It’s December already – I can hardly believe it! The weeks seem to be flying round, and as the next month promises to be busy, we put up our Christmas tree a little earlier than usual. I have to say, it looks cheeringly festive and provides a particularly fitting backdrop as I send this brand new Creative Conversation out into the world!
To be honest, this one has been percolating for a while now. My guest is Northern Irish writer and teacher Judith McQuoid, author of a fabulous new children’s book, Giant, set in early twentieth century Belfast, and inspired by our city’s very own C. S. Lewis. Judith’s book is a joy to read, combining great story telling with meticulous historical and biographical research. Giant manages to capture something of the unique and enduring spirit of Belfast, with its great shipyards, its hardworking families, and its remarkable creativity. Although an ideal choice for younger readers in the 9 to 11 year old bracket, this is a great read for everyone in the family. Judith’s book explores important themes that are relevant to contemporary children’s lives, such as friendship; social class; poverty and hardship; and bereavement. And into the bargain, the cover alone is a thing of beauty!
I was very pleased to catch up with Judith recently, to find out more about her writing journey, and especially her new book.
Tell us something about your journey into writing.
My parents were both bookworms so I’ve always been a big reader. After studying English at Queen’s, I taught in secondary schools and I think a lot of my creativity was poured into planning lessons. It didn’t occur to me that I could write my own stories until relatively recently.
What are your earliest book related memories? Are they significant?
Some of the earliest books I can remember capturing my imagination were Enid Blyton’s Wishing Chair stories. Before I was ten, my dad introduced me to the stories of Lewis, Tolkien, and MacDonald, and my mum made sure I was reading the Bronte sisters and LM Montgomery.
Is there a particular style or genre of writing that you prefer? Has this changed over the years?
I’ve always loved fantasy. I think my dad must have recognised that early on and surrounded me with good examples. I’m forever grateful to him for giving me MacDonald books in particular. I’d still choose a fantasy book over any other, given the choice.
Do you have any favourite books?
The Chronicles of Narnia, obviously. But I also love LM Montgomery’s books. I read the Anne series when I was young but it was only later in life that I discovered her other works.
Belfast born writer C.S. Lewis is clearly a source of inspiration for you. Can you tell us a bit more about him and the story behind the focus of your new book?
My dad read the Narnia books to me when I was about 8 years old and that was really significant for me. We were living in Texas at the time, having just left Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and I think Narnia reminded both of us of home. Dad remembered hearing Lewis’ radio talks during the war and was reading Surprised by Joy himself at the same time as reading Narnia to me. I think he was really struck by how much Ulster meant to Lewis. Decades later, after my dad had passed away and I was researching his family, I discovered that his dad, my grandfather, had been born in East Belfast at about the same time as Lewis. Then my imagination ran riot! What if the two boys had known each other? My book Giant imagines their friendship and the impact that the young Lewis may have had on a working-class Belfast boy.
Do you have any other special sources of inspiration – people in your life or in history, writers, music, or art?
I’m blessed to have quite a few friends who are writers, artists, musicians. They are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. A creative life is not easy but living it alongside others makes it possible.
Do you find reading and writing to be therapeutic?
I never find writing therapeutic, no! Most of the time it’s excruciating. But I usually find reading therapeutic, yes, if I’m reading story. If it’s a work that I’m studying though, less so. I read Dante’s Divine Comedy a couple of years ago with Baylor University- that was an incredible experience but definitely not therapeutic!
You are a Christian. How does your literary journey relate to your faith?
For me, writing is often a question of obedience. There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up but on each occasion I’ve ultimately felt convicted about perseverance and calling.
How would you describe the current literary scene in Northern Ireland?
I’m only really part of the sub-group of children’s fiction writers but it certainly seems to be thriving. Lots of award-winning writers and illustrators.
For you, how important is working creatively with other people?
To do the actual words-on-the-page writing, I need to be completely solitary. But I find creative community really important for the rest of the process. I’ve been in various writing groups over the years and they are invaluable both for editing and for encouragement. I don’t think I’d still be writing and definitely wouldn’t be published without them.
Your new book is for children/teenagers. Can you tell us why?
To be honest, I’m not exactly sure! It just seems to flow out like that. Maybe it’s partly because I was a teacher. But it’s probably also because the books I read at that age were significant for me.
As an educator, do you have any thoughts about books and curriculum?
A love of story is so important. Stories help us to understand other people, other lives lived in other places. They also help us to understand ourselves and how to cope with difficult situations. I think the upper primary years are pivotal in young people’s development and educators have such a key role in helping children discover the kind of stories they love.
For you personally, what was the most enjoyable or worthwhile aspect of your current book project?
I’m really enjoying getting back into classrooms and talking to young people about Lewis and about writing. Even in Northern Ireland the awareness of Lewis and his children’s fiction really varies – some kids have never heard of him before, while others have read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in school and have studied his childhood here.
Were there any challenges?
The publishing process is not for the faint hearted! It is a long, slow process and there have been many closed doors along the way.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring writers?
Keep reading! You’ll learn so much from other writers without even realising. And try and find a couple of other writer friends who you can share your work with and get used to receiving feedback. It can be hard sometimes but it will make you a better writer.
Are there any Scripture passages that you find particularly helpful or inspiring?
Scripture has spoken to me on many occasions about my writing, at every bump along the way, too many times to recall. But I will say that if you feel called to write, wait on Him for every step. He never fails.
