I always get such a startled look

when I tell people I wrote AND illustrated my three fairy stories. At one of the markets a lovely lady, who obviously knew about promotional stuff, said I should display a sign drawing attention to this fact, so that people who walk past become aware. It’s an unusual combination to do both, so their curiosity being aroused they may visit my stall!

If you are unable to read the banner

it says:-

children’s books – some fairy stories   –  some scary stories

grown-up books –  humorous short stories

all written and illustrated by Nelson author and illustrator Barbara Glass

I’ve another book coming, set in the present time, and I have hopes of editing and generally polishing up some of my humorous adult short stories.

I love explaining the rather haphazard way

I came to write the first book. It was a writing group challenge to create a fairy story. I enjoyed the freedom implicit in fairy stories, with magic spells, animals that talk, wicked witches and unexpected encounters. So I edited it to be more suitable for children.

It ended up very unspecific in terms of age. But the feedback from people who have bought the books find the pictures fill in the action for smaller children (4-ish); up to 12 year olds who can read themselves as the words are intermediate between childish and adult-level language.

I had no experience in writing or publishing for children.

I was helped and encouraged with very good advice from CopyPress in Nelson (https://www.copypress.co.nz/). Who have gone onto be very supportive of all three of my books.