Author Interview – PYA Authors – I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Linda Jones of Promoting Yorkshire Authors talks about their delightful new children’s anthology, I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy, a fun, heartwarming collection of stories created by 14 Yorkshire writers, now raising funds for CLAPA.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I’ve interviewed Linda Jones, Volunteer Chair of Promoting Yorkshire Authors (PYA), to discuss their vibrant new children’s anthology, I Want a Crocodile and Make It Snappy.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am Linda Jones, Volunteer Chair of Promoting Yorkshire Authors (PYA). Established in 2015, PYA is a non-profit community organisation with over 450 members. We welcome member-authors who have a close connection to Yorkshire, aiming to improve the quality and recognition of their work worldwide. PYA is free to join, and once registered, it opens up opportunities for mutual support and advice. Writing can be a lonely business; we offer a supportive and creative environment where writers can develop their skills.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

PYA’s children’s anthology, I Want a Crocodile and Make It Snappy, came about from a discussion during a regular meeting of the Children’s Author Group within PYA. Writing a series of short stories for six- to ten-year-olds was welcomed by the group with enthusiasm. For some, this was the first time they had published anything; for others, it was the first time they had written for children. Writing the book wasn’t the only objective. This gave us all an opportunity to learn about editing, formatting, illustrating, and the complete process from first word to published work.

As a community group, we cannot make a profit from the sale of the anthology, so we decided to sell the work on behalf of a charity and donate all proceeds to that organisation. This year, we are supporting CLAPA  Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) – For the UK cleft community

When did you take a step to start writing?

The decision to write the collection of stories came in April 2025, and we hoped to have a book ready for publication within 12 months. By September, fourteen writers submitted a piece for the anthology.

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

Writing the stories was half the battle. As many will know, editing takes time and patience, and it was important to collaborate with the fourteen writers as we progressed. We chose to include at least one illustration with each short story, which added another layer of complexity.

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

Nine months, from the very first discussion in April 2025 to publication day, on the 28^th January 2026.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy?

During regular monthly meetings, we often wrote short stories and shared them within the Children’s Author Group. The idea of publishing a book of some of those stories gave the group a focus, something to work towards. We wanted the book to be fun and reflect our members’ style.

What were your biggest challenges with writing I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy?

For some, it was confidence-building, helping the members develop their work and to trust in their own abilities.  Formatting the book and the cover design fell to Paul Smith, one of the founders of PYA and a member of the Children’s Author Group, although we each contributed to the final decisions on the cover and the colours used.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

The title, I Want a Crocodile and Make it Snappy, began as a throwaway comment in the original discussion. We used it as a title hook, but several of the writers and authors ended up including crocodiles in their work. So, the title stayed. There is a gorgeous mix of tales within the collection: rhyming, funny, poignant, plus dragons and even a mouse with a curly tail.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

Each writer’s inspiration was different, which makes the book an intriguing read. It also offers a flavour of the work of authors who have already published books.

What is the main conflict of I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy?

Some stories are quirky, others are mysterious, but all of them have a happy ending.

Did you plot I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

Each writer had free rein to write what they wished, as long as it was suitable for a 6-7-year-old and above. Some produced poetry, others a short story. We read the tales to the group over a series of meetings, adapting them as flaws were discovered or enhancements suggested.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did I Want A Crocodile And Make It Snappy need?

Several of us worked with individual authors before the final edit. We were fortunate to have Paul Smith, an experienced author and editor, who did the final editing.

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

Write, and then write some more; don’t stop, don’t give in. The old adage applies: how can you tell a successful writer from one who isn’t? The successful ones are still writing.

It doesn’t matter whether the piece is a hundred words or several thousand. As I mentioned earlier, writing can be lonely, so joining a group, whether a local writers group or online like PYA, can provide the boost and support you might need.

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

The Children’s Author Group are producing another book, only this one will be different.

Written to encourage reluctant readers, it will be full of surprises.

A school bus breaks down near a spooky wood. The children find a huge old house, with a long corridor and numerous doors. On each door is the name of one or more of the children, and only the named children can open their door. Will they dare to enter? If they do, what will they find?

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

I am so proud to have been a part of this project. It was a challenge, but it has been worth every hour spent. The fact that sales of the book benefit a charity is a bonus too.

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

To join Promoting Yorkshire Authors, go to www.p-y-a.org

You can view the publicsite Facebook Group Yorkshire Author Promotions (YAP) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pyaopen

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4dreiFS

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4dyL881

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We’re also on Mastodon, the friendly network: https://mastodonapp.uk/@PromotingYorkshireAuthors.