Author Interview – Pauline Tait – Wanda The Weary Witch

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, author Pauline Tait celebrates a decade in publishing, shares the heart behind her new picture book Wanda the Weary Witch, and offers a sneak peek at her upcoming Skye-set romantic suspense novels.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

Having had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Pauline Tait about her previous books, I am thrilled to catch up with her again as this wonderful Perthshire author celebrates a decade as a published writer. Multi-award-winning and bestselling, Pauline has built a brilliant career writing both heartwarming children’s picture books and emotion-driven romantic suspense set on the Isle of Skye. In our latest conversation, she reflects on her journey from literacy specialist to established author, discusses the inspiration behind her charming new book, Wanda the Weary Witch, and shares a look ahead at what’s next for her readers.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m a Perthshire author, and this year I’m celebrating ten years as a published author, which still feels rather surreal to say out loud. During that time, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to become a multi-award-winning and bestselling author, writing both children’s picture books and emotion-driven romantic suspense novels set on the Scottish Isle of Skye.

Before becoming a full-time author, I worked as a literacy specialist, helping children who needed extra-curricular support with literacy discover confidence through reading and writing. That passion has never left me. Whether I’m visiting schools and libraries, speaking at literary events, mentoring aspiring children’s authors, or writing my next book, encouraging people to discover the joy of stories remains one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. If a child finishes one of my books wanting to read another, or perhaps even write one of their own, then I feel I’ve done my job.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

It all started when my daughter was little. Like many parents, I used to make up stories for her, and because she adored fairies, they usually featured somewhere. One day, the idea for The Fairy in the Kettle came to me. I never told her that particular story. Instead, I drafted the manuscript and went back and forth to it over the years. I think there was always a little part of me that hoped one day I might actually get it published.

Life, of course, got in the way, and the manuscript sat quietly in the back of my mind. Then I found myself working in schools as a literacy specialist, reading stories to children, and something just clicked. Being surrounded by books reignited that little dream I’d tucked away all those years before. I decided it was now or never, so I took a deep breath, submitted The Fairy in the Kettle, and thankfully I’ve never looked back.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I decided that if I was going to give The Fairy in the Kettle a chance, I needed to stop talking about it and actually do something. During the school summer holidays, between days out and spending time with my own children, I’d steal a couple of hours here and there to polish the manuscript.

By the end of September, I finally felt it was ready. I printed it out, popped it in an envelope and posted it off, hoping someone would see the potential in the story. It was one of those moments where you think, well, there’s no turning back now. Thankfully, that leap of faith was worth it.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

From the first idea to seeing The Fairy in the Kettle on a bookshop shelf took around two years. Once the manuscript had been accepted, I had to wait for the illustrator to become available, which taught me one of my first lessons about publishing… it isn’t a fast process.

While the illustrations were being created, I realised I had an awful lot to learn. I immersed myself in everything I could about publishing, book launches and author events, and spent time thinking about how I wanted to present myself and find my unique place within the writing and publishing world. Looking back, those months were invaluable. I found my author voice, created events that felt genuinely me, and laid the foundations for everything I’ve done over the past ten years.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

The idea for Wanda the Weary Witch had been waiting patiently while I concentrated on writing my romantic suspense series. I always knew I’d come back to her, but I wanted to give each story the time and attention it deserved. Eventually, it was simply Wanda’s turn.

Working with my wonderful illustrator, Madeline Pinkerton, brought Wanda to life in ways I could only have imagined. Having been through the publishing process several times before, I was able to enjoy it far more this time around. Instead of worrying about what came next, I could simply concentrate on creating the best book possible and sharing Wanda with young readers.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Wanda The Weary Witch?

I wanted to write a story that children could recognise themselves in. Not every child is full of confidence or bursting with energy all the time. Some children worry, some get tired, and some doubt whether they’re good enough.

Like all of us, Wanda makes mistakes, and she isn’t afraid to accept a little help from her friends along the way. But she also learns from those mistakes and that’s the message I hope children take away from the story. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do everything on your own, but a little effort really can make all the difference.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Wanda The Weary Witch?

Picture books always look deceptively simple, but they are probably the hardest books I write. Every single word has to earn its place. You’re trying to tell a complete story, develop a memorable character, and leave children with a message they’ll understand, all within such a limited word count.

With Wanda, I also wanted the message to feel natural. I don’t want children to feel they’re being taught a lesson. I want them to enjoy the story first and then, almost without realising it, come away believing that it’s okay to ask for help, that making mistakes is normal, and that a little effort really can make all the difference.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

Wanda wasn’t inspired by one particular child. I think most of my characters are a blend of people I’ve met over the years and the qualities I’ve noticed in them. As a former literacy specialist, I spent years working with children, and you begin to see that not every child is loud or confident. Some are quiet, some doubt themselves, some are incredibly kind, and many show remarkable resilience in their own quiet way.

Wanda represents those children. She’s gentle, she worries, she gets things wrong, but she never gives up. I think there’s a little bit of Wanda in all of us from time to time, no matter how old we are.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

Wanda doesn’t really have a traditional villain, and that was a deliberate choice. I didn’t want her to be battling an evil witch or a scary monster because, in real life, the biggest obstacles children often face aren’t villains at all.

Sometimes it’s self-doubt. Sometimes it’s feeling tired or overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s simply believing they’re not clever enough or that they can’t do something. Those are the challenges Wanda has to overcome, and I think many children will recognise those feelings.

What is the main conflict of Wanda The Weary Witch?

On the surface, the conflict is simple. Wanda wants to become a successful witch, but things never seem to go quite to plan.

But for me, the real conflict is internal, and that’s usually the part of a story that readers remember. Wanda has to overcome her own self-doubt and discover that making mistakes doesn’t mean you’ve failed. With a little help, a little organisation and a little effort, she begins to realise she’s capable of far more than she first believed.

Did you plot Wanda The Weary Witch in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I’m definitely a planner when it comes to picture books. With so few words to work with, planning saves an enormous amount of rewriting later on. Over the years, I’ve developed my own picture book template, which helps me see the overall structure of the story as I’m writing and makes sure every page earns its place.

The template has worked so well that I now use it with many of my mentoring clients too. It’s wonderful to see other writers gain confidence from a process that has helped me shape my own stories over the years.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Wanda The Weary Witch need?

Every book goes through an editing process, and Wanda was no exception. Picture books leave very little room for unnecessary words, so every sentence and often every single word was carefully considered.

By the end, the story hadn’t changed dramatically, but my punctuation had been whipped into shape. Personally, it’s always my commas that need the most attention.

Publishing is a collaborative process, and every stage, from editing through to illustration and design, helps make the finished book stronger.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Don’t wait until you think you’re ready. If you have a story you want to tell, start writing it. Stories grow and change as we write them, and every writer learns by writing.

Read widely, listen to feedback and keep learning your craft, but most importantly, don’t let fear stop you. You never know where one story might lead.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I’m always scribbling ideas down, but my focus is now returning to my novels. Readers can look forward to the next book in my Maren Bay series, set once again on the beautiful Isle of Skye, where there will be plenty of secrets, suspense and, of course, romance.

Beyond that, I’m excited to begin writing the first book in a brand-new romantic suspense quartet, also set on the Isle of Skye. I can’t reveal too much just yet, but readers can expect new characters, fresh mysteries and all the dramatic landscapes and emotional storytelling they’ve come to expect from my novels.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Wasb it worth the effort?

Without a doubt. There have been highs, there have been setbacks, and there have certainly been moments where I’ve wondered what on earth I was doing, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

Over the past ten years, writing has taken me into schools, libraries, bookshops and literary festivals, and introduced me to some wonderful people along the way. If my stories have encouraged even one child to discover a love of reading, or inspired someone to believe in their own writing, then every hour has been worthwhile. I still wake up excited to write the next story, and to me, that’s the greatest achievement of all.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SD7iOq

www.paulinetait.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ptauthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tait_pauline_author/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-tait/

Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@tait_pauline_author