Hello Zoe

Me - My first question is -Which aspect of the writing process do you enjoy the most? And why?

Zoe- The first ideas and sketches are like an archaeological dig, of burying deep in your mind for ideas, and seeing what you discover. And when you start that process, sometimes new ideas just pop into your head by surprise. 

Me – that’s a lovely way of expressing how ideas come to you.

What distracts you when you are in writing flow? Is there anything you do to counter this? 

Zoe- If the full idea isn't there, I sometimes think I can't begin. But I remind myself I don't have to have the whole idea in one day. I can just work with what I have and let new ideas develop and grow.

Me – distracted by doubt, I think that happens to us all at some time. And you are right, sometimes just starting allows ideas to grow.

How important are the illustrations in your books?

Zoe-The illustrations are as important as the writing. I do them myself, because I know exactly what my characters want to look like, and it even inspires the words I use. Illustrations are so helpful. 

Me – I admire authors who can also illustrate.

How do you decide which story to write next?

Zoe - I have a whole list, and sometimes I just need to grit my teeth and pick one. But it tends to be the one I feel is the most developed.

Me – It can be very hard to choose.

What takes longer the writing, or the illustrating? 

Zoe - The pictures take many hours of solid work at once, so it feels like the illustrations take longer. Sometimes I write the words to the story in just one day. However, often I have the words floating about in my head for years before I begin the book, so I know that it has taken me much longer. 

Me – That’s an interesting answer. Stories can float around for a long time before they are written.

What has been the most satisfying moment in your writing career?

Zoe - When a Mum who lives in the Yemen got in touch and told me that one of my stories was her son's favourite book, and he dressed up as its main character on world book day. 

Me – Oh yes, that must have felt fantastic.

What is the strangest observation from the real world that has made it into one of your books?

Zoe -  I once dropped a piece of blu tack, and an old lady sat next to me got it stuck on her shoe. She couldn't reach it so I had to bend down and peel it off for her. It was the most comic event of my childhood. In my book 'Daisy Dirt' one of the pictures is of a lady with something sticky on her shoe, that she needs help getting off. This was directly inspired by this very moment.

Me- I love how small memories can be used to expand a story.

What aspect of your personality have you explored through writing?

Zoe - Being serious and funny at the same time. Trying to blend big ideas with humour.

Me – That’s a huge exploration and not easy to do.

Of all the stories you have written, which have you learnt the most from?

Zoe - 'Knot Frozen Jelly' made me think about overcoming fear. I had to think and think and think, as I developed the idea and tried to think about real life solutions to real life things. 

Me – That sounds like a lot of brain work for one story concept and a good learning curve.

This last question is purely because I'm curious as to how author's kickstart their brains and fuel their writing. What do you like to eat for breakfast?

Zoe - Cheerios, with raisins on top, and as many cups of tea as I can glug. I used to dream about having sugary cereals when I grew up, but when I did grow up, I found I didn't like them after all. They made me feel very ill, so I prefer plain ones.

Me – Ha, I love how our childhood dreams can be tempered by reality, but not spoilt. I’m not a big fan of sweet cereals either.

Thanks again, Zoe. 

 Jenni Clarke