Stephanie Thatcher is an author and illustrator residing in West Auckland. After working in libraries for seven years, she completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Auckland University of Technology and commenced working as a graphic designer in Auckland and Dublin.
As well as being a mum to her three boys, she has maintained a freelance career in graphic design, motion graphics and illustration work. Stephanie talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle.
This book is about a very large cat who hates Christmas, and a very small dog who absolutely loves it.
What inspired you to write this book?
My husband isn’t a fan of Christmas. Like Humphrey, he finds it too hot, too chaotic, and full of too many relatives and carols. On the other hand, I’m much more like Tiny – I love everything about Christmas! I get excited about carols, wrapping gifts, and can’t wait to put up the Christmas tree each December. I thought it would be fun to do a bit of an anti-Christmas story (because not everybody loves it!).
What research was involved?
I spent a lot of time researching different dog breeds to decide what kind of dog Tiny would be. In the end, I modeled her after my neighbor’s adorable dog, Fufu, who is a tiny, fluffy ball of cuteness.
What was your routine or process when writing and illustrating this book?
The writing process took several months, with lots of drafts and rewrites, in between other projects. My typical approach is to write, then set it aside for a while before revisiting and refining it. Walking helps when I’m stuck on a line or idea – it’s easier to daydream and come up with new concepts that way.
Once the story was finalised, I spent a few months sketching each page in pencil. This was my first time illustrating digitally, so instead of using traditional pencil and watercolor, I created the final illustrations in Photoshop.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Tiny would probably love “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Michael Bublé, while Humphrey would prefer to never hear another Christmas song for the rest of his life.
What did you enjoy the most about writing this children’s picture book?
I always enjoy character development, which is where I do lots (and lots) of sketches of each character and really get to know them. I must admit, I find working in watercolour and pencil more fun than doing the illustrations digitally, so I might go back to traditional methods for the next book.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
Whenever I finish a book, I usually celebrate by thoroughly cleaning up my desk and house!
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton. I loved Boy Swallows Universe, and Lola in the Mirror is just as fantastic. I also connected with the setting by the Brisbane River, because I lived there for a few months on a tugboat when I was 18.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I’ve started on a new story, but my other work as a graphic designer and art tutor have kept me busy, so I haven’t had much time for the walks and daydreams that help me brainstorm. I do have the beginnings of a story, but I’m still figuring out where it’s going!
Scholastic NZ