May - Artist of the Month – Victoria Leith
Our May ‘Artist of the Month’ is author Victoria Jane Leith.
About Victoria Leith.
Victoria Jane Leith is a writer, published author, teacher of 30 years and a parent! She travels the world, working with children, through the performing arts to help them realise the potential they have within them. Victoria’s latest book, Little Birds in Cages, is at its heart, all about kindness and empathy.
What a visit from Victoria entails
Victoria offers creative writing and well-being workshops for both Primary and Secondary students and also staff training.
Sessions for Primary include exploring poetry and stories, drama and movement (see here for more details: victoriajaneleith.com/primaryschoolworkshops) and sessions for Secondary are based around Victoria’s latest novel for teens, Little Birds in Cages.
A typical day could include working intensively with a focus group of students (see here for a detailed breakdown - victoriajaneleith.com/authorvisits) or leading shorter workshops based on themes of the book with rolling groups of students and staff.
Sessions can be suited to the needs of your students and are highly engaging, rewarding and innovative.
Interview with Victoria Leith
You’ve taught in various international schools, has this experience fed into your writing?
I’ve worked in schools in China, Africa, Czech Republic and England and yes, I believe my work with children has informed my writing. I see so much kindness between children but sadly, a lot of unkindness too, which worries me. It doesn’t matter where I teach, there is always a culture within schools of bullying and whilst there are many efforts to have zero tolerance, we often forget to look at why people mistreat others in the first place. Little Birds in Cages enable the reader to see a bit of the back story and to help them develop a sense of empathy, as well as showing that being kind is actually the way!
You are very open about some difficult times in your past, what advice would you give young people struggling to encourage them?
I would say that no matter where you come from, your upbringing, your experiences… all of your life up until now will help you find the path you are meant to tread. Even in adversity, we find ways to overcome. We don’t have to suffer - we can find help, talk with others, call help lines like the Samaritans, Child Line and Young Minds and also use our creativity! Writing a poem, story, song, rap… do whatever it takes it get your emotions out and free!
Your debut book ‘Little Birds in Cages’ has had some great reviews, where did you find the inspiration for it and how long did it take to complete?
I am so pleased that it is being read all over the world and that people of all ages are reading it! My inspiration came from my love of nurturing empathy. I have always been a highly sensitive and empathetic person - not a perfect person! But I am able to see and feel when someone is hurting. I feel there is a bubbling crisis of unkindness and I wanted to challenge the readers to think about how their actions can affect others - and also how we can create an incredible ripple effect of kindness when we carry out acts of service, big or small and just look after each other! We always have the choice to be kind and to not say horrible words to each other. It takes mindfulness and courage.
Do you feel there is enough support out there for young people’s mental health?
Not really, which is why I also wanted to write this book and get it into the hands and minds of as many young readers as possible. Although it is a novel, it is a bit like a self-help book and there are many wisdoms in there, which readers can learn from through the diversity of characters in the book. Since Covid and Lockdowns, there has been a rise in poorer mental health and wellbeing for children. I think this is partly down to people don’t know what’s round the corner any more. We made plans and they were all scuppered! I also think that this is the first time in our living memory that the entire world has been affected by something at the same time - and we all had to work together. It was scary - and I don’t think we can appreciate how difficult it was for our children, teens and youth to be separated from their friends for such a long time. It forced them to be online even more, which as we all know, can enable further challenges. I think we need more creative projects, books, songs and ventures to help the process as well as more available free counselling and support.
Do you think that creative writing is for everyone?
I would say yes! I know that some people might have blocks, like for example, dyslexia but actually with neuro diversity comes super powers! My husband is dyslexic and is an inspiring and fantastic poet. If you find you have challenges with writing, you can use the computer, or voice notes and record your thoughts then write them down. We all have creativity within us and sometimes, we need extra help to let it flow. One thing I like to do, for ideas, is to meditate. Just find a space where you can sit or lie down and breathe… let ideas come to you, don’t overthink. Sometimes my best ideas come when I am not purposefully thinking at all!
What impact can an author visit have on schools? Why are they so important to arrange?
I remember having amazing author visits from Anne Fine and Jamila Gavin when I was a teacher! I saw the impact it had on all the students and on me as a teacher! It is SO cool to have your favourite author come in and talk about their book - it inspires meaningful conversations and opens doors into the workings of their minds. I feel that having authors come in also shows how grounded they are - hard-working, normal people who have a story to share - and having author visits enables them to share that all with others, which in turn will inspire them.
What is body percussion and how does a workshop work in school?
Body percussion is using your own body to make rhythm patterns! I love it because it looks really difficult but when you break it down, it is achievable for every single person to learn it! I use body percussion a lot even in my writing workshops to help unlock creativity!
What has been your favourite moment working in a school?
Gosh, there are so many! This might sound a bit odd but there was one time when one of my year 5 students stole a chocolate bar from the snack tray - it belonged to another student, who was very sad about her missing chocolate! I talked to the whole class, not blaming or shaming anyone, creating a safe space for that person to come forward. Everyone left to go out for break and this young boy, 10 years old comes up to my desk and says, ‘It was me Miss… I stole it.” I told him how brave he was to come forward, to put the chocolate bar back and to go outside and play. He really learned from this and it was a learning moment for me too - I saw in his eyes that he was sorry but also so relieved that he’d told the truth. I always praise children for telling the truth! We need more of that these days!
What books inspired you as a child?
I always had my nose in a book and loved all of Enid Blyton’s creations, especially the Malory Towers and St Clares series! Dominic by William Steig was my favourite book and I used to read a lot of poetry too. When I was an older teen, I loved this one book called Hanging out with Cici - it was about a girl who went back in time and made friends with her mum!
What project are you excited to be working on next?
I have started writing a book about a young girl called Bonnie, who has ADHD and is travelling with her parents to other countries. I wanted to write a book where the hero has quite obvious challenges and I feel there needs to be more books for younger readers about neurodiversity.
What advice do you give to encourage reluctant readers and writers?
I would say to find something that interests you. Go to your local library and just flick through books, look at the pictures, read the blurbs and totally relax. My dad used to drop me off at the library whilst he did the food shopping and I’d have two glorious hours to just interact with books however I wanted to! Remember also to read comics, backs of cereal packets… just read anything!
What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
Going for a walk or listening to music can really help - and I do this in my creative writing workshops. We go on word walks and we listen to a diverse range of music to get the creativity flowing!
What advice would you offer to people wanting a career in writing?
I would say go for it! I have written countless articles for magazines and papers - just start writing and create as many opportunities for yourself as you can. Email people, call people and ask them for help - most people love to be of assistance! And get yourself onto writings courses suitable for your age. Make a vision board of what it looks like to be a successful writer! Take action every day and live your life as a writer.
Tell us about your publishing journey, is it true that writing the book can often be the easiest part of publication?
I have had a book published traditionally, I have written ebooks and for Little Birds in Cages, I went for a hybrid approach, where I paid for the services of industry professionals, for things such a cover design, editing and typesetting/formatting, whilst also publishing the book myself. I think writing the book was not the easiest part for me - it took a long time until I felt the book was ready and right to share! The face of publishing is changing massively now and you don’t need to wait for a mainstream publisher to get your work out there. But it is also quite cool when a publisher turns round and says they love your work so much that they want to have you on their books!
You are also quite arty, were you ever tempted to design your own book cover?
I am a professional artist but my art is very specific and doesn’t quite reach to book cover designs! I did try once and I then realised that I don’t have to do everything myself!
Quick Fire
Starter or dessert?
Dessert!
Sunshine or snow?
Ooohh I love the combination of both! But let’s go for sunshine!
Would you rather be able to fly or breathe under water?
Fly - one hundred per cent! It is my DREAM to be able to fly!
Favourite fairy tale?
They are all SO scary! I used to love Baba Yaga!
Cats or dogs?
Cats - we have a cat and her name is Kitty! Original !
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what law would you introduce?
Kindness for everyone and chocolate Tuesdays!
Arrange for Victoria Leith to visit your school
To make an enquiry about Victoria Jane Leith, or any of the other authors, poets & illustrators listed on this website, please contact us as follows
UK visits
Email: UKbookings@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Or contact Head of UK Visits, Yvonne - 01535 279850
Overseas Visits
Email:Overseasvisits@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Or contact Overseas Manager, Robin - +44(0) 1535 279853