Meet the Author: Kirstie Watson

“…I wanted to inspire children to pick up books, and even start their own storytelling…” 

At The Children’s Furniture Company it’s no secret that we love reading! We love the adventures that books take us on, the beautiful worlds that are created in our minds and illustrated on paper, and we love that they help to teach our children the most important life lessons.

We’ve been lucky enough to spend some time speaking to Kirstie Watson, a local author from Milton Keynes, and the author of The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe. Keen to understand more about her lovely children’s stories and where they came from, we’ve been asking her lots of questions! Keep reading to find out what inspires Kirstie, and what tips she has for children who aspire to become writers one day.

About The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe

Firstly – allow us to introduce you to Kirstie’s debut children’s picture book, The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe. The colourful children’s book for 1-6 year olds follows the story of a cheeky witch’s cat who decides to test his culinary skills in order to surprise the witch with a lovely lunch. However, the true course of cooking never did run smooth, and the story takes us on the journey of the many mishaps the cat encounters! The book features 36 pages, each with beautiful illustrations on them by Magdalena Sawko.

So, how did your journey as a full time author begin?

For as long as I can remember I’ve scribbled down little story ideas. It was always just a little hobby and for years I kept them all to myself, safely hidden away in my notebooks. Ideas for characters, plots, twists, beginnings, endings and even some whole stories. 

Then, years later. when I had my two children, I was inspired to dust off the old notebooks and start sharing my stories with them. My children have become my inspiration, my sounding boards and also my harshest critics.

In 2016 I decided to focus on writing full-time. I spent 6 months literally writing my heart out. It was wonderful and something I’ve never quite found time to do since. 

About this time, I also started Telltale Tots: children’s interactive storytelling events and parties. I wanted to create something a bit different to the children’s classes and parties already on the market – I wanted to create an immersive, magical storytelling experience. I wanted to inspire children to pick up books, and even start their own storytelling. After all, why should not being able to write stand in the way of creating a good story.

Find out more about Telltale Tots Interactive Storytelling Events & Parties Here

When did you first start writing?

I found a love for writing when I was about 7 years old. I had an amazing teacher, Miss Davies, who made reading and writing stories seem like nothing short of magic.  It is something that has stuck with me for a lifetme. 

What were your favourite children’s books (as a young child but also as an older child)?

The book that really stands out in my mind from childhood is The Jolly Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg. There’s just something wonderful about visiting the fairy-tale characters in the story and getting to read their letters. I progressed onto Roald Dahl who is still a firm favourite for me and have enjoyed sharing his books with my son Jack, who is 7.

I’ve also loved reading all Julia Donaldson’s books to my children. She is just an incredible picture book writer – and somewhat of an idol to me.

Where do you get your writing inspiration from?

Anywhere and everywhere. I get inspiration from the general goings on around me, my children – the games they play together, and the stories they enjoy, also from other writers, particularly old fairy tales.  

What advice do you have for children wanting to be writers when they grow up?

Start now. The best thing you can do as a writer is practice, practice, practice. So, get a pen and a notebook and start now – there’s no time to lose!

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

It usually takes me less than a day to write a first draft of a story. Once I have an idea, it usually comes right out. But then there’s a long road to travel between the first draft and the finished article. Editing, editing, editing, finding an illustrator, working with an illustrator, designing the book layout, probably some more editing, the cover design. It all takes time (and patience). All in all it took me about a year to complete the Witch’s Cat and The Cooking Catastrophe.

Tell us about Magdalena, the illustrator of your book?

Magdalena Sawko is a Polish illustrator, based in Warszawa, Poland. I came across Magdalena’s work online and loved her vibrant water-colour style – I thought she’d be perfect for the Witch’s Cat, so I reached out to her and was thrilled when she agreed to work with me.

Like me, Magdalena discovered her love for drawing in early childhood. She say’s:

“Nothing was the same for me since then. I was drawing all the time at home, on the Bus, in school during classes in my friends’ notebooks. 

Over time, I started to think about drawing more seriously. I finished Art school, then got my bachelor’s degree (‘Graphic Design’) and Master of Arts (‘New Media Art’). I know that everything is possible if you try hard enough, so don’t stop pursuing your dreams. 

I do lots of techniques, but my favourite is watercolor because it beautifully captures the mood and naturally presents a variety of colour.”

How do I buy The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe?

You can buy a special author signed copy of The Witch’s Cat and the Cooking Catastrophe for £7.99 from Kirstie’s website, https://www.kirstiewatsonauthor.co.uk/bookshop-1