Inspiring ​the Next Generation of Creatives

As a marketing agency, we often get the chance to speak with some intriguing and inspirational people. This month, our Digital Content Creator, Courtney, chatted with Lauren Child, the celebrated children’s author and illustrator.  

Having read a few books by the much-loved author growing up, Courtney was very excited when she heard the news that Lauren would be visiting Hull to attend The Big Malarkey Festival.  

The weeklong event is strictly for 0-16-year-olds and their parents, and with Courtney being almost 22, she would miss out on the fantastic workshops, talks and incredible performances planned for the celebration of children’s literature. Nevertheless, the chance to speak with one of the authors definitely made up for her FOMO.  

Just before heading out to sign books and answer questions from fans, Lauren chatted to Courtney about her work and what inspires her to write. She explained that it often comes from simply looking outside a train window, or when she’s stuck in a supermarket queue. Courtney could certainly relate. She often writes for her own blog, Retro and Thrift, during the thre-hour train journey on the way to her parents' house.  

As you would expect, Lauren was eloquent, modest, and strives to motivate children and adults alike to express their creativity. Her role as the newly appointed Waterstones Children’s Laureate will certainly allow her to do this.

“Having that space to think and daydream is very important. When you’re trying to create you need time to think, whether that’s looking for interesting objects on the pavement or outside a window,” she told us.  

Many of Lauren’s vibrant characters, such as Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean, have been conjured up whilst the writer is out and about.  

“The idea for Lola came from a girl that I saw,” Lauren describes. “In fact, on the way to The Big Malarkey Festival, I have just seen a wonderful looking girl standing at a bus stop. Inspiration is everywhere.”  

She also discussed the benefits of working for herself as a writer. Something that the whole sobananapenguin team can relate to:  “Of course, I have deadlines and pressures, but my work is my own ideas and my own mind.”  

The Big Malarkey Festival was set up by Ellen Bianchini to encourage a new generation of creatives and honour the power of children’s literature. The week is jam-packed full of activities from school-aged kids, including talks from Jeremy Strong, A.F. Harold, Julian Clary, and of course, Lauren. Children can also take part in cartoon classes, movement workshops and browse a number of book stalls with their teachers and parents.

Who or what inspires you? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.