Author Life with Pip Langley

We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind, or minds, behind the novel.

Pip Langley is the author behind the beautifully illustrated ‘Buddy and the Log’.

 

 

What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?

 

There have been so many accomplishments throughout my life! It's very hard to pick just three. I have overcome adversity time and time again. I have rebuilt myself after each knock, setback or challenge.

In recent times, these are two that standout. Achieving a lifelong dream to compete at Hickstead. I did this in July 2023. Having grown up 10 mins down the road, it was something I had always wanted to do. Buddy made that dream come true.

 I have been posting a picture every day for over 6 years! I started it as a 100 day challenge when I was in a very dark place. I haven't stopped. Each day, I find something that has made me smile.

 

 

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

 

Well, that's an easy one. Buddy. I didn't really set out to write a book. During lockdown there saw a plea for people to send in videos of them reading children's stories for Key Workers kids. Not having kids or access to children's books, I wrote one. Once she started, I couldn't stop and has written many more tales of my adventures with Buddy.

 

 

What book or author has had the biggest impact on you and why?

 

I grew up reading Enid Blyton. I wanted to go to Mallory Towers. I wanted to be part of the Famous Five. I loved the adventures.

 

 

How would you summarise your book?

 

It's the tale of Buddy (a very special horse), how he overcame his fear and saw how brave he actually was. All because someone believed in him. Showing that we are all braver than we think.

 

 

What were your first experiences with writing?

 

I can't remember not writing. As a child, I wrote short stories. Throughout my career I've written. I feel into Internal Communications and latter Marketing Communications. Now I blog as well as write my Buddy Books.

 

 

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

 

Characters you can relate to.

 

 

How long do you spend writing every day?

 

Hard to say as it's part of my business. But it varies depending on what I am working on.

 

 

How long did you spend writing this novel?

 

It flowed onto the paper in about 20 mins. The story popped into my head as I remembered our hack the night before.

 

 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

 

Knowing what to do with it when I'd written it. The feedback I got back in 2020 was so positive. I was told numerous times to publish it. I just didn't know how.

 

 

What did you find most helpful when writing this book?

 

Knowing what to do with it when I'd written it. The feedback I got back in 2020 was so positive. I was told numerous times to publish it. I just didn't know how.

 

 

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

 

Keep writing! You never know where it might take you.