Book: The Biscuits
Q1. Hello Mam, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi I’m Rachel I have been an artist / illustrator for 30 years I live on a farm near a small village in the Cotswolds. I spend my days doing art work and caring for my daughter who has a chronic illness. All of the proceeds from my art and these books goes to her fund. She was undiagnosed with a life threatening illness for 14 years. She is now 22 & has a poor quality of life because she became so poorly due to non diagnosis. I am hoping The Biscuits will become a thing so I may give her all of the medical treatments and medications she needs to make her well again, here is a link for more about Molly http://www.mollysmiracle.co.uk. I’m also mum to another 3 children Primrose poppy & Joshua & have a husband called Martin. We have lots of animals & live in a beautiful part of the world.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Biscuits’ book?
I came up with the idea of the Biscuits a long time ago… it came about as my son was dunking a Biscuit. Duncan Biscuit was born. The only challenges I found whilst writing this first book Mr Richard Tea was managing everything else around me. We were in lockdown at the time because of covid. As molly was clinically extremely vulnerable we were all very very worried & fearful for her. Other than that it was a great stress relief.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I think Roahl Dahl has to be my most favourite author, his sense of humour and creative mind was just brilliant.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I think our favourite spot in the country other than home has to be Cornwall. We visit Cornwall for our summer holidays as we have never been able to take Molly abroad. It has uch a beautiful cost line and the beaches are fantastic ( if of course the old British rain holds off)
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I normally illustrate books so have been doing the job for quite some time. I found that to invent all of the characters first was very helpful as I could see them in my mind when writing the story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Biscuits’ book?
It took about a year on and off mainly because the illustrations take so long. I also did a few too many illustrations which I have put on the website I know my page numbers now I’m writing book 2. My publisher was really good with the knowledge he has and so I’m glad to have him on board. I find it so much easier to write the story illustrate each page and then re write the story, this is how it all eventually comes together
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Biscuits’ book to buy?
The Biscuits Mr Richard Tea is available on Amazon, in shops locally and will soon be ready to order from bookshops. It’s also available on the website http://www.thebiscuitsofcrumbleton.co.uk
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Biscuits’?
The cover is simply the character Mr Richard Tea. There are 20 books in the series I am currently working on Custard Queen. Each cover will have the character on the front as to who’s story it is
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I find so much inspiration from just general life really. There is always something going on here on the farm…. like my husband chasing an escaped horse down the lane, the sheep escaping & running loose all over the place. The cows once came in to my garden & dug up the new lawn… these things go on constantly and with my big family well they are always up to mischief too… I have so much material I’m sure I could write Biscuit books for the rest of my days
Sassy Reviews 