Northern Highlights - Rowena Aitken

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Rowena Aitken 


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

I live in the middle of Edinburgh and the three words I'd use to sum it up are "full of culture".


What is special to you about creating children's books, and what is your favourite part of the process?

I love adding in little silly details. Things you don't initially notice but you see something funny in the background such as the pair of y-fronts in the washing machine (with PAN:TS on the setting display!) in the kitchen scene in The Bum That Barked.



The Bum That Barked by Elisa Peacock and Rowena Aitken - Tiny Tree Books, 2020



Tell us about your upcoming/most recent book

My latest book is called Princess Peanut, Be Polite by Ren Cummins - a tale about a princess who's known as Peanut. She is very stuck in her ways when it comes to what she likes to eat; or is she? 


Princess Peanut, Be Polite - Publication date to be confirmed


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

A cottage in the middle of the highlands with nothing but trees around me in the middle of winter with lots of snow and an open fire. Oh and of course with my other half Andrew & our cat Pixel!


What literary events have you been involved with recently (in the North/Scotland)?

Due to the events of the last two years I have not been part of any literary events however I'd love to get back to some this year.


Name your favourite children's book/art organisations in the North/Scotland

I would have to say Dundee Contemporary Arts, as I frequently visited there during my time at Duncan of Jordanstone, University of Dundee.


What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators in the North/Scotland?

Don't feel that because you're not in London or any of the larger cities of the world that you cannot compete with those who are. Your work speaks for itself and be proud of what you and your unique life brings to your craft.


Who for you are the great Northern/Scottish children's writers/illustrators?

I have to say my friend Louise Forshaw who's work is stunning, she's an incredibly hard worker and fantastic author - and a lovely person to boot!


What's next on your TBR pile by a Northern/Scottish creative?

Not so much a creative but I'm looking forward to reading Written In Bone: hidden stories in what we leave behind by Professor Sue Black - I have a love of forensics, science and anatomy which may seem at odds with being a children's book illustrator but here we are!



Twitter:  @rowenaaitken

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mentor Scheme 2024 - Applications Open

Image
Children's Books North 2024 Mentor Scheme Applications Open! Applications are now open for the Children’s Books North Mentor Scheme! The scheme offers twelve aspiring publishers living in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Scotland four hours of mentoring with a publishing professional over four months, with the goal of demystifying the industry for new talent. Mentoring will work on a 1:1 basis and mentees will be matched with a mentor that suits their interests and experience, whether that’s editorial, production, design, marketing, sales or agenting. For more info on publishing roles, see document here for a list of different departments within publishing. Applications are open to anyone interested in beginning a career in publishing. No previous experience is needed and we also welcome applications from those looking to change career path. The only essential is a love for children’s books and to be based in the North of England or Scotland. Scroll to the ‘How to Apply&#
Read more

Looking North: The Children's Books North Directory

Image
Looking North:  An indispensable di rectory of Children's Books North members We are delighted to be launching our Directory of Members, which lists published children’s authors, illustrators and publishing professionals based in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Scotland.   Tilda Johnson said: ‘ The Directory is a key resource in our aim to connect the children’s book professionals living in our regions, to promote our members' work, and to champion the importance of regional diversity in children’s books and the publishing industry.’ Members are listed along with their details, short bios and recent covers, enabling booksellers, librarians, schools, festivals, literacy organisations, agents and publishers to easily get in touch. The Directory is also a valuable resource for authors and illustrators looking to connect with other creatives working in their region and to forge new networks. Our plan is to update the Directory annually, as the network grows. It wil
Read more

Northern Highlights - Jenny Bloomfield

Image
NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS Jenny Bloomfield    Where do you live, and how would you sum up the place in three words?   Leeds - Urban, Dales, Evolving   What is special to you about creating children's books, and what is your favourite part of the process?  Children's books are mini-works of art and a favourite book will be looked at hundreds and hundreds of times - not many books get this much attention from their audience! I am always drawing (I've drawn every day since 1st September 2014 - you can see every single day on my instagram @Jennybloomfield ) so I love being able to transfer my sketchbook observations and ideas to a living breathing story. For instance,  The Worry Jar , has some scenes at a swimming pool and I was able to go back to all the drawing I did sitting on the side of the pool while my kids were having lessons.   Jenny's sketches by the pool The Worry Jar, Oxford University Press, 2022.       Tell us about your upcoming/most recent book. The Worry Jar  is
Read more