Exclusive: Interview with children’s author Lucy Brandt, on new book ‘Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor’

by Laura Cummins |
23 February 2022

Children’s creator, Lucy Brandt, chats to Feminine Very first as she launches her new e-book, Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor, which can take you on a fantasy of inventions and adventures. Lucy hopes Leonora Bolt will inspire and inspire younger women to undertaking into STEM (Science, Technological know-how, Engineering, and Arithmetic) through academia and long run profession paths.

Be a part of Leonora Bolt on her life-changing adventures / Picture credit: Penguin

Could you tell our viewers a very little much more about your most up-to-date children reserve ‘Leonora Bolt: Magic formula Inventor.’

My guide is all about a minor female with a big brain who longs to be an inventor. She’s stuck on faraway Crabby Island and spends all working day in a workshop at the top of an old lighthouse creating fantastical innovations, like clockwork jet skis and disco teeth.

However, she’s an orphan, adopted by her evil Uncle Luther. She has no other companions besides her pet otter, Twitchy Nibbles, and the world’s worst cook dinner and housekeeper, Mildred Dribble. One particular day, a boy named Jack unintentionally washes ashore on an inflatable lobster and reveals a significant secret about Uncle Luther that variations Leonora’s planet without end. The experience is illustrated during by amazing artist, Gladys Jose.

In which did the concept appear from?

I worked in know-how advertising for a long time and appreciated getting complicated concepts and producing about them in a much more enjoyable and available way. I was also keen to inspire more girls to get intrigued in STEM, and so Leonora Bolt was born. Developing up, my dad was a little bit of an inventor as well. His experimental (and risky!) engineering jobs all-around the home have been a definite impact.

Would you say your children inspired some or all of the reserve?

Reading to my young ones every single night time reignited my passion for children’s literature. We’d get pleasure from all kinds of diverse tales and it produced me want to consider and compose them myself. And indeed, the hilarious matters my little ones appear out with are a loaded supply of writerly material. Just do not explain to them that.

Why did you pick out to compose a e book for young children?

I certainly love the independence of creating for youngsters. No notion is as well silly, and you seriously can allow your creativity go berserk. It is also a huge privilege to inspire young ones by tales and humour. I hope that Leonora Bolt is a enjoyable part model for budding inventors to have a go at generating and creating.

Has producing always been a enthusiasm of yours?

I’ve composed professionally for several years as section of my position, but only genuinely commenced writing fiction when my youngsters have been minimal. I appreciate spending time exploring new and outrageous worlds and dreaming up quirky figures. I also have a solution passion for crafting silly poetry. Possibly I’ll attempt to publish that a single working day as well.

What advice do you have for other writers who are thinking of venturing into children’s novels?

I would read through every thing you can in the age group you’re aiming at. Consider analysing the publications you like and function out why they appeal to you. Also be a part of a writers’ team and really don’t be worried to share your perform and get critiqued. It’s vital you can choose constructive criticism to assist your composing enhance.

Why really should young children/moms and dads choose your ebook?

Hopefully they’ll locate it funny! It is jam-packed with preposterous inventions, a very twisty plot and some of the most disgusting seafood recipes at any time dedicated to paper, like haddock pavlova – yum! In addition, it need to make them want to dismantle stuff about the house to develop their very own innovations. Sorry, grownups.

Does Leonora have much more adventures up her sleeve?

She does certainly. Leonora Bolt: Deep Sea Calamity is out on 23rd June 2022. Leonora is off on a subaquatic experience to thwart her dastardly uncle. She’s sailing in a submarine cobbled collectively from bits of aged lawn mower and a dismantled washing machine. What could perhaps go improper?

Writer, Lucy Brandt, hopes to encourage the curiosity of STEM in youthful women / Picture credit history: Penguin

‘Leonora Bolt: Magic formula Inventor’ is accessible to purchase now.

Created by Laura, who you can observe on Twitter at @LauraJadeC20

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by Laura Cummins for www.femalefirst.co.united kingdom