Northern Highlight - Sheryl Webster

Northern Highlight 

Sheryl Webster 

Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words? 

I am based in Liverpool, not far from the River Mersey, and a stone’s throw away from the childhood home of Paul McCartney. Choosing only three words to sum up Liverpool is a challenge, but I will go for…creative, vibrant and friendly.

What is special to you about writing children's books, and what is your favourite thing about it?

The most special thing to me about writing children’s books is being able to create characters that will empower and inspire children, characters that will have a positive impact on their lives, and on how they react to the world around them. For example, the main character in my new picture book, Kindness Rocks, is a role model whose actions show the impact of acts of kindness, not just on making others happy – but also the effect that doing nice things for others has on our own happiness.

My favourite thing about writing for children is…the freedom! There are no limits to a child’s imagination, which means, as children’s authors, we can have fun with our words, and be as silly and adventurous as we like!

Tell us about the most recent book you've worked on.

Kindness Rocks has been such a passion project. I first started writing it during the pandemic, having experienced first-hand the difficulties that parents and carers often go through in explaining homelessness and causes of homelessness to young children. The book is a gentle introduction to homelessness, and aims to instill empathy in young children, and empower them with the knowledge that WE can make a difference through kindness and friendship.

This book is extra special to me, as the main character was inspired by a real life, and genuinely kind-hearted, rockstar, whose philanthropic work has had such an impact on helping those suffering from poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

Yeehoo Press, 2023

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

Penrith in Cumbria. It’s such a beautiful place, and one that gives you the best of both worlds – to be as active or chilled, as you choose. Our four children, and my husband and I, have lots of happy memories there. I’d happily be transported there right now, for a bike ride amongst the pine trees!

Name your favourite children’s book set in the North/Scotland.

I would have to choose I never liked Wednesdays by Roger McGough. Roger absolutely nailed this book! I love everything about it…it’s set in Liverpool, and is full of mischief, surprises, and jammie dodgers! What more need I say?

What advice would you give to aspiring authors living in the North and Scotland?

 

Don’t consider living in the North/Scotland as a disadvantage, or a barrier to getting published. Through the internet and social media, connecting and networking is at our fingertips. I also believe that if you really want something - your passion will get you to where you want to be, no matter where you are in the world!

 

 

 

What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North and Scotland? 

 

It would be great to see more publishers creating branches in the North and Scotland, and we definitely need a big push towards holding more events here too. The impact made in just three years through the work of Children’s Books North in terms of connecting those involved in the industry, providing opportunities, giving guidance and support – is just phenomenal.  Northern indie publishers such as Tiny Tree Children’s Books, are definitely paving the way forward too – and it would be great to see more publishers follow in their small but mighty footsteps!

 

Who are your favourite Northern/Scottish children’s writers?

 

Jarvis – his picture books are visually stunning, but I also love how he weaves his words and pictures in such a way that makes his books touching and fun, at the same time.

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, is one of my favourites. Such a moving story about friendship – that also gently touches on the subject of illness in an age-appropriate way. 

I also love ‘Alan’s Big Scary Teeth,’ which has so much humour, a lovely message and a great twist. And of course, I love the work of Roger McGough.

 

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

 

I’m awaiting my copy of Jarvis’s latest book – Bear and Bird -The picnic and other stories, which is a chapter book of four stories.

I can’t wait…especially as it includes talking flowers, masterpieces, and snuggly blankets!

You can find Sheryl on:

Twitter: @SherylWebsters 

Instagram: @sherylwebster_author