DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE O’CONNOR

Stephanie O’Connor is an actor, writer, entrepreneur, ADHD and LGBTQIA+advocate.

Tell us about your children's books?

My children's books are primarily aimed at children who don't normally get shown in children's literature. Each story provides an outlook into an animal's life that has either a mental or physical impairment. I believe child and adult should learn whilst reading, especially about different kinds of people, hence why the language is also suitable for adult readers.

What is the main ingredient for writing for children?

I believe the main ingredient is fun and education, and my books try to combine the two.

Where do you get your ideas from to write a new child’s book?

My first book (‘Andy The Anxious Ant’) came to me from my own anxiety. I realised that when I was younger there wasn't any book read to me that made me feel seen. From there, I asked friends and family what they'd like to see in children's books, and so came the A-Z list.

You are an independent publisher, how has that been up against huge publishing houses?

It has been tough but I find that online marketing and in-person selling works best. Within the queer market community I'm known as 'the children's book author' and it's nice to be noticed around town. However, after three years of self publishing, I am now going to be represented by RBM Management.

How many books have you written?

Too many! I've published four books, two of which are no longer in circulation due to the illustrator's choice, but my personal desk is stacked full of handwritten ideas and drawings. I'm currently working on a noir novel at the same time.

Do you have a favourite title in all the children’s books you have written?

'Andy The Anxious Ant' will always be my favourite. It was the book I wrote first, published first and began this whole journey. It's also made me empathetic to ants – you can now find me feeding them crumbs in my garden!

Do you illustrate your own books?

I've illustrated two of my own books, ‘Andy' and ‘Billy', the third book in the series that's not yet released, The Cochlearsaurus is illustrated by Bel Butler, an amazing graphic designer. This will hopefully be released later on in the year.

What's the best thing about where you live?

I live in Westmere. The best thing about it is hearing the monkeys and lions at feeding time at the zoo. Plus, this is the nicest community I've ever been a part of. Everyone smiles when you walk past them and many dog owners have let me pet their dogs (thank you dog owners). Also, a big shout out to our local coffee shop, Coffee Defora, for keeping me constantly awake enough to write.

What do you like the most about Ponsonby?

The Silky Otter Cinema. If you haven't been there yet, please go! This isn't sponsored in any way but, as a person who suffers with anxiety and too many people, it's the perfect cinema experience.

How have you survived the pandemic and has it changed your life?

Writing and playing ‘Animal Crossing’ on my Switch. Everyone had their vices in lockdown and writing children's books was certainly one of them, but creating islands for cute little animals really took the top spot. The pandemic has changed my life but, unfortunately, in a negative way. I went into it with mild anxiety but was a social person, yet now I'm still struggling to be okay leaving the comfort of my home. Although it's good for churning out books, it's not always good for staying fit.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in the UK, so my childhood was quite different to over here. I was a child with ADHD but I was only diagnosed two years ago, so there were a lot of struggles as a teenager that potentially could have been avoided. However, I had supportive friends, a lovely family dog called Ben and I was a skatepark and Pokemon kid. Not much has changed.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN