Jo Cotterill author interview

TL;DR

Authors discuss inspiration, character creation, and collaboration in a fascinating interview.

Transcript

Hello, I'm Fiona from the Oxford Reading Hive team and today I am joined by the amazing author Jo Cotterill, author of Looking at the Stars, the Electrigirl series and most recently Jelly. Thank you so much for being here. thank you for inviting me. we've got quite a lot questions actually to get through so I'm going to get straight on to it. We've... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 The Magic Faraway Tree inspired Jo Cotterill's dream book world, reflecting her love for magic and adventure.
• 😃 Amina's character in "Looking at the Stars" embodies Cotterill's values of questioning authority and dreaming big.
• 🛟 Storytelling serves as a solace in difficult times, creating connections and comfort for both the storyteller and listeners.
• 🖐️ Research plays a critical role in creating authentic settings and conflicts in Jo Cotterill's novels.
• 💪 Cotterill emphasizes the importance of strong female characters in literature to empower and inspire readers of all genders.
• ✍️ Collaboration in writing, particularly with illustrators like Cathy Brett, adds a dynamic and engaging element to storytelling.
• 🖐️ Editing plays a crucial role in refining the narrative, with Cotterill advocating for multiple drafts to strengthen and polish the story.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the inspiration behind Amina's character?

Jo Cotterill reveals that Amina is a reflection of herself, embodying courage, questioning authority, and a love for dreaming.

Q: How did the idea of storytelling as a solace come about in "Looking at the Stars"?

Cotterill reminisces about her childhood bedtime stories and how storytelling creates a safe space, a shared experience that brings comfort and belonging.

Q: How important is it to have strong female lead characters in literature?

Cotterill emphasizes the significance of portraying diverse female characters to challenge gender stereotypes, inspire young girls, and promote equality.

Q: What inspired you as a child and continues to inspire you creatively?

Jo Cotterill shares her childhood love for fantasy, music, and art as sources of inspiration and highlights the importance of continuous practice and simplicity in writing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jo Cotterill discusses the inspiration behind her characters, particularly Amina.

• She talks about the power of storytelling and its importance in her works.

• Cotterill shares insights on the writing process, collaboration with illustrators, and the importance of female lead characters.