Interview with Lynn Taylor, author of "The Adventures of Miss Mousey"

Left: Lynn Taylor at the book launch of her first children's book, "The Adventures of Miss Mousey

What kind of books did you first read when you were a child?

I'm not sure what I first read but I devoured most things by Enid Blyton, and then Richard Crompton. I enjoyed fairy stories by a myriad of authors.

What is required for a character to be believable? How do you create yours? What was the inspiration behind Miss Mousey?

The reader needs to be able to react to a character either positively or negatively (if they are a baddie) and to be able to live the experience with them. Each character needs to have their own personality and to be consistent and coherent. I create my characters through a process of osmosis. I get a feel for them; a voice; a personality and develop the main feature of that personality.

My inspiration from Miss Mousey came from a stuffed toy that we bought at our annual charity do. Somehow she developed into a bossy mouse with attitude who speaks regularly.

What do you think are the basic ingredients for a story?

A good plot; good development; coherence; action; fun; a full range of emotions as necessary to the plot; an outcome; the full involvement of characters.

Does reader feedback help you?

Reader feedback is essential but can also be scary. You have to be prepared for it to be negative and it can sometimes be upsetting.

What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to concentrate?

I need peace and quiet to write; a table; pen; notepad; space and tidiness.

Do you frequent any sites online to share experiences or inspiration?

I don't frequent online sites as I am not very computer literate.

How did you go about find all those things necessary for pulling 'Miss Mousey' together, such as an illustrator, publisher and recording studio?

Through a group, I advertised for an illustrator. I visited several people but it came to nothing. I had just about decided to abandon the whole thing when a friend I had not seen for three years contacted me and put me in touch with an illustrator and a sound recording artist. I was also lucky to be offered help on the publishing side from Angela Cater who I met through my walking group.

What are you working on now?

At the moment I am working on "The Further Adventures of Miss Mousey" and a book for younger readers, "Gary Greylag the Goose".

Which well-known writers do you admire the most?

I admire Phillip Pullman, G P Taylor, James Paterson, Ian Rankin. There isn't really a 'must' as I love so many of today's writers.

"The Adventures of Miss Mousey" is published by Tabby Cat Press and available from most online bookstores. ISBN: 978-09555725-4-8

The Adventures of Miss Mousey

Review

"The Adventures of Miss Mousey" is the debut children's book by Manchester writer, Lynn Taylor and features the beautiful and whimsical line illustrations of Heather Dickinson. This is an ideal bedtime reader for young children and for older children beginning to read by themselves.

The book has an innocent old fashioned feel which adds to its charm. It is given a modern twist as it features single mum, Mandy, who is bringing up her young daughter alone. She takes her daughter, Erin, to the school fair where they meet a toy mouse 'with attitude'. Erin loves Miss Mousey who becomes her best friend and advisor. But it is when the family's backs are turned that the fun really starts as Miss Mousey and the other toys get involved in a series of exciting adventures and rescue attempts. Miss Mousey is always keen to do good and to help others, whether a fly trying to escape the clutch of the spider, a family of real mice who are in danger of losing their home or a couple of maltreated dogs. She has a strong sense of right and wrong.

In another story, Erin is faced with the prospect of her father remarrying and starting another family. It is Miss Mousey who reassures her that she is loved by her family and who helps her to talk her problems through with them.

There is also an accompanying CD of the narrated story with several simple and catchy songs by Lynn Taylor. Children will soon pick up the words and enjoy singing along. For more information on how to purchase this, please email Miss Mousey.

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