Jane Brocket
Jane Brocket is the author of The Gentle Art of Domesticity (2007) and The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking (2010) and of two books based on the wonderful things characters eat and do in classic children’s books: Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer (2008) and Ripping Things to Do (2009)—a selection of the pieces in these two books has been collected into one volume for the US as Turkish Delight and Treasure Hunts (Perigee, 2010). She is currently writing a series of four Clever Concepts books for Millbrook Press. She has a knitting book to be published in 2011 and two more craft books in the pipeline.
Jane enjoys knitting, quilting, sewing, baking, growing flowers, and taking photographs of the things she makes as well as details of the world around her. She loves color, pattern, texture, shapes, and objects. And, above all, she love books and reading.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
When I was a beginner reader it was anything by Enid Blyton. Later I found Little Lord Fauntleroy; The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe; and What Katy Did unforgettable. I also read Jane Eyre when I was ten and I think this must be the most memorable of all.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
Anything to do with delicious food and treats.
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Authors: Enid Blyton, Richmal Crompton, Frances Hodgson Burnett. Illustrators: Quentin Blake, Janet Ahlberg, Edward Ardizzone
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Have always wanted to see my words in print because I have been in love with books since I was very young and decided very early that it must be the most pleasing and incredible feeling to be published!
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Read as much as you can, write simply and clearly, write what comes from the heart and not what you think readers want to read.
