Shirley White, has lived in Morwenstow for over 20 years and taught at Budehaven school for 13 years. She is now the author of an eye-catching book asking the question: how long is dreckly? Perfect for children and their families to enjoy, you can buy it in all the usual places – and more besides.
She says:
I retired in the summer of 2019. During the first lockdown I started to paint portraits of my friends’ dogs, cats and horses (her art website is here); then, I branched out to paint landscapes and seascapes, until my daughter Mims, who now lives in Kent, became pregnant with my first grandchild.
So, I decided to write a little story about her coming to Cornwall to visit her Nanna. Originally it was just going to be a few cartoons with the story handwritten on the page.
I showed it to my friend, Karen from Skandesign, who then revealed that she used to work for a well-known book company specialising in children’s picture books. She took me under her wing, and I produced a book that resulted in me having 10 printed just for family.
It was Mims and her partner who persuaded me to make it into an actual book to sell, so I took out all the personal stuff and self-published.
I can’t wait until Elowen is old enough to read the book herself. Mims and Steve are now expecting their second child…I suppose I’d better get writing another book!
The books are available from Spencer Thorne book shop Bude, Etsy, Tamar Lakes Cafe, Kilkhampton Spar and Furze Stores Morwenstow.