Natasha Delaney - Children's Author and Librarian

Natasha has always loved reading and writing stories. She’s married with 2 daughters and 3 cats. Natasha works as a primary school librarian, which she loves. Her job is very helpful for writing children’s books because all day children tell her about the sorts of books they want to read. She’s very excited to have just released her third book, Lying is Harder to Fix.

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world to do your work, where would you go?  

I'm a massive Disney fan, so I'd love to just sit writing in a cafe in Disneyland, watching characters walk by and soaking in the magical atmosphere.

2. Out of all your projects, what was the hardest piece to create?

My first book was the hardest because it dealt with mental health; I felt I had a responsibility to ensure I was being sensitive in my writing and giving good advice.

3. What inspires you the most? (For context: what is something that you look at that immediately puts your brain into creative mode?)

Definitely my school, the children and staff I interact with and all the wonderful things they all say and do.

4. If you could pick a single fruit to create a story/artwork/picture around, what would it be?

I'd write about a lemon. I feel like lemons are quite judged for being bitter and sour and yet they give us lemonade and lemon drizzle cake. I'd title it, When Life gives you Lemons...  

5. What did you like to write and read as a kid? 

I loved reading when I was young; I read everything by Roald Dahl and my favourite was the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis.

6. Where do you like to write?

 If it's warm, I write in my garden in my swing chair; if it's cold, I write in my bed.

7. How do you get over “writer’s block”?

This probably isn't the best answer, but if I have writer's block, I don't write. When I've got a story I want to tell, I find it just pours out of me. It's not an option for me; it's like it's bursting out and I have to write it down.

8. If you could spend a day with another popular author, who would you choose?

J.K. Rowling. I'd love to hear about how she thought up the Harry Potter series and created a whole world, with so many objects, creatures and characters.

9. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?

I love music, but when I write I need it to be very quiet. I feel music might influence how I'm feeling, which might seep into my writing. When I write, all I want to hear is the words forming in my brain ready to be typed out.

10. Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?

My 3 cats often walk all over my keyboard and get in the way. After moving them a few times, they'll often get the hint and just curl up next to me. 

11. Does anyone in your family read your books?

Yes, my daughters, who are 10 and 8, read everything I write. I also bounce ideas off them; my eldest actually came up with the ending for my new book.

12. Do you write more than one thing at a time?

I'll usually have one big project on the go and then during that time I might write a poem or very short story, but I wouldn't want two books on the go at one time. One is very challenging as it is!

13. Do you only write for one genre?

I'd be happy to write any genre, but I think it's important to write about what you know. I won't be releasing any books about fishing anytime soon.

Natasha, thank you for the insight into your writing process (and the peek into your fun job as a school librarian)! Please follow Natasha on social media and help us cheer on her writing endeavors. Keep shining!

Twitter/X: https://x.com/NatashaKirby1