Throughout my career I have always enjoyed writing in some form, I started off as a news reporter on local papers, includingThe South London Press, before then taking a position at Marie Curie Cancer Care. This led me to follow my passion and become a freelance writer, editor and proof reader.
How did you incorporate and expand your passion for writing, whilst you were in a full time role? What was the incentive for you to write a book, run a small business and be a full time Mum to two beautiful daughters?
I love the variety of the role, international clients one day the next interviewing a hospital patient regarding their life saving treatment and the care that saved their life or even a scientist about 'ground-breaking research'.
Sometimes I can write the words to a picture book in a day, whilst my chapter books can take from six months to a year, to complete because I have to plan the story and do some historical research. I also plan and draw the illustrations myself, which can take up to a few months to complete.
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| Allison Parkinson Recording at BossWoman Studio |
You have written a total of four books, which is amazing! Can you tell us, what sets them apart from the new books, you are working on and who are they aimed at?
TigersTale: Zarif the tiger meets a cat loving lady!
Tick Tock: About a little girl called Layla, its a story to help children tell the time.
Laurella Swift and the Keys of Time: Laurella who is based on my daughters, travels through time to ancient Persia.
Laurella Swift and Voyage of Discovery: Laurella is transported to New Zealand.
Yes I have written four books so far and I'm just about to publish a sequel to the Tiger's Tale called Tiger's Eye which is a longer and much louder that the first story, I'm also writing the third Laurella adventure, where the Catford schoolgirl, goes back in time. It's going to be called: 'Laurella Swift and the Ocean of Mystery'
Who inspired you to write the books?
My daughters are mixed race, and when they were much younger, nearly eight years ago, on the night before World Book Day, (where children are encouraged to go to school dressed as their favourite characters) my youngest daughter was cross. She couldn't think of a story where a girl who looked like her, was the main character in a book. A few days later, out of nowhere a story idea came to me.
The character 'Laurella Swift' was born...
Initially the stories were for my daughters, but other friends and family members suggested that I published them, after reading my drafts. I never really intended to illustrate my books. When I came up with the Tiger Tale an artist friend of mine, after seeing my rough guide drawings, which were created for potential illustrators, told me 'just go with your own illustrations' so I did!
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| BossWoman meets author Allison Parkinson |
Your stories are about historical fantasy, why did you choose that genre and who are some of the other authors that you admire?
I love history and leaning about different cultures, including the history right on my doorstep. I felt this was my chance to learn something new and share it with a larger audience. I love authors like Judith Kerr, (the Tiger who came to Tea, When Hitler stole Pink Rabbit) Jan Fearnley (Mr Wolf's Pancakes) Malorie Backman (Noughts and Crosses, Pig Heart Boy) Philip Pullman, (His Dark Materials)
I have to also add, to that list, my wonderful father who has never published a book, but is such an amazing storyteller. During my childhood he would be really creative with his readings. We would imagine going to fantastic magical lands or battling sea witches on a journey to the very depths of the ocean.
You are known Internationally at schools in Gambia, and Tanzania, I understand that as part of your role as an author, you have to take part in book signings and be really willing to collaborate with literacy schemes in the UK and abroad? How much input do you have organising and attending these events?
That's still mind-blowing to me and to my family, to think that the books are being used in literacy schemes, internationally and in UK schools where the lead character of my books looks like the children who are now reading them!
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| Tigers Tale Zarif |
I was very nervous at my very first reading in front of a live audience, especially having to pretend to be a tiger in front of a hall of teachers and pupils. But now I see my books as great fun, and if one child likes them and is able to relate to my story, then it makes this life journey worthwhile, a legacy to leave behind, one that is timeless..
I plan to host many more school visits over the next few months and hope to fit many more in between my freelance work.
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| Tick Tock |
Would you recommend self-publishing to anyone who has a book or story to tell? We hear so many stories, of how difficult it is to approach a book publisher.
The beauty of the publishing world at the moment, is that you can choose, different platforms that suit you, including the traditional route of getting an agent and a publishing deal with one of the big publishing houses or you could decide to self- publish. There are so many options which again gives you the freedom and so many options, especially if you have strong family commitments.
These books need to be shared, like comment and enjoy Allison's inspirational work.
Listen to the podcast here: In-conversation-alison-parkinson-author-episode-6
Instagram: allisonparkinsonwrites
EVENTS
I will be selling my books at the Corbett Community Library, Torridon Rd SE6 on July 23rd
Catford Literary Festival on October 2nd including a LIVE reading and book signing.
Catford Arts Trail October 8-9
Moon Lane Books Stansted Rd London SE6
Check out 'story time' Reading with Allison You Tube channel=AllisonParkinson
BossWoman Podcast: Proof read and edited by Allison Parkinson
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