Tag: storytelling

163 – Did You Resolve to Write a Children’s Book?

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution? I stopped making them, oddly enough, because I go to the gym a lot and accidentally noticed a few things about goal setting and motivation. Many of you may have a goal to write a children’s book, and I think that’s great. That’s why I’ve decided to make amateur and independent authors the theme for the show this year.

I think everyone has stories to tell. But like those who join a gym every January and then quit in frustration by February, aspiring authors can sabotage themselves by not having a clear goal in mind or a realistic, enjoyable way to attain it. I want to do what I can this year to help all of us become the best storytellers we can be by inviting experienced writers and editors on to talk about how to avoid amateur mistakes and how to develop writing skills in a disciplined, enjoyable, sustainable way. I also hope to encourage writers to give up the all-or-nothing mentality that makes them think that writing must bring fame and fortune or it isn’t worthwhile. I think quite the opposite. All stories have value, especially when they deepen our relationships with friends and family.

67 – Interview with Tom Phillips

March’s Leicestershire Children’s Writer is Tom Phillips, also known as Tom the Tale Teller. He’s the author of Leicestershire Folk Tales for Children, a collection of local stories from the spooky and fantastic to the sad but true.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of keeping in-person storytelling alive. It’s more important than ever in a world full of digital distractions. Tom explains how he selected the stories for his book, how he dealt with the problem of multiple versions of a story, and how he managed to simplify the very complicated tales of Lady Jane Grey and Richard III. We also mention two places that have inspired storytelling for each of us — Bradgate Park here in Leicestershire and Sycamore Canyon in Los Angeles.

You can find Tom the Tale Teller online. Give him a follow to see videos of past storytelling and find out where you can see him in person!

Check out my previous features of Leicestershire Children’s Writers. Each month this year I’ll be featuring an author from my community!