Northern Highlight - Victoria Williamson

 

 Northern Highlight

Victoria Williamson

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

I’m based in Scotland not too far from a major city, but surrounded by fields and hills, so there’s plenty to look at when I need a bit of inspiration from nature. There’s woodlands to walk through on mellow autumn days, trails to hike in summer, and coffee shops to hide in on cold winter afternoons. I’d sum this place up as atmospheric, picturesque or dreich, depending on the time of year!

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

I love writing stories based on history, archaeology and Scottish myths, so I’d love to be in Orkney just now exploring the ancient sites there. I spent some time in Orkney last April while doing an Archaeology course with Aberdeen University, and I got to investigate places steeped in history and legend such as the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. I’ve written children’s books about standing stone circles in Scotland and about Scottish folklore, so I’m sure I’d find more stories to write about on an archaeological dig up there!

Victoria at the Ring of Brodgar

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

One of the best things about being an author is getting to meet children in schools and talking to them about stories. They’re always keen to hear more about books and to talk about the ideas they’re working on themselves. It’s a real privilege to be able to help inspire the young writers of tomorrow, and in Scotland we’re very lucky to have the support of the Scottish Book Trust to connect authors with schools and to help fund visits.

Tell us about the most recent book you've worked on or come across in your job. 

One of my recent books, The Whistlers in the Dark, is a story set in Kirkintilloch where I grew up. I really enjoyed researching local history for this book, visiting the sites of Roman forts and delving into folklore to write a dual narrative from the point of view of a girl from the local Maetae tribe and a Roman boy living in a fort on the Antonine Wall. This book felt like coming full circle for me, as some of my earliest stories were inspired by learning about the Romans in primary school, trying out traditional craft techniques at the local Auld Kirk Museum, and exploring Roman remains. The book launch was held in Kirkintilloch’s William Patrick Library with input from the Antonine Guard Roman re-enactment group and with traditional spinning and weaving activities from the Auld Kirk Museum, so it would be lovely if that sparked some ideas for attendees who may even go to be the next generation of writers from Kirkintilloch.

 

Victoria and the Antonine Guard Roman re-enactment group

What latest children’s/YA book from a Northern/Scottish creative you have enjoyed?

I recently read Lindsay Littleson’s The Rewilders, which was a cracking story. It’s a great book for opening up classroom discussions on rewilding – showing the debate from both sides and helping children to understand the issues involved while being a wonderfully engaging story at the same time. I’d love a sequel to see what new adventures might be waiting for Esme, Calum, and Cora the lynx!

What literary events have you attended or been involved with recently?

Apart from my busy year-round school visits schedule, I also had the opportunity to attend YALC in London last autumn. That was a really lively event, and it was brilliant to get the opportunity to meet so many young adult authors and fans in one place. 

I also attended the Bookscovery Symposium held at Moat Brae Storytelling Centre last November which brought members of the Scottish literature sector, education sector, librarians and other artists from across Scotland together to discuss the Bookscovery project and make suggestions for the future.

This spring, I’m looking forward to attending the Helensburgh Festival for the first time to talk to school pupils about my books. It’s great to see local book festivals going from strength to strength, and I hope these will continue to be funded in future as they’re a real source of inspiration for the young people who have the opportunity to attend.

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

Last autumn, I got involved in helping to set up the book organisation KILTS – Kids’ Literature in Scotland – with the aim of championing the work of children’s authors based in Scotland. We’re currently campaigning for a National Children’s Book Prize for Scotland, which is something we currently don’t have. It would make a real difference to children’s writers to have the opportunity to benefit from the prestige and the marketing boost that winning a national prize brings, and it’s something that we definitely need in order to celebrate the wealth of talent up here.

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

Don’t write or work in a vacuum! There are lots of opportunities to network with other authors and industry professionals provided by organisations such as Children’s Books North, and these are a wonderful way of sharing ideas and getting the support and advice of other people in the children’s literature sector. As well as writing groups and venues such as Moat Brae and the Sottish Storytelling Centre, there are also informal meetups such as last year’s Scottish Children’s Publishing Picnic in Edinburgh organised by Caroline Logan. Hopefully there’ll be another one this year, as a good time was had by all last summer!

Victoria at the Scottish Children's Publishing Picnic

You can find Victoria on:

Website: https://www.strangelymagical.com

Twitter/X: @strangelymagic