I asked PP author/illustrator Erica Jane Waters to tell us a little bit about what it is like to be an author/illustrator on tour and she kindly agreed to spill all! Enjoy!
Earlier this year, when the first of my
Petticoat Pirate books was published I was offered the opportunity to promote
the books via a series of events. I grasped with both hands the chance to step
out of my little studio and into the real world outside, and this year has been
one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling of my career so far.
The first of my ‘events’ was at my
publishers itself, just to ease me into things gently. The children and friends
of the staff were invited in for the day to make eye patches with me, watch me
draw sea monsters and listen to me read from my first book. I got to meet my
very first Petticoat Pirate fan, the lovely Molly!
After that I felt confident enough to set
off on my own to visit schools, libraries and festivals and just the other
weekend I was invited to appear at Cheltenham Literature Festival. Some of the
children came along dressed as characters from my books, complete with heart
shaped eye patches!
Every event is different and I never know
until I get there what will work, so I try and have a few different routines to
hand. It’s always a mixture of reading, drawing, chatting about books and the
children never fail to amaze me with their wonderful imaginations and curiosity
about my job and how I work. I was a little nervous to begin with, but now I
find talking about something I love and sharing my stories comes naturally.
There are so many fabulous things involved
with doing events – meeting lots of lovely people, getting to break out of my
studio and into the outside world, sharing what I love with others - but by FAR
the best thing is witnessing first hand the reactions of children to my stories
and my drawings. It reminds me why I do what I do and reassures me that I’m
doing a good job!
Erica x
