This week we are delighted to be featuring the work of children’s author Gill Jepson. She has written three books, Out of Time The Secret of the Swan, Out of Time II Ravens Hoard, and a picture book Guy the Grumpy Gargoyle. We will be reviewing all of these books and we have a copy of each book to give away – check back tomorrow for our first review and your chance to enter.
All of Gills Books are now available in our Book Store.
We also have a pack of Literacy resources wirtten by Gill herself to accompany the books ready for you to download.
For today read all about Gill including her advice for budding writers!
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am passionate about books and history. I am an avid reader and I have always written, whether it was stories for my children or my class at school, or articles for different publications. I have over 20 years experience as a teacher working with children and latterly adults too. My first book Out of Time The Secret of the Swan coincided with being made redundant and gave me the push to become an author full time. I am now a freelance writer and I have my own education company. I am married, have three grown up kids and two grandsons and a chocolate labrador called Sam.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Ive always written from being about six and used to write stories all the time. I have always wanted to write professionally and sort of began when I wrote a school history of where I taught. Then a life changing event happened which made me want to write a story very dear to my heart…Out of Time.
What is your favourite book?
I have many favourite books but if pushed, I would have to say, Wuthering heights by Emily Bronte. Kids books – there are too many to mention but again I love WarHorse by Michael Morpurgo.
Which of your own books is your favourite?
My favourite book has to be Out of Time The Secret of the Swan…a lot of fond memories in there.
When you have some spare time, what else do you like to do?
Spare time…hmm.. I don’t seem to have a lot! I tend to fill it with things. I do love walking. I do K2B walk each year for Dystonia. I enjoy visiting Furness Abbey which is my most favourite place in the world.
I am also involved with Furness Abbey Fellowship, our new charity to develop and improve the visitor experience at the abbey.
Do you have any advice for children who think they might want to become an author?
My advice to children wanting to write is to read, read, read and read! Then write all the time. Write blogs, a diary, stories anything! Have a notebook close at hand to jot down ideas because you never know when you will have one and you can record it to use later.
Finally what is your motto in life?
My motto is – Never give up! and make every minute count!
Don’t forget to pop back tomorrow to read our review of Out of Time The Secret of the Swan! and to enter our giveaway. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter and free resources please do!
Bundles of Books 