Entries by FCBG blog

The Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy by Victor Kloss

Today, we welcome Tara Kloss to the blog, sharing an introduction to her late husband, Victor Kloss’s novel, The Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth’s Legacy.     My late husband Victor Kloss had a lifelong passion for magical fantasy and brilliant storytelling. His love for writing began in his teens, when he’d disappear for hours […]

Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher

On today’s blog, we have Tia Fisher talking about her latest verse novel, Not Going to Plan.     Standing up for what you believe in To be honest, I’m a bit scared. Soon I’ll be standing in front of hundreds of teenagers in school halls, talking about the difficult themes of my new YA […]

The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni

Debut author, Anna Fiteni, shares some insights into writing her debut novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire.   When writing and edition my debut novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, one of the most important aspects to consider was the use of the Welsh language. I’m not fluent so I really had to […]

Why I Write Children’s Non-Fiction by David Long

On the blog today, we welcome David Long, who provides some insight into writing non-fiction for children.   Why I Write Children’s Non-Fiction Having written nearly 70 books it still seems obvious to me that, after 25 years as a journalist, I was bound to end up writing non-fiction. You never lose that urge to […]

My sister is a treasure by Tracy Darnton

Picture books are ideal gifts for growing families.  We recently asked author Tracy Darnton a few questions about her books and writing. My Sister is a Treasure by Tracy Darnton   My sister is a treasure is delightful and heart-warming- perfect for families with a new baby. What was the inspiration for this book? Thank […]

Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe

Author Ashley Thorpe shares some insights into Spirit Warriors and it is fascinating!   My second book Spirit Warriors is a supernatural fantasy adventure, which takes place in an alternate Jamaica full of magic and mystery. I grew up with highly-entertaining folk stories from the Caribbean islands, often featuring characters like the trickster Anansi. But […]

Lila Mackay is very misunderstood by Gill Sims

We have a funny blog today from author Gill Sims, one that many parents will relate to! ‘You only have eighteen precious summers with your children, so make the most of them’. We’ve all seen variations on the quote about only having eighteen summers with our children, and we’ve all felt the guilt about what […]

Hangry by Kathyrn Wanless

Ever wondered what inspires authors to write picture books? Our blog today welcomes Kathyrn Wanless chatting about Hangry and how this book came to be!   INSPIRATION FOR HANGRY – Kathryn Wanless Three years ago, I graduated from the wonderful MA Children’s Book Illustration course at Cambridge School of Art. It was a fantastic experience […]

The Klaus Flugge Prize – interviews with this year’s shortlisted illustrators

The Klaus Flugge Prize – interviews with this year’s shortlisted illustrators This is the tenth year of the Klaus Flugge Prize. It was established in 2016 to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a leading light in the world of children’s publishing and illustration. The £5,000 prize is awarded to the most promising […]

On the Edge by Nicola Garrard

‘If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.’ Martin Luther King. In this post, Nicola Garrard, teacher and author of On the Edge, argues there is nothing better than a children’s book to build empathy, prompt nuanced discussion and equip decision-makers of the future. I write a book when I […]