Kate wrote the poem, WHO AM I?
Gnome & UnGnome Facts About Kate:
Kate likes to read children’s books out loud – especially into a microphone! This passion pushed her to write her own stories. Now tales of tiaras, tulle, and time capsules swirl in her head until she can trap them on paper. The ideas keep coming. And poetry? It’s fantastically fun telling a story in rhyme. Her Egyptian riddle ‘Who am I?’ ends with the clue stinks. A fabulously funny word if ever there was one.
Kate discovered her love for voice acting while volunteering as an audiobook narrator at the Perkins School for the Blind. As a British narrator she’s worked with all kinds of clients but voicing an animated superhero princess, and a huge light and sound sculpture, are highlights. She also loves writing children’s picture books and finds joy in discovering the voices of her characters. She’s a contributing author to ‘Friends and Anemones – Ocean Poems for children’ and has self-published.
Tales of tiaras, tulle, and time capsules beckon. Let the typing and talking begin.
Absol’s Q&A with Kate:
Greetings, Kate! Thanks for being our LEGEND of the WEEK!
Tell us what magical or legendary creature you’d be if you could?
I’d love to be a unicorn with a long swishing mane and tail. Galloping through a meadow. Wildflowers and ribbons strewn around my neck fluttering in the breeze. Stardust in my wake. Although I do wonder if that pointy thing on my nose would eventually annoy me!
Indeed, it probably would! Also, watch out for us wee gnomes!
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be a part of Gnomes & UnGnomes? How did you hear about the Loft and this project?
I started writing picture books when I realized what fun they were to narrate (I’m a voice actor). I even self-published my first picture book before I knew The Loft existed. My favorite part was narrating my story and adding sound effects. It’s about two raindrops looking for adventure and I keep it on my YouTube channel.
While I still love that story, I can see now where it needs work. It was a friend who sweetly recommended The Loft (she could see what I couldn’t!), and I have been part of the Writers’ Loft ever since. I’ve learned so much from other authors about writing picture books. My laptop is littered with manuscripts, covering topics from glitter to global warming.
I was delighted to have a poem in Friends and Anemones – Ocean Poems for Children. With over seventy pages of gorgeously illustrated poetry, I am beyond proud to be part of this book and its trailer. Writing poems for Gnomes/UnGnomes was a no-brainer. Well, the idea was a “no brainer” but putting pen to paper was definitely harder! I love telling stories with poetry and I can’t wait to see this anthology. I know it’s going to be awesome.
It’s fun to hear how everyone came together with different journeys to the loft! Tell us about your anthology poems and how you came to choose your topics?
The three poems I wrote for the anthology touched on some of my favorite themes. The beautiful Island of Guernsey in the UK, which is one of my favorite places, the importance of collectively protecting our planet, and the mystery of the Egyptian pyramids. It is the latter that will appear in the book. It is a riddle to be solved with the title Who am I?
What’s great in your life right now that you want to share, personal or professional? Some wins?
We recently moved from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. New Hampshire is stunning and I’m thoroughly enjoying exploring its lakes, forests, and mountains, some of which have already appeared in my writing. Last week I saw a bobcat!
I would love to have a story published one day, primarily to see an illustrator’s interpretation of my words. As a child, I always looked at the illustrations first before reading a book. I still have my favorite illustrated books.
Having a poem in the anthology is definitely a win!
What type of stories motivates you to write? What fills your heart and page with joy?
I love writing comical stories about the push and pull between brothers and sisters because, as we all know, kids are wonderfully funny and smart. Plus, it gives me an excuse to toss in some British humor!
On that note, it’s time for a tea break. Fancy a cuppa?
Ps Me and my new magic wand!
Haha! I just spit mushroom tea out my nose! Thanks for your time, Kate!
writersloftpress.com 