Huge My Book Corner welcome to picture book author and illustrator Nadia Shireen (Bumblebear & The Cow Who Fell to Earth).
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
Middle-aged woman who draws animals and makes up stories for a living. Childish, sensitive, mysterious, self-indulgent, bouncy, sleepy, shambolic, enthusiastic, loves music, hates cheese.
What makes you happy?
Lying down.
Where is your favourite place to write & illustrate?
I work in my study at the top of the house. I have a drawing desk and a computer desk, and get to look down on the garden and monitor my cats prowling around their territory. My study is very messy. It’s full of books, paper, pens and all the usual stuff, but there are also a couple of neglected guitars in the corner. Oh and a keyboard. Sometimes I like to stop everything and pretend I am Jean-Michelle Jarre.
What’s on your TBR pile at the moment?
I have two tottering piles of books next to my bed that collapse on top of my curious cats every now and then. It’s too depressing to list them all. Let’s just say they are diverse in subject matter but all suggest I am deeply intelligent and sensitive.
How would you describe your illustration style?
Chaotic, reassuringly amateur, mad-eyed.
What’s your worst habit?
Procrastination.
Your favourite word(s) and why
“No don’t worry, Nadia, you don’t have to do anything.”
What are your top tips for budding childrens’ picture book creators?
Take time to study picture book formats and understand the mechanics a little. But after that, try your best to leave your insecurities at the door and enjoy it as much as you can (which can be difficult to do sometimes.)
Can you give us a glimpse / hint at your current WIP? (I can bribe you with cake & biscuits!)
My twitter avatar might give you a little hint.
Did we forget anything?
I don’t *think* so… are these glasses yours?
Just for fun
Tea or coffee? Tea.
Paper books or e-books? Paper.
Cake or chocolate? Chocolate cake.
Write or type? Both!
Poetry or prose? I like it when they overlap…
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin? Um. I’m sorry but… *quietly* I haven’t read them. The best one.
Hot or cold? Cold, because I like being warmed up.
Thanks Nadia! Leisa Stewart Sharpe’s review of Nadia’s latest picture book, The Cow Who Fell To Earth, can be enjoyed here.
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