An Interview with Marg Gibbs

Today's chat is with author Marg Gibbs about her book, Jasper's Jumbled Up Words.

Megan: What are some of your influences in your picture book writing?

Marg: Most of my influences come from family situations with the grandchildren who range in age from 2-10 years. I am also inspired and influenced by what I notice in shopping centres, parks, travel and holidays.
 
Megan: You’ve said on your website that ‘always present was a passion for children’s stories, writing and art.’ In what ways have you followed this passion? Has it always been writing stories?

Marg: My passion and zeal for children’s stories started when I had my own four children, visiting the libraries, reading to them daily and browsing over the art pages for myself. I love that you are transported to amazing worlds via characters and vivid settings. I followed the passion of art from high school to now, when I have gained more time after retiring to write stories, paint pictures and dabble in artistic and creative pursuits. My passion for poetry is strong with the wonder in language that echoes music, sound and imagery.

Megan: Did being a teacher influence you and your writing at all? If yes, please explain. If not, what has?

Marg: Most definitely, my teaching career allowed me to encourage and influence young people to explore, experiment and persist in their writing. Not every student enjoys writing, in fact, many times writing assignments is hard work and tedious.

And, through teaching, I also developed my own writing style.
 
Megan: Can you explain the story behind, Jasper's Jumbled up Words? How long did it take to write and publish?
Marg: Jasper’s story is about a small boy who has difficulty speaking out the words clearly so that his family can understand him. He willingly tries to say many words but gets frustrated with the mixture of babble and pronunciation.

Jasper’s story idea developed from my twin grand children who talk in their own toddler language.

Jasper took me six weeks to write and have edited, with a few changes along the way. From finding an illustrator in Emma Stuart to having it published and in my hands, it took nine months. Throw into the mix Covid 19 and Christmas holidays.

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Megan: How did you find Emma to illustrate your book?

Marg: I searched one day on the internet to find an illustrator who could draw children and realistic family scenes. I had a short list of three names and emailed each of them. Emma enthusiastically liked the story with the view that I would self- publish it. She sent me some sketches, I sent her a few photos and my ideas and we collaborated from there.

She is a professional artist who has been commissioned for her work with traditional publishers.
 
Megan: What was the process like working with an illustrator?

Marg: At first, I learnt how to write an illustrator brief to send to her. She asked me questions about the size and details of each spread. I calculated how many double page spreads I could afford.
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She was working on my manuscript then after a few months, she juggled a couple of other bigger projects, so I extended her time to another six weeks. Emma was professional, hard-working and captured the day to day family routines capably. There was one illustration I didn’t use in the end. Overall, our working partnership was very positive.

Megan: What is the bravest thing you have ever done in your life? Were you afraid? How did you overcome your fear and do it anyway?
Marg: I guess way back when I was 17 years old, I wanted to travel to Scotland to visit my grandmother. My father was against me going and wasting my savings on an air ticket to a freezing, unforgiving country. My Dad was a Scot. I went by myself, gave up my savings to buy a car and travelled by plane, then bus to stay in Falkirk. I did have a few home sick moments but overcame my fears with prayer, an open heart and the belief that I could do it.
 
Megan: What next for you?More writing, creating and enjoying the beauty up here in Mapleton. I long to be a kinder and more loving person to my family and friends. My travel goals would be to reach the Kimberleys and visit New York one day and Novia Scotia.

Three fun facts about Marg:
I love to dance to Blues music.
I love to run backwards down the street farewelling my grandchildren.
I love to play hide and seek with the twins.

Marg Gibbs can be found at the following links:
Website: www.mjgibbs.com.au      
Facebook: Marg Gibbs                                    
 Twitter: Marg Gibbs   
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​This feature with Marg Gibbs is a part of the ‘Jasper’s Jumbled up Words’ book campaign with Books On Tour PR & Marketing (www.booksontourpr.wordpress.com).