Since the release of Thumble Tumble and the Ollpheist, A.H. Proctor has been working tierlessly to promote the first book in her sereis about a very small witch on the isle of Arran. With multiple signings at Waterstones, too many school talks to list, and even a very special Potion Hunt, she's now taken the time to complete our author interview, too!
Since the release of Thumble Tumble and the Ollpheist, A.H. Proctor has been working tierlessly to promote the first book in her sereis about a very small witch on the isle of Arran. With multiple signings at Waterstones, too many school talks to list, and even a very special Potion Hunt, she's now taken the time to complete our author interview, too!
1. Tumble and the Ollpheist is your first published book. How long have you been writing for and what made you decide to start?
I started writing five years ago when I was on holiday with my children of the beautiful Isle of Arran. My daughter saw a light up in the sky and asked me what it was. I told her it was a little witch called Thumble Tumble. She promptly asked me tell her a story about Thumble Tumble and so there and then I started to create the Thumble Tumble stories.
2. How would you describe Thumble Tumble and the Ollpheist, and who would you say it is aimed at?
Thumble Tumble and the Ollpheist is an adventure faiy tale with a Scottish twist .The stories, mainly set on Arran follow the adventures of a little witch called Thumble Tumble and her ongoing battle with the evil Night Witches. The books are aimed at seven to twelve year olds (and anyone else who loves a bit of fantasy adventure)
3. Tumble and the Ollpheist is the first in a planned series of eight books. Can you give us a sneak peak of what might happen in the next instalment?
The second book in the series is ‘Thumble Tumble and the Cauldron of Undry’.
Blurb:
Five months have passed since Thumble Tumble defeated the Night Witches. Now with the help of her new friends Jock, a huge purple Sea Dragon and McCool’s a three legged haggis she has to face them again. This time she must race against time to save her friend from the deadliest creatures of all, the Mantigh. Follow Thumble Tumble through the Devil’s Maze as she unleashes the power of the Cauldron of Undry.
4. The books are set in Scotland, in particular the Isle of Arran. What inspired you to write about this location?
Arran is one of the most beautiful Islands in Scotland often referred to as Scotland in miniature because of its magnificent landscape. It has breath taking mountains to the North and stunning beaches to the South.
The Island has long been known for is magic and mystery having once been home to a real coven of witches. To this day there are still haunted castles, bewitching forests, druid standing stones and mythical caves as well as many other legends on the island.
5. What first gave you the idea for the Thumble Tumble stories in particular?
The stories were created when my daughter, after seeing a light in the sky, wanted me to make up a story about witches. She wanted a story with a good witch and a bad witch and so Thumble Tumble and Mogdred were born.
6. Other than the Thumble Tumble books, do you have ideas for any other future books?
My children have heard all eight of the current series of the Thumble Tumble books and are already asking me to write the next series! Without giving away any spoilers I guess the Night Witches just might return…
7. What books inspired you as a child?
As a child I loved the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. I had a huge hard back book of Grimm fairy tales and used to read one story every night before I went to bed. I also loved the Hobbit and when I was a little older moved onto the Lord of the Rings.
Another favourite author was Roald Dahl. I loved all of his books especially Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach.
8. If you were stuck on a remote Scottish island (instead of a desert one) which book would you want to have with you?
If stuck on a remote Island I would want to have the full Harry Potter series of books but if I could have only one it would be the Goblet of Fire.
9. What advice would you give to young aspiring writers?
As I am very new to the world of publishing I have found the whole industry to be one huge learning curve. Many people believe that the most difficult part of the process is to find a publisher. I personally found this only to be the beginning of what has been a long and sometimes difficult journey. You need to be prepared to work very hard after the book has been published to make it a success as this will not happen overnight nor will it happen on its own.
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12 November, 2015