It’s National Storytelling Week: Let’s catch up with local author Colin Fraser
To celebrate National Storytelling Week, we sat down with local children’s author Colin Fraser to chat about his much-loved book, Big Dog and the Home for Lost Hounds. He also shares insights into an exciting new project and recommends some of his favourite fellow authors from across the North-east.
What inspired you to create Big Dog and the Home for Lost Hounds?
“I’d always wanted to write a children’s book and knew I had a story in me. It wasn’t until I rehomed my dog Ramsay (spoiler: the Big Dog himself) that a whole stream of ideas surfaced - and I had to start sharing them.
“Ramsay looks a little different from your standard dog. He’s very tall, long, shaggy and sticks out a little like a sore thumb - not to mention, his many quirks. We loved him at first glance but soon realised that he was never far from judgement. He was (and still is) judged on his size and that was the inspiration for writing my first book.
“Big Dog and the Home for Lost Hounds is all about finding your place and owning who you are - something that was mirrored closely to my childhood and growing up. I love stories that share a good message - a message children can learn from and relate to. And the theme of not fitting in was the perfect heart of the story.”
What do you hope children and parents alike take away from your story?
“The main thing I want children to take away from the story is that being different is ok. I spent years (a lot of years in fact) feeling like I didn’t fit in and it wasn’t until my late twenties that I owned who I was and from there, the world seemed to open up. I want children to feel empowered to be who they are and not feel like they have to hide what others find odd. In my world, being the same is a complete bore.
“Writing Big Dog’s first story got me back into drawing after years of not picking up a pencil. I didn’t plan on illustrating the book, but after a quick scribble trying to figure out part of the story, I thought “Hey, I’ve still got this!” and before I knew it, all the illustrations were done. I not only ticked a passion project off my bucket list but got reconnected with drawing, which unlocked huge wellbeing benefits for me. I decided to package the book with a free downloadable activity pack filled with drawing and colouring-in activities, so both children and adults can keep exploring their creativity.”
Buy a copy of Big Dog and the Home for Lost Hounds here!
“Big Dog’s second tale is in the works and I’m currently writing that. Once I’ve finished the story, I’ll get onto the illustrations - keep everything crossed for a release later this year!
“In addition to that, I write my monthly community newsletter where I share exclusive short rhyming stories about more Big Dog adventures along with illustrations and behind-the-scenes updates. If anyone wants to follow the journey (and be the first to access the pre-sale for book two), you can subscribe on my website.”
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate and support local authors?
“The North-east of Scotland is full of storytellers, artists and makers so getting the word out about their work is something I always like to do. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can sometimes slip under the radar for its creative talents, so it’s important to me that we champion what we have here locally.
“That ‘shop local’ message isn’t just for your bakers, grocers or brewers, it’s relevant across the board and there’s nothing more special than sharing a story that’s been written locally.”
Here are 3 of Colin’s top picks from the many talented children’s authors in our region:
Seagull Secrets
Buy a copy of Seagull Secrets here!
Aunty Planty and the Eco Warriors
Buy a copy of Aunty Planty and the Eco Warriors here!
Flora the Foggy Bummer Meets the Foostie-McNasties
Buy a copy of Flora the Foggy Bummer Meets the Foostie-McNasties here!
A Little Girl’s Adventures at Windfold Farm
Buy a copy of A Little Girl’s Adventures at Windfold Farm here!
