Emily is a qualified social worker who is passionate about safeguarding children. Following an achievement of gaining a First Class Honours Degree, her practise has focused on front line child protection. Emily’s focus is about capturing and sharing the voice of the child, and her books are designed to do just that!
Emily lives in Hampshire with her husband, son, and dog, Daisy. She loves long dog walks, family time and spa days!
"As practitioners, we often rely on activities we can print to engage with children and young people during direct work, but children love reading books and they can often relate to the stories they read in some way."
What inspired you to start writing?
EH: My journey to writing my first book was based on my own experience of working with children in frontline social work practice. As practitioners, we often rely on activities we can print to engage with children and young people during direct work, but children love reading books and they can often relate to the stories they read in some way. I felt that there was a need for some children’s books which told a story that was reflective of the child’s own experiences at home, and touched on the pressing issues practitioners come across most often; domestic abuse, parental mental health, parental substance use and also children being silenced. The 'It’s Ok to Talk' branding of the book series is to highlight to children that talking about your experiences is ok and reinforces that professionals are here to help.
What do you do to get inside your character's heads?
EH: My characters are based on real children that I have worked with during practice. The voice of the children are so very important and so the characters in my current and future books are a dedication to them. I have used disclosures and feedback from children and young people to inform the story being told.
If you could change one thing about be world what would it be?
EH: The fact that there’s so much hate in the world.
What’s your guilty pleasure.
EH: A spoonful of Nutella!
What did you want to be when you were a child?
EH: An Astronaut! I love space, it’s fascinating!
What is your favourite film of all time?
EH: It’s not even a great movie but I love Twister! I really wanted to go tornado chasing after watching this and became a bit obsessed by them. It’s amazing what Mother Nature can do!
What books do you enjoy reading?
EH: I’m actually not a massive reader of books. I find it really hard to get captured when I try and read but I do prefer books which have a factual elements to them. I was reading the Cathy Glass books not too long ago. She is a foster carer who writes about the children she has cared for. I highly recommend!
What is your favourite book?
EH: A number of years ago I read ‘A Long Road Home’ by Danielle Steel. I actually cried reading it! This is the only book that has ever had such an emotional impact on me and one I would happily re-read!
What is your favourite season?
EH: Winter! I love wrapping up in the cold and drinking hot chocolate... with whipped cream and marshmallows of course!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
EH: If I could go to the spa every day for a facial I would jump at the chance! At home there’s nothing better than chilling on the sofa with my son, dog and husband and watching a movie with popcorn. I also like to colour.
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
EH: There are so many people I would like to meet. Barak Obama would be on the top of my list just because of everything he represents! I’d also like to meet Kate Middleton and Prince William.
Coffee or tea?
EH: Coffee… I think I drink about 5 cups a day! It’s not a good habit!
One of your biggest achievements?
EH: About five months after my son was born, I participated in the Great River Race in a Dragon Boat on the Thames from Greenwich down to Ham (21 miles).
If you could spend a day with another author, who would it be?
EH: J.K Rowling because Harry Potter is pure genius! It would be good to know what her inspirations were for the books.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?
EH: I don’t think the books in my series would make a movie but I certainly would love the challenge to write something based on my experiences which could have the potential! I think I would have to choose actors such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Julia Roberts or Emily Blunt, but there are so many great actors to choose from.
What is the best part of your day?
EH: I Love getting into bed! There’s no better feeling than just switching off and resting.
Emily Hill's debut title 'JOEY' from the 'It's Ok to Talk' series is coming soon...
It is a story about domestic abuse from the child’s perspective.
