“An author”, I’d say, whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Ever since I can remember, that was always my idea of my dream job.
I even fact checked that with my mum to make sure I wasn’t lying to you. She confirmed that, yes, my dream job was always to be an author, and I also occasionally wanted to be a ballerina, actress and famous singer. I think my family are probably very happy that I didn’t pursue those professions as I doubt I would have got very far.
I’ve always loved reading, and always been a big storyteller (even if it’s just telling a friend about a funny thing that happened, I always turn it into a bit of a dramatisation). And when I think of the time in my life I’d loved reading stories the most, it was when I was coming to the end of junior school. I remember trips to the school library, and the library in town, looking out for specific authors only – my favourite ones. And even now, as a proper(ish) adult, I’ll still re-read them!
I loved Jacqueline Wilson, Meg Cabot, Cathy Cassidy and, possibly my favourite ever author, Enid Blyton.
There was nothing I wanted more than to experience boarding school, midnight feasts and french lessons with Mademoiselle. I especially loved the “old fashioned”-ness to it all.
I’ve included a photo of the Lottie Project, as I loved the historical element of that book, but really I loved all Jacqueline Wilson books. As I got older, I also fell in love with the ‘Girls’ series – I have the 2024 sequel on pre-order!!!
The love interests in Cathy Cassidy’s books always had me hooked! I especially remember Kian in Scarlett, as well as the way Cathy described the gorgeous Irish countryside. I visited Mullingar for the first time recently, and – even though I read the book nearly two decades ago! – I could see still country through the eyes of the novel.
As a grown up, I have a few more favourite authors who I will make sure to read every book they release – but I’ll save that for another post!!
Thanks for reading.
Olivia xx
Hello there! 