Author Interview with Lynsey Patterson of "Ginger's Courage"

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Author Bio

Lynsey Patterson grew up in beautiful Ballymena in Northern Ireland the birthplace of many
notable writers and artists. Lynsey like many children of her time, found solace in the local
library. Her love for all things writing has led Lynsey to write portfolios of poetry and fiction
as well as numerous non-fiction articles published in various magazines. Lynsey’s first
children’s book Gingers Courage was inspired by her 4 adopted fur babies all with different
levels of trauma and disability. Gingers Courage is based on true events and is due to be
released later this year. Lynsey’s background is in education with a passion for wellbeing and
counselling. Lynsey has lived in the Northern Territory, Australia for the past 16 years and is
now writing her second children’s book which is the sequel to Ginger’s Courage.

Author Interview

When did you become a children’s book author?
I have always written as a way of making sense of the world from a very young age. I suppose you could say many writers have been writing for years and sometimes decide to put it out into the world. I have been published in different magazines and blogs. At the minute, I am working on a fiction piece set in Ireland and working on the next books in my series, Gingers Courage.
Do you have a writing background?
I have always written. I am a teacher and for me writing and reading have always helped me. I always found myself lost in words and in many ways, it was a way to escape and still is.
How did you come up with the story?
Being a lover of dogs and having three rescue dogs at home, I have always written about their adventures. Watching Ginger’s courage and bravery as she found a way to overcome her disability inspired this story. The story is based on her story and the things I think she would like to achieve if she could. Ginger was a rescue dog in Newcastle and my partner rescued her. Someone had left her in a rescue centre at the age of 10 years old with not even a dog bowl or blanket. Not long after she was rescued, she lost her leg in an accident. Ginger has always inspired me and watching how her friends, our two other rescues help her, made me think about the importance of friendship. We previously had three other rescues but my 20 year old dog, Merve passed away recently. He was the best friend anyone could have and was with me through so many challenging times.
How did you come up with the character?
I was lucky enough to meet Ginger through my partner and am grateful as I have been able to watch her journey.  
How do you select names for your characters?
The characters names are the real names of my rescue dogs. Often in my fiction pieces the characters names will be based on people I know or names I have heard over the years.  
Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?
Yes, I worked with the extremely talented Angela Perrini who was able to bring my story to life. Her vision and talent are something I am incredibly grateful for. Without her there would be no book.  
Are you self-published or published through a publishing company?
I published my book through Little Steps Publishing who allow the author a fair amount of creative freedom if they accept the manuscript. They have been incredible to work with and the whole process has taught me a lot about the publishing process.
What made you want to publish a children's book?
I have always loved picture books and still to this day will pick up a picture book to read. The relationship between pictures and words in children’s books is not unlike a dance as they work together to tell a story. Also, watching Ginger struggle after losing a leg made me think about what she would do if she could. The book is based on her reality and of course a lot of imagination.
Any tips for future children’s book authors?
Write something that means something to you which seems obvious. Writing a picture book is complex because of the restrictions of text and formatting. With so little words they all have to count.
​What is the best reaction from a reader, so far?
I will have to tell you when the book comes out.
Where do you get ideas for your stories?
Everywhere, mostly from observing people animals and the world. I hear lines every day that I write down and usually they find a home somewhere.   
What's your writing process like?
I write most days and I am awake about three am to five am before I go to work. Then I come home after work and find an hour or two at night. It is hard at times with work and study and trying to live a life.  ​
Do you have any other books in the works?
Yes, I m working on a fiction piece and my second children’s book will be sent to my illustrator soon. I am also working on a poetry collection which has been gathering dust.  
What does literary success look like to you?
If someone can pick up something I have written and feel something and connect with it that is literary success. Writing is creating and in some ways everything we write is coming from deep within. It’s just another way of connecting.
Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?
Yes, because we can all learn from these and move on. Even now I can look at previous work and I think about how I would do it differently but by the time that piece is finished I am obsessing about a different piece.
What is your favourite children's book(s) of all time?
As a child it would have to be, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I found the magical world at the back of the wardrobe beautiful and as a child living in a housing estate, I would push back the coats and jackets hoping that a different world would open up. I also connected with Mr Tumnus. He was half-man and half goat. He was a complex character and for me, his transformation from his initial bad intentions to finally becoming a loyal and kind friend kept me reading.