"So, it turns out that writing about myself is a lot harder than writing my own little book! When it comes to writing about myself, I seem to become a bit of a worry wart too and cannot put pen to paper, but here we go…
My name is Kat and I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters. I have worked with children for 18 years and have created a wonderful woodland nursery with my best friend for children to have fun, climb trees and make amazing memories. I read so many children’s stories every day and have always wanted to write one of my very own.
I hope you enjoy this story and that it creates opportunities for children to not only listen to and enjoy but allows them to share with friends and adults their own worries they may be having too."
'Worry Wart' is a picturebook coming to Magic Mouse Books this Winter. It focusses on children's worries and how conversations can begin to help them understand or overcome them. Follow Kat on social media here to stay up to date with her!
Website: https://www.katmcdermottauthor.com/
I hope that my book encourages children to talk about their worries and understand that from talking about them you can make your worries smaller or even disappear...
How long have you been writing?
About a year or two. I have ideas, write them down and sometimes don’t go back to them until months later.
What inspired you to start writing?
I read a lot of children’s story books every day and have always wanted to write one of my own. I love how children are inspired by different stories, characters and how engaged they become with a good book.
What time of the day do you usually write?
I write very late at night or early morning. I sometimes go to bed and then wake up at 2am with an idea that I need to write down then go back to sleep.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?
That other people enjoy what I have written! I was very nervous about sharing my book with others but after reading it to some of my family and close friends they encouraged me to take the steps in getting my book illustrated and published.
Where do you get your inspiration?
For my first book my eldest daughter was my inspiration. How she sees the world plays a very big part in what I have written.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have recently created my own website and have a Facebook and Instagram page for more information and news.
What is the key theme and/ or message in the book?
Worries! As a child you can worry about different things. I hope that my book encourages children to talk about their worries and understand that from talking about them you can make your worries smaller or even disappear.
What I the highlight of writing this book?
Reading it to my children and being told that they love it!
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I would love for my readers to be given the opportunity to talk about their own feelings and worries no matter how big or small and for an adult to help a child by listening and encouraging them to try new things. Not everything is as scary as it seems and sometimes worries can hold you back from having the biggest adventures!
Who is your favourite author and why?
I love reading books written by Margaret Atwood. When I was in school my English Literature Teacher gave me a list of books to read over the summer and Margaret Atwood’s books were some of them.
What are you reading now?
My Aunty has given me a book called ‘The Keeper of Lost Things’ by Ruth Hogan.
Favourite book/ story when you were a kid
‘A Dark, Dark Tale’ by Ruth Brown and ‘Postman Pat’s Messy Day’ by John Cunliffe. I always asked for my mum and dad to read both to me every night when I was little. When I was older, I enjoyed and still do now the books written by Roald Dahl.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Spending time with my children, going on adventures!
What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Broadstairs Beach, it’s home.
If you could have one season, what would it be?
Autumn, it’s not too hot or cold and the woodland is very pretty with the colours of the leaves changing.
