Book: Tessa Tidies Up!
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi there, my name is Olivia and I live in Yorkshire with my husband Jamie, our dog Ronnie and Pearl, our three-legged cat aka Tripod. I moved back home to Yorkshire about 5 years ago. Prior to that, I lived in New York City for 16 years and Los Angeles for 7 years where I’ve had careers in both the animation and film industry. My time spent in the USA was amazing and I loved every minute in both NYC and LA, even the rough times, and there were definitely a few of those! However, my move home was a long time coming as I missed England and my parents so much. I tried to visit as much as I could but there came a time when I just couldn’t take the goodbyes anymore. I will never forget the customs officer at Manchester airport who stamped my passport when I returned to England. He looked at me and said, “Welcome home.” It brought tears to my eyes.
“Tessa Tidies Up!” is a true story. As a little girl I used to collect litter on my walks to and from school. It might sound strange but in my mind If litter was in a bin it was safely home but if it was on the ground it needed help to get home and join all the other pieces at the “party” in the bin. It was a story I’d always hoped to share.
I now own a little gift shop in my local Halifax Borough Market. I’ve labelled my shop, “The smallest most beautiful gift shop in England,” and I’m so proud of it.
It’s a mixture of Vintage, handmade, and quirky gifts for any occasion.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tessa Tidies Up! ’ book?
I think when anyone embarks on a creative project the biggest challenge is discipline and any artist will tell you (if they’re honest) that self doubt is a constant battle.
At times, the amount of work and organisation to get a project done can be overwhelming and setting time aside to focus is key. But it’s not just setting the time aside. Belief in your vision, confidence to keep going and the support from friends and family is for me priceless.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Roger Hargreaves wrote the ”Mr Men,” book series and as a child I loved them.
My favourite children’s book author has always been Roald Dahl. I’ve also read all of his adult books. He has a wonderful way of telling a fantastical story yet relating to the human condition.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I was born in London and grew up in Yorkshire. Having lived away for 23 years in two big, crazy cities, I adore being home in Yorkshire and I see and appreciate the beauty in the surroundings everyday both in the architecture and the landscape. I’m so happy surrounded by our Yorkshire Moors and throw in a dry stone wall and some sheep or cows grazing…that’s the cherry on the cake.
I also love to visit my parents home, just over the hill, for a lamb supper.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes, there is so much to do, but I’m lucky in that I worked in animation for years so I’m familiar with the script/storyboard process which really helped me. It allows you to rough out and plan each illustration in the book whilst telling the story. Using this technique helps to streamline and map out the flow of a story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’ book?
I think it was about 9 months to put it on paper but Tessa has been in my head for years.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’ book to buy?
Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tessa-Tidies-Up-Olivia-Ward/dp/1398431842/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37ED664MPX0QT&dchild=1&keywords=tessa+tidies+up&qid=1617471422&sprefix=tessa+tidi%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1
Unit E11even- My Gift Shop
https://www.instagram.com/unit_e11even/
https://www.facebook.com/Unite11even
Direct from the publisher-Austin Macauley
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/tessa-tidies
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’?
I wanted the cover design to be simple, bold and eye catching for children. It definitely has a shout out to Roger Hargreaves’, “Mr Men” series. I had two versions of the cover so I sent both options to some friends to get their children’s opinion. They all voted unanimously for the option that ultimately made the cover.
As far as the title, I wanted something catchy and memorable and I’ve always loved the name Tessa. It brings back memories of my father reading to me as a child and one of my favourites he read was titled, “Tilly and Tessa.”
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think it’s important that the audience care and relate to both the characters and the story and it’s important to me that the illustrations be visually rich. I mixed old and new techniques when I illustrated my book. I think the different design techniques compliment each other and add a touch of magic.
Tessa’s character design and the village of Patchworth, where she lives, were the first sketches I drew for the project. Tessa’s design was based on my own struggle to dress myself as a little girl. Tessa is a bit messy and she struggles with buttons and keeping her socks up. I think every child can relate to that. She has a humble quality and she’s very caring. She has more important things on her mind than her outward appearance.
The village of Patchworth is based on where I walked to and from school as a child picking up litter. The idea of having the surrounding hills made up of various floral quilt patch designs just came to me one day. I happen to love vintage quilts and I have a small collection of them. I hope the village of Patchworth feels like a place the readers would like to visit.
Tessa’s story happens to be very relevant regarding our environment, however that wasn’t the intention when I started the project. It was just a little tale I wanted to tell about myself as a child but on completion it happened to have a relevant message that hopefully all of us, children and adults alike, can care about.
Book Is Available On Amazon
Sassy Reviews 