Kelly McKain
We are featuring the fantastic writer Kelly Mckain, author of The Goddess Society, Mermaid Rock and Totally Lucy series. Her latest books Pony Camp Diaries are due out this autumn. We interrupted Kelly to find out more about her.
So, Kelly, what made you decide to be a writer?
I have always loved writing and telling stories – and it’s amazing that now I get to do it for my job!
What is the best part of your day?
I love the post – you never know what’s going to come through the door – some artwork from a new illustrator, a letter from someone who enjoyed one of my books, or even a finished copy of my latest book, fresh from the printers. The very best part of my day does usually involve iced buns, though!
Do you have any tips for our budding writers out there?
Read, read and then read some more! Try telling stories aloud with your friends too – it’s fun and you’ll find out what really has them hanging on your every word!
Tell us more about the Pony Camp Diaries you are currently writing.
In each book a different girl goes to Sunnyside Stables for a riding holiday. She is teamed up with a pony to look after for the week. They have adventures together and overcome challenges. I never had a pony or even learnt to ride as a child so owning a pony, even for a week, would be my ultimate fantasy! I hope pony-mad girls will love these too!
How did the Mermaid Rock books come about?
I had the idea to write about a feisty mermaid who doesn’t like to do as mermaids should. She’s called Spirulina after that greeny-blue seaweed powder that’s supposed to give you energy.
What was the best bit of advice anyone gave you?
Don’t give up. Oh, and never tie your shoelaces in a revolving door.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
A lift repair man (I am very practical), and he’d have a big bar of chocolate with him!
Why do you think kids find your books so appealing?
No idea!
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
I am keen on my goldy-brown suede shoes – one walk in the rain will ruin them but until then I’m wearing them every day, even with my pyjamas!
Who did you fancy when you were at school?
I used to fancy a boy called Alex who sometimes fancied me and sometimes fancied this other girl but then I sometimes fancied this other boy, or his friend, and my friend sometimes fancied… Anyway, you know how it is!
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Do you think I would write that in a questionnaire? Are you mad?? Anyone who wanted to know that would have to bribe me with at least three Toblerones and a pair of un-rained-on goldy-brown suede shoes first!
What inspired you to write the Goddess Society?
I wanted to write about the excitement and terror of growing up, about what makes you you, and about the part that relationships with friends, family and partners play in that. So not much to fit into one book, then!
How do you make your characters seem so real?
I’m glad you think they do seem real. I guess because to me they are real. I feel as if I know them like friends – the way they think, speak, the clothes they like, how they react. They have no problem telling me how the story should go next… Really, it’s more a case of getting them to shut up!
Where do you get your ideas from?
Oh, I wish I knew…. But then if I did it would probably spoil the mystery!
Who would you most like to see stranded on a slippery rooftop?
Oh, that’s not a very nice question. Again, it would take lots of bribes for me to reveal that info!
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A princess, or a trapeze artist, or a mermaid, though I’d need to change my car to an automatic for that!
Who was your favourite character in the Totally Lucy series?
I don’t have favourites – well, OK, I do – but don’t make me choose between Lucy, Jules and Tilda!
Kelly Mckain image courtesy of Usborne Publishing
FEATURED AUTHORS