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This month, we were delighted to meet with yet another of Ireland’s popular children’s authors, Serena Molloy.
TPP: What was the inspiration behind ‘The Tree That Sang to Me’?
Serena: I loved climbing trees when I was a child. Trees can communicate with each other in very complicated ways. That inspired the setting for the story. So many children I know struggle with anxiety so I wanted to write a story that touched on that, to show them that they are not alone.
TPP: Why did you decide to write the story in verse?
Serena: Poems and rhymes are among the first things we learn as children. The first books we read and love are often in rhyme.
TPP: Why do you think it is important to tackle difficult issues through fiction?
Serena: I believe that all children need to see themselves in books. Kai struggles with anxiety in the story but he learns, with help, he can get through it. Children need to have access to all types of books, with all types of characters.
TPP: How long have you been writing?
Serena: I started writing stories in 5th class. I had a really wonderful teacher who encouraged me even though my handwriting and spelling weren’t great, as I have dyslexia.
TPP: Why did you want to become a writer?
Serena: My two grannies. They were childhood friends and I loved hearing about the wild adventures they had growing up.
TPP: What is your number one tip for aspiring writers?
Serena: Keep writing! If a story or an idea isn’t working, start a new one. Writing takes lots of practice and patience.
TPP: Can you remember the first book you ever read and loved?
Serena: I got Heidi by Johanna Spyri for Christmas when I was eleven years old. I struggled with reading at that age but I stuck with it because the story grabbed my attention. It was the first book that made me cry and I remember realising for the first time that books could do that, could let you connect to them emotionally. I thought that was amazing.
TPP: Who are your favourite authors?
Serena: Every time I read another great book I add another favourite to my list. I especially love Irish authors Patricia Forde, Sarah Crossan, Kelly McCaughrain, Jenny Ireland, Pádraig Kenny. Irish writers are so incredibly talented.
TPP: What would you be if you weren’t an author?
Serena: I worked for a long time as an English teacher and I loved it. Children are the best people to work with! I’m lucky that as a children’s author I get to talk to them all the time about books and writing.
TPP: What is your favourite book of all time?
Serena: That is an impossible question to answer because every time I read another fantastic book I decide ‘this is my favourite book of all time’ . . . until I read the next amazing book.
TPP: Aside from reading and writing, do you have any hobbies?
Serena: I love walking in nature. I am lucky to have a woods behind my house so I can walk there all the time. I get my best ideas for stories when I am walking there. Also, I am learning to play the violin but I’m not very good. I definitely need to practise more!
TPP: What is your favourite part about being an author?
Serena: I love going into schools and libraries to talking to children about books and writing. I am so lucky to be able to do that as part of my job.
