘Climb a tree,’ and ‘Fasten your coat,’ became ‘Ride on a goat.’ The children thought it was hilarious, and I jotted down an idea of a small rabbit going on a windy walk and the same thing happening. This led to my first published book, ‘What Small Rabbit Heard.’
Tell us about where you live.
I live in Liverpool and it’s a city I am extremely proud of. It’s often said that Liverpool is one of the friendliest, most welcoming places to visit, and I really think that’s true. You just can’t beat a scouse sense of humour, and I challenge anyone to visit Liverpool and not leave with at least one memory of a person there who has made them smile. There is also so much to see and do here. We have the stunning Albert Dock; amazing architecture – such as the Three Graces, that sit proudly on our dockside; a great collection of museums and galleries; and of course, our two football clubs, which we are extremely passionate about. I think the musical talent to have come from Liverpool also gives the city a real buzz about it. It is a hive of creativity in all shapes and forms.
Where do you write/illustrate?
Mostly in my own little workspace at my desk, which is surrounded by fairy lights and other little nic nacs that make it cosy. Although as ideas can pop up at anytime of day, I tend to always keep a pad and pen to hand … or at the very least a sticky note! I also love being outdoors, so whatever the season I will often wrap up and head outdoors to write, with a cuppa to keep me company!
What for you is the 'spirit of the North’?
Without a doubt, the friendliness of the people, and our great sense of humour. You’ll always get a warm welcome and a smile here.
Has this spirit influenced your work?
Yes, it really has. I think some of the themes that children’s books are focusing on right now, are extremely relevant and necessary, but can also be a little deep. So, injecting some humour into the writing lightens the load a little. And of course, it’s not just the words that inject the humour, but how we envisage the illustrations to be. The wonderful illustrators out there can be the key to really getting that humour across. Helen Shoesmith is the perfect example of this, in our current book ‘One Little Bird.’ The story focuses on habitat loss, which is such an important issue for children to be aware of, but also quite overwhelming. However comic moments that I wrote, such as when the animals move into the human homes, were made into hilarious moments by Helen’s illustrations.
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| Published by Oxford Children's Books. Illustrated by Helen Shoesmith |
Who for you are the great northern children’s writers?
Ooo, that’s a difficult question! So many to choose from, but I’ve narrowed it down to three.
I’ve recently read ‘The Haunting of Aveline Jones,’ by Phil Hickes, which I loved, and can’t wait for the sequel! His writing creates such suspense and has you reading under the covers!
Sophie Anderson writes with such passion and compassion, and I love the magical worlds she creates. ‘The Castle Of Tangled Magic’ is a favourite of mine, as it has such positive messages of love and courage.
And finally, I would have to say Jarvis. His work is so visual and humorous. ‘Lazy Dave’ is an absolute favourite of mine
If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, where would it be?
Well at the time of writing we are in another lockdown, but I have to say I’m happy being right here in Liverpool. To relax and unwind I think Cumbria, as it has so many hidden places to visit. I just love its forests – they have such a magical feel to them.
What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North?
I think feeling that sense of community that writers and illustrators in London have. Children’s Books North has already done such a great job in bringing us all together, and it would be great to see this continue and expand. I also think that making sure opportunities for access to publishing work etc, is available in northern areas. And of course, to see lots more northern children’s writers being published!
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