- Kindly introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Svetlana Kitik.
I am a nature lover, truth seeker and a free thinker.
I am a lover of language and stories, rhythm and rhyme, I have written throughout my life, but just recently have decided to share my writing with others.
Part of this process has been setting up an independent publishing Partnership, known as Spinning Story, with Maura Juliana O’ Regan who is a multidisciplinary artist.
To my surprise and delight our first book was recognised for The Chrysalis Brew Children's Book Excellence Award in the category of Inspirational. This is certainly a huge honour and has encouraged me to share more stories and tales.
Prior to these endeavours, I worked as a Lecturer of Teaching English as a Second Language, and a student counsellor of adult learners for 2 decades.
I am also a mother of 3, now adult children, having no grandchildren of my own yet, I write for all the little children everywhere and hope my writing brings them joy and leaves them with a smile.
- Can you tell us a bit about your latest children’s book?
The story of “The Little Bird that Wanted to Fly to the Moon '', is an adventure tale, based on curiosity and determination as well as lessons learnt along the way.
I like writing in rhyme, so the story is told in this way.
I’d like to acknowledge the beautiful artwork and illustrations in the book, created by Maura O’Regan, as without her drawing, my story would be unpublished and I would not have the potential to share it as I am.
- What inspired you to write this story?
The story came to me as I am both a bird lover and sky watcher. I love the night skies, filled with stars and the Moon and began to wonder if birds could, would they fly to the Moon, and this is how the story came to be.
I was inspired to write this story as I thought the idea was original, timeless, had a universal appeal, as no matter where the child or reader is on our amazing Planet, they can relate to birds and the Moon, as well as ambition and dreams. From the feedback we have received, it seems the story has a broad appeal.
- What age group is your book intended for, and why did you choose that age group ?
The book is aimed at 3 to 8 year olds. Introducing and instilling a love of story , books and reading at an early age encourages many positive aspects of learning, reading and growing one’s knowledge and understanding. As children transition from being read to , to reading for themselves, the “Little Bird” book is intended to be easily read and enjoyed by young readers.
As well as the book, we have also developed and produced 2 Activity Books, based on the story, which also encourage problem solving and promote information about birds, the Cosmos and many things inbetween.
- What message or lesson do you hope children take away from your book?
Be bold, curious, adventurous, have ambition and know that there is much to learn and gain by giving things a go. You might not get there the first time, but you will get better as you try again.
- How do you choose the themes for your children’s books?
The things I write about are things that come to me, often when I am out and about and see something to wonder about. It then tends to spin in my mind until I get the sense of rhythm and rhyme and then I’m off and writing!!
- What does your writing process look like for a children’s book?
My writing process starts with the idea, then I have a bit of an outline of how the story will develop, from beginning to end and then I work on it. Some lines arrive randomly so I have to catch them on the fly, while others follow in an orderly flow, and that’s when the writing just pours.
- How do you connect with your young readers and their parents?
I hope that both young readers and their parents find my story engaging, entertaining, educational and memorable. I hope to share and promote positive values, worthwhile ideas and thought provoking notions
- Do you have any special routines or habits when you write?
No, not really. I just need the inspiration and opportunity to capture the creative flow. When I get in the ‘zone’ time loses meaning.
- How do you ensure that your writing is engaging and accessible for young readers?
By writing in rhyme, I feel this appeals to young readers. As far as developing reading skills, being able to “predict” the rhyming word, gives young readers both fun and helps to build their confidence and assurance about reading.
The story is also written to be read aloud, to be shared and discussed too.
- How do you collaborate with illustrators for your books?
Without the illustrator and her illustrations, my story would not have been brought to life the way that it has. I am very lucky to have met Maura O’Regan, who is a very talented multimedia artist and creator and thanks to her support, vision and efforts , “The Little Bird that Wanted to Fly to the Moon” would not have become the book that it has. Many thanks Maura for your beautiful and unique artwork!!
- Do you have a favorite illustration from your book? Why is it your favorite?
I like the illustration of the bird as she looks back upon earth and almost has a heart attack due to wonder and awe and the realisation that the cosmos is so enormous.
- What drew you to writing for children rather than adults?
I write many things. Some are specifically for children as remembering my own childhood and how much I loved listening to stories and being read to, I’m hoping my stories will have the same impact upon others.
Who are some of your favorite children’s book authors, and how have they influenced your work?
Marjorie Flack who wrote ‘The Story of Ping’ which tells of a little duck’s misadventures. I admire her ability to tell a good story and to introduce foreign lands and peoples.
Roald Dahl is masterful at both storytelling and capturing the reader’s attention. His ability to rhyme is also noteworthy and playful and has inspired me to do similar.
- Have any real-life experiences influenced the stories you write?
Yes. Being a bit of a day dreamer and a skywatcher myself, these things inspire me. As life is rich with experiences, this is an abundant source of inspiration. I suppose there is a little piece of me in each of my stories.
What is the most challenging part of writing a children’s book?
Writing is not the most challenging part of this process. In my case it was finding the confidence and belief in my own work and that it was worthy of sharing.
- How do you handle writer’s block, especially when working on a children’s book?
Luckily, touch wood so far I have yet to experience this.
- Do you have any upcoming projects or new books in the works?
Very happy to answer Yes to that question, we are currently working on our next book entitled My Mother’s Mega Marrow.
- Are there any genres or themes you haven't explored yet but would like to in the future?
Yes there are several themes that are works in progress. Themes around magic, mystery and dreams are high on the list.
- Have you received any memorable feedback from your readers?
Given this is the first book for both Maura and I, we have been very fortunate that many reviewers and other readers have written a number of heart warming and positive statements about their experience of reading the book. Over all ‘The Little Bird That Wanted to Fly to the Moon’ has been very well received and we hope it will bring much enjoyment to all who read it.
