Lucy Francis, Class of 1988, moved back to London with her young family and an additional bow in her cap: she'd published a children's book entitled Hairy Tales of Hopland!. Read on to find out more about the book and from Lucy herself in this short interview piece.

In this series of gripping adventure stories, the friendly creatures of Hopland build ships, leave home, fight off kidnappers, discover their hidden talents and sometimes fall in love. Meet tearaway Ferret Lumbric, Ivy Glue the dreamer, George and Binky, thrill seekers (well Binky is), rivals Toasty and his brother Theodore and shy Crabiata.

What made you decide to become a writer and had you always wanted to be one?

Yes, I have always wanted to write and did so, but kept it quiet as I didn't have the confidence to show anyone when I was young. Writing is engrossing and exciting; I highly recommend it! 

What are your favourite books to read?

Generally speaking, I don’t have absolute favourites, but if I had to choose something then I would grab a thriller or detective story, but nothing too harrowing or grisly.

Where do you find your inspiration for new stories and characters?

A very good question for which there is no clear answer. Inspiration might have been something I have heard or seen along the way. After I have loosely outlined an idea, and start writing, the words come and the story starts to evolve; the stories seem to have a mind of their own! I think that characters and scenarios need some reference to life as we know it, even if that is just a grain of reality, so that children can connect with it.

What do you hope children (and adults) learn from your book(s)?

 I hope they get some fun entertainment and enjoy looking through a portal into another world.

What important advice would you give a first-time author?

Persist, buy a copy of the Writers and Artist yearbook and be careful whose advice you take. I found mentoring invaluable.

How do you feel your time at Channing helped and/or prepared you to become a writer?

The education at Channing was excellent and I remember learning about and writing our own Haiku. I wonder if it is still taught? 

[Alumnae Department: I can confirm that it definitely is, and students' work has featured on Channing Connect a few times!]

What would you tell your younger self? 

How long have you got!?

Do what you are good at, focus and trust your instinct. Get on with it! 

We wish Lucy all the very best and look forward to reading any other adventure stories or books she might publish in the future.