Interview with Nicola J Rowley Author of James and the Amazing Gift

This month I thought I’d do something a little different and interview a children’s book author. I've interviewed a few handmade crafts people before on my blog but have not interviewed a children’s author here until now. So make yourself comfortable with your favourite tipple or cup of tea and when you’re sitting comfortable we shall begin.

Hi for those who don’t know you, could you please tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Basildon in Essex and was lucky enough to have some great teachers at both primary and secondary school who inspired and helped with my love of the written word. To this day I remember my aunt asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up - a writer or a poet was the answer. So I studied Journalism at university and became a radio newsreader, TV producer and reporter, before moving into communications. In between it all I also launch my own photography business, specialising in children and families, weddings and commercial imagery. Finally, I found time to write my first book, James and the Amazing Gift.

What inspired you to create this lovely little book? 

Without a shadow of a doubt it was my son. When he came along, my world was turned upside down and inside out. I knew that I would love him, but I wasn't quite prepared for how much. The idea for the book came to me whilst I was out running one day trying to shift some of the weight I'd put on whilst I was pregnant. I realised then, that some of the things he had done, such as reaching out to a little girl who was crying, and helping to make her smile, were too special not to be shared more widely. I'm a firm believer in positive thinking and surrounding yourself with happiness, and everything just seemed to fit together.

Has the book got elements inspired by reality or is it all from your imagination?  

The character is loosely based around my son, but there is a healthy dose of imagination thrown into the mix too. I don't know why I chose the main story line about the elderly lady, but it came to me one day, and it seemed too important not to highlight. I should also add that I seem to spend a lot of time in garden centres, and the story is based around the one that I visit a lot (Squires in Hersham).

Why did you specifically choose to help raise money for Contact the Elderly? 

We're an ageing population, and having worked in a nursing home myself, I have seen first hand how loneliness can really affect elderly people. But I wrote the book first, before I even thought about having a charity element to it. I actually hadn't heard of Contact the Elderly until my workplace staged a tea party for some of their members. As I was about to self-publish, I thought that I would approach them, to see if they would be happy to come on board. I'm delighted to say they were, and the reaction to the book has been lovely.

What advice would you give budding writers?

If you have an idea, write it down. Always have a pen and piece of paper with you no matter where you go. Something that might not quite make sense one day, might just be an amazing idea when combined with something else, the next. Have patience and keep trying. Oh and above all else stay positive and keep smiling (it really helps)!

Where can we find you?

I'm on Twitter and Facebook . My website is here.You can buy James and the Amazing Gift here.

I’d like to thank Nicola for letting me interview her and thank her for sending me a copy of her delightful book.

Finally, you can listen to Talya from Mother Hood the Real Deal read the book here and Katie aka Mummy in a Tutu is hosting a giveaway here.