Book Chat: Marg Gibbs

It's a pleasure to welcome Marg Gibbs to the blog. Marg (who also publishes as MJ Gibbs) is a multi-published author, whose works include poetry, picture books and junior fiction for children, and non-fiction for adults. Marg's latest picture book, Awash, is a heartwarming story that gently encourages children to take a proactive role in caring for nature.

Many thanks for dropping by for a Book Chat, Marg, and congratulations on the arrival of Awash. It’s a beautifully written and illustrated work which will no doubt open up many fruitful discussions about caring for our planet.

To begin with, would you mind sharing a little of your journey as an author up to this point?

I have always loved writing poems and stories. When teaching at high school, I encouraged the students to write and enter competitions. It brought me joy to see the satisfaction of young story writers crafting their skills. Later, I submitted my work to various publishers, waiting and hopeful, while increasing my knowledge and connecting with authors. My journey into self-publication took off during Covid with a picture book, The Post Office Pup and A Very Mapleton Christmas. I have also published poetry collections, junior fiction, and am currently working on middle-grade manuscripts. The journey to being an author is exciting, hard work and imaginative. I love it.

You are obviously very passionate about encouraging kids to do what they can to care for the environment. Was there a particular inspiration that led you to address this issue in the narrative form we find in Awash?

My inspiration for Awash came when I walked along the beach after a storm. I noted a huge amount of rubbish strewn between seaweed and driftwood. I took photographs that inspired me to write the story of a girl, Cassie, who needs help cleaning up the beach.

I’m always curious to learn about other authors' drafting processes, so I’d love to know a little about the formation of the manuscript for Awash.

I knew this story was not in rhyme. I outlined a three-act structure with beginning, middle and end. The characters came naturally, although I did change Millie’s name to Mia. I read aloud the words as I completed several drafts. Thankfully, Inda Ahmad Zahri was offering manuscript assessments, so I sent this story to her. She helped me to tighten the ideas with an emphasis on character motivation. After a few more drafts and a polish, I felt the story was right.

Many authors would love to follow your steps in fostering a sense of environmental responsibility in young readers. Can you offer any advice about how storytellers can effectively engage kids in environmental or other important issues through the vehicle of fiction?

Children are curious and love to solve problems. Today there are countless environmental causes and organisations to foster awareness, learning and future thinking. I think storytellers can engage kids with their text, diagrams, maps, questions, research, fun activities, and illustrations. The vehicle of fiction is marvellous for growing their minds and hearts. Forests, climate, ocean pollution, global warming, biodiversity, soil etc lend themselves to a range of fiction styles.

As a published poet, there is, not surprisingly, a distinct poetic sensibility in your prose writing. How do you feel your background as a poet informs your prose?

Love this question. I love the emotion, beauty, imagery and sound of poems. Choosing the best words that fit Awash was a balance between figurative language and sensory. My background as a poet does impact everything I write.

Can you tell us a little about the nature of your collaboration with your incredible Awash illustrator, Sandra Severgnini?

I researched a few illustrators who would fit this story. I was familiar with Sandra’s beautiful artwork from other books she had crafted. I sent her two picture stories and asked her if she would consider the one she liked the most. Her reply was the environmental one. We collaborated via several back and forward emails, suggesting adjustments, tweaks and ideas. Each time a spread would come, I was excited to see Cassie, Mia and the pictures develop. Her digital watercolour style filled the pages with such interesting and creative work. The beach litter came alive with her skill and colour.

What’s next for Marg Gibbs?

I am visiting Scotland, the land of my father, Alexander Calder. I have written a middle-grade mystery adventure set in a woodland, featuring an evil antagonist and exploring dark secrets. Hopefully, my travels and observations will enhance this story as I immerse myself in the ways of the Scots – food, language, graveyards and lochs. I have just read Karen Brook’s adult novel – The Whisky Widower. It’s fantastic. I’m also editing another middle-grade story.

Where are the best places for readers to go online to find out more about you, and about Awash and all of your other books?

Best place is my website – www.mjgibbs.com.au 

Beach goers and ocean lovers, you can purchase Marg and Sandra’s book here: AWASH – M.J.Gibbs

I would love people to email me at m.j.gibbs@bigpond.com

I enjoy posting on Instagram – marg_gibbs.

Many thanks for chatting, Marg! I wish you great success with Awash, and look forward to following your continuing journey.

This post is part of a blog tour for Awash, presented by Books On Tour PR & Marketing. Please keep following this wonderful book's journey on all of the fine blogs and sites below.