Living the Dream: An Interview with Jan Hannah

A new year offers a time of reflection and a new admiration for the world around us. Late last year, we had a conversation with Jan Hannah, author of ‘The Tootle Hooter and Bluebell’s Stolen Smile’, a book whose stunning depiction of the Scottish countryside is a perfect way to start 2024.

We spoke with her about her storytelling and illustrating process, the memories from her time spent in Scotland, and where her 2024 and beyond may be heading.

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There are some gorgeous illustrations in 'The Tootle Hooter...', all of your own composition. It is clear that you are a talented illustrator indeed. How did you get into illustrating, and what else have you illustrated?

Both wildlife and drawing were my first passions, both of which I inherited from my father. As an only child, he would take me foraging in woodlands and along the beach cliffs at St. Cyrus on the east coast of Scotland. We would climb the rock face looking for sea birds nests, or nosey around the rock pools for all sorts of treasures, then return home and draw them. He encouraged me to read Charles Darwin and whatever wildlife monthly magazine was on the go at the time, we would collect the whole series.

After school I went to college in Aberdeen for illustration and then found employment with the Aberdeen council illustrating and designing many exciting projects for their small zoo, botanical gardens and any social and public events. I illustrated my first book there from the botanical gardens on cacti and succulents.

The Tootle Hooter was written and illustrated with the intention of being both entertaining and educational. There are over 80 accurately drawn species of U.K. flora and fauna. My hope is that it will find its way into primary schools.

Do you think your experiences travelling have informed your writing and storytelling? If so, how?

The wonderful thing about travel and spending time in unplanned and unexpected places, is that suddenly your home has a base line for which all other things can be compared. Over time, the Scottishness of Scotland becomes more profound, so, in The Tootle Hooter this helped focus on Scottish daftness. Even if readers don't know the meaning off all the Scottish words, they are in themselves funny.

In many ways, your book is a love letter to Scotland, your home country. Given that you now live in Portugal, is there anything in particular you miss about Scotland?

As the saying goes - you can take the girl out of Scotland but you can’t take Scotland out of the girl, so the roots will always be there. A land I’m proud to come from which has formed who I am.

In 2015 my son won the World Pipe Band Championship so I miss the social involvement and exciting atmosphere of Highland Games and bagpipe competitions. I miss the Scottish sense of humour and the camaraderie. I miss the wild atmospheric landscapes and a hot Forfar bridie.

Is writing a recent venture for you, or is it something that you have always been interested in?

I wrote a series of articles over a period of a year for a ladies magazine about my life in a Bulgarian village, but producing a children’s book is definitely a personal achievement. At some point I’d love to consider working on a series of picture books however that said, writing does not come naturally to me therefore it requires much effort and hard work. I have so much admiration for accomplished authors.

If we may ask, what is next for your creative endeavours?

During the past three years living in Portugal I have settled down. I no longer have the urge to pack a rucksack and take off, which is a relief. This means I can focus on being productive and creative and consider longer term projects. I’ve had a few successful exhibitions here and plan a pop up gallery next year. In addition to that I’ve sold quite a few pieces overseas which is very encouraging.

It will depend on what piques my interest. As I said previously, a series of Scottish based picture books would be a consideration.

I’m living the dream in the sense that I have time and peace in life to consider anything. I feel very fortunate :)

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The Tootle Hooter and Bluebell's Stolen Smile is available now in paperback.