A Perthshire woman has realised a life-long dream of becoming an author – by publishing a children’s book about POOP.
Jill Young from Abernethy sought inspiration for her venture from her own back garden, where her twin eight-year-olds were making “potions” from mud, water, sand and whatever else they could find.
The POOP in Jill’s book ‘Party Poopers’, stands for the Professional Organisation of Outstanding Potioneers.
Published in September, it tells the story of twins Lauren and Jamie who, alongside their friends, create a potion and try to prove it is magic in an attempt to join the organisation.
On her journey to becoming a published author, Jill said: “My background is in banking and finance which isn’t very creative.
“But after my children were born, I took some time out of work and I had taken a creative writing course.”
Jill had worked on her story idea for several years but it was her twins, now aged 11, who encouraged her to finally do something more with it.
Winning first place at a competition gave her more confidence to publish it.
She was given advice through social media channels and platforms aimed at budding authors and illustrators.
It was through a Facebook page she found a Plymouth-based illustrator to add colour to her story.
Jill eventually self-published her book in a move she and her family found hugely exciting.
She said: “[My children] are absolutely delighted.
“They took great pleasure in reading it as I was writing it. They have been very enthusiastic.”
Having completed her first book, Jill plans to further put her literary skills to good use by continuing to write.
She is currently in the process of penning another children’s book and a novel aimed at adults.
Jill is also reading her book in schools and has even been approached by AK Bell Library for a copy of her debut.
More information on where to order Jill’s book can be found on her Facebook page.
