WORK TOGETHER
Amy Sparkes explores how collaboration offers opportunities for children’s writers to create exciting and satisfying new creative experiences
FIONA BARKER
Fiona Barker is an author working with charities
HOW DID WORKING WITH THE CHARITIES COME ABOUT?
In both cases where I’ve worked with charities (The Cinnamon Trust and The Marine Conversation Society) I wrote the story inspired by each respective charity and then the publishers (Tiny Tree Children’s Books) approached them with a view to featuring their work, using their logo or donating a proportion of the profits.
HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE BEEN?
It’s lovely to be able to support and spread awareness for these two charities through the books. It gives me something extra to talk about during events and allows me to support them in a way that feels extra to just being a member and taking part in activities they organise. I hope they feel like they get something out of it, either financially if we’re sharing royalties or just in terms of spreading the word about their activities. On a purely commercial front, it was also a boost to be featured in their magazine. I definitely think it’s a situation where both parties can benefit.
WHAT INSPIRED THE BOOKS?
Danny and the Dream Dog was inspired partly by my real-life experience of not being allowed to get a dog when I was younger and also by the work of The Cinnamon Trust. They link volunteers with people who need help to look after their pets in their own home so the owners get to keep their pets with them. The pets remain with people they love in familiar surroundings and the volunteers get a surrogate pet. It’s such a great charity and just seemed to fit with the theme of the story.