|
 Fearless is the heroine of Tim Lott’s story about the hardship of young laundry girls working in a smart City Community Faith School. Fearless, named for obvious reasons, always remains hopeful and gives the other girls the strength and belief that one day they will all be rescued. When she escapes and is given the opportunity to tell her story, will anyone believe her?
On Tuesday 5th June, Walker books hosted a wine and canapés evening to launch Tim’s first children’s book at the Hayward Gallery, on London’s Southbank. Tim attended with his two daughters, friends and a select group of editors, publicists, journalists, and librarians. Simon Barrett and Louise Ellis-Barrett attended for Write Away. It was a small gathering, and a great opportunity to talk to the author as well as others involved in the production of the book. Walker books toasted Tim’s success and Tim’s speech of thanks included his family who read and commented on drafts of the book, encouraging him when he was gnawed by writer’s doubt. In our private conversation, Tim recalled locking himself away in a holiday apartment in Spain to finish Fearless. The only copy of the book was on his laptop. He was so fed-up with the book and pessimistic that it would never be published that he considered deleting the file for forever! Instead there is now a moving and beautifully written fable for the modern world.
This is Tim’s first foray into children’s literature. It is however very much a book for both teenagers and adults as reflected in the choice of publishing both children’s and adult’s editions. The hardback is beautifully presented with an image of Blake’s Christ in the Sepulchre, Guarded by Angels that Tim personally finds meaningful. The paperback is hauntingly stark with two eyes, one blue and one brown. This fascinates Tim as much as it will fascinate the reader. We predict the book will become a firm favourite with young adults and adults alike. While Tim was reticent about any future books, hopefully the reception of Fearless will encourage him to write more for a younger audience. Report by Simon Barrett and Louise Ellis-Barrett
|
