"Miss Mousey" meets her public

L-R: Angela, Lynn, Heather, Sue

When I met Lynn Taylor through a women's walking group last autumn, I could not have imagined that barely a year later, we would be standing together at the launch of her first children's picture book, "The Adventures of Miss Mousey", held at Urmston Library. Retirement has enabled Lynn to put her energy into creating, and what energy that is!

Having already taught myself how to publish a book, I was delighted to help Lynn in making Miss Mousey 'print ready'. The speed with which Heather Dickinson produced the delightful illustrations was breathtaking. I spent almost a week formatting the book and putting it together, and a fortnight later, we held the proof copy in our hands. Lynn also has narrated the story onto CD and composed a number of songs of songs to go with it, co-sung by another friend, Sue who she met through her choir.

More of Lynn's energy went into the organisation of a wonderful book launch. The library was thrilled to be packed out with families and children. More friends had been recruited to serve drinks and to sell books and other merchandise. Lynn was kept busy signing her autography, reading exerpts, singing songs - and Miss Mousey and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress all put in an appearance.

It was a very exciting event for all of us that were involved in making Lynn's dream of producing a book reality. It was lovely to see so many children going away with a copy in their hand. For me, it was also an opportunity to make some new contacts who will hopefully help me get my books into schools and my stories better known. I've discovered though that too much excitement can make you very sleepy!

Finding the right audience - one hit and miss experience!

As writers, when we start out in drafting a book, we should have a clear idea of the age group and audience we are writing for, and tailor the language and content accordingly. Our marketing efforts are also targeted according to the ideal customer that we have in mind. However, I found that this can go completely awry when accepting invitations to read!

I was thrilled to be invited to do a reading at my local library during half term. It is close to Platt Fields park, where my character Mrs Mallard and her family live and I hoped therefore, that the audience would known and identify with many of the characters. I arrived early (only to find myself locked out along with the rest of the public, as it was lunchtime), armed with a box of autographed books and badges and bookmarks that I had made.

My story is aimed at a readership of 6-8 years old. Alas, the time came to do my reading and I was surrounded on the mat by a crowd of 3-5 year olds. The mothers all listened attentively with fixed smiles on their faces, cooing and ahhing at the pictures, whilst their youngsters wriggled and squirmed about on the mat, refusing to so much as look at me. And as for engaging them in conversation... forget it!

I was just starting to clear away to leave, when I was approached by another family with a couple of older children who asked if they were too late to hear the story. The mother told me that they breed ducks. Having little else to do on such a wet afternoon, I thought 'what the hell?' and sat down once more, the oldest daughter right beside me. For the next half hour, I told my story whilst the girl asked me numerous questions about ducks and other birds she sees in the park, and we both went away much richer for the experience.