Northern Highlight - Shaniah Shields

Northern Highlight 

Shaniah Shields

Where do you live, and how would you sum up the place in three words?

I live in Manchester, and I am a proud Mancunian. Manchester is bustling with activity in every corner, and I love how rich it is in terms of art and culture. It is also not a great distance away from amazing beaches and natural landscapes. If I had to describe Manchester in three words, I’d say: vibrant, multicultural, and creative. 

If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, where would it be?

I would love to be transported to St. Annes Beach because, not only is it lovely, it is close to my grandparents’ house, and I love visiting them. I also love Lake Windermere in the Lake District and haven’t visited in a while!

What kid lit events have you attended recently?

The last event I attended was a virtual event held by Storymix and it was called Beyond Bias: Series Fiction. Although it was not a Northern event, it did feature Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths and member of the CBN network. It was great to hear about the importance of series fiction and how it impacts readers. 

What would you like to see from children’s publishing in the North?

I would love to see more children’s publishers based in the North, as well as more opportunities for authors, illustrators, and publishing hopefuls from the North. As a publishing hopeful myself, I would absolutely love to work with the amazing talent the North has to offer and to provide books for children who can see themselves represented in what they read. I would also love to see a bigger celebration of the North – there is so much talent to be shared!

Who are the great Northern children’s writers and illustrators?

A classic book that I have loved since childhood has to be The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which is set on the Yorkshire Moors. It also includes one of my favourite quotes: “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden”. 

 In terms of contemporary writers, I would have to say Ross Welford because his writing is so captivating and beautiful. I’ve also recently read You Are A Champion by Marcus Rashford MBE, which is fantastic, and I’m excited for his debut children’s fiction book to be published soon.

What’s next on your TBR pile by a Northern Creative?

Skellig by David Almond, because I am yet to read anything by him but I have heard the most wonderful things about his stories.

You can follow Shaniah at:

Twitter - @s_publishpoint 
Instagram - @booksandbaking_

 

 

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