Paul A Aldridge

My backstory…

Children’s Books…the guilty pleasure department!

My interest in writing for children began whilst reading numerous picture books to my son. I read them, became inspired and motivated to try it for myself. So, I jumped right in there and began to conjure up ideas, and put pen to paper. So my journey began, and I’ve been fortunate to have been helped on the way by several very talented people.

As a graduate of the Golden Egg Academy, I was guided by an inspirational, award-winning author and editor, Andrew Weale, who assisted my development as a story writer. In addition, published authors Alison Ritchie and Tessa Strickland have helped keep me on the straight and narrow.

Picture books interest me hugely as they allow my mind to cast off everyday sensibleness and think of concepts around a new, unknown, upside-down world. It's then a question of turning them into a story that a child’s mind, with no boundaries, can seriously roll around in. Give them nuttiness and general tomfoolery, and they’ll give you the world!

I love to write in verse and prose, however, I find my most rewarding work is based in verse. I embrace wacky and madcap concepts and aim to bring a story to life that will engage the most tired of narrators and embrace an unsuspecting audience. I aim to be original and constantly think of a new angle on a subject, a play on words or an unconventional notion. My plan, then write a story that’s relevant for children, however, including subjects and messages that ensure a story’s longevity and interest long after the first read.

My book partner! Jon Coper…the Dreamweaver, who possesses the art of making words dance! I’m so fortunate to work with such a talented illustrator who partners with these stories and turns them into pure fantasia. I’m incredibly jealous of them all, as they’re the ones with magic within their fingertips with the innate ability to bring the words off the page and let them fly.

Beware…the child inside has stayed with me and refuses to pipe down!

Novels…perhaps a tad more serious!

Lord knows where this interest came from…

Now I’m writing them, it's something I look forward to each and every day. My first, The Tightrope Club has taken a while, for various reasons, however, I never gave up and here it is. It’s taught me everything I need to know…and I hope my future titles doth their caps in acknowledgement.

I’ve numerous titles underway and aim to publish a new title once a year.

I journeyed through the whole rigmarole of unearthing an agent and gradually realised that the chances of achieving that were folly. Now, I write for me, my enjoyment and my interest. I’ll publish and hope people enjoy the stories, however, I don’t anticipate stardom, which takes the pressure off.

I’m motivated by improving and hopefully, one day delivering something to be incredibly proud of. Perhaps my ideas and stories are a little on the dark side, however, the fun stuff is the children’s books…so there’s my yin and yang personality!

I guess my advice for anyone else who wants to write…make it yours, write what you want, write with no fear, remain original, and don’t let distractors…distract you!

Enjoy!