Guest Post--Writer’s Steps: "Timmy Turtle and the Litterbugs"

A newly-acquired friend, Susan Haynes-Elcock, has offered the following post, which gives some insight into how she has moved ahead as an author. Susan visited Barbados recently and came to see my wife a few Sundays ago; they know each other from Nassau. I was there to offer sustenance in the form of a really good chilli and corn bread that I had prepared to keep me going through the Super Bowl later that evening. Susan became a "taster" and gave the dish the thumbs up. So much so that I was left with corn bread crumbs for the big game.

We discussed the time the newish residents has spent so far in Barbados, including our new appreciation of Bajan pudding and souse, especially when used at a little spot in St. John, the Village Bar, Lemon Arbour. We also reminisced a little about things Nassovian and time living in England. The following weekend, I met Susan and a Bajan lady friend of hers at this said place in St. John, who were having a meal there for the first time ever. Glad to make both of their acquaintances.

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Writer's Steps: "Timmy Turtle and the Litterbugs"

As far back as I can remember I have always loved reading and books. Punishment and I became great personal friends, as I was so desperate to have a never-ending supply of books that I would sneak over to my friends, every chance I got to raid their collection of books; mine being long exhausted. (Funny, how parents always knew that you were where you weren’t supposed to be.) Even stranger was that parents wanted you to read (though not when you had chores to perform), and failed to appreciate how enterprising you were at sourcing a constant supply of books. I mean, let’s think about the dangers you faced at 10 years old: braving the traffic, or taking a shortcut through the immensely, overgrown path; or hopping over a 5 foot chain link fence – not to mention facing bad dogs one had to outsmart, and when that failed, outrun them.

I survived licks (not from dogs) and all manner of punishment; escapes from the jaws of dogs et al; grew up, became an adult, and eventually had children of my own. I encouraged the same love of books and reading in them, but was challenged to find literature representing ‘other’ and hence made the decision to one day write for children.

When the 'WRITE' day finally arrived, it didn’t just gently slip into place. It happened with something of a rush - not a huge tumultuous, earthshaking, volcanic bang, but more like a gale force 10 wind, maybe even gale force 12 (hurricane), kinda shock. Yep, victim to 'redundant restructuring' (my term). Just like that! A month’s salary and a new career – 'be careful what you wish for'.

To date, I have published "A Cry For Summer", which introduces the topic of HIV/AIDS to children, and adults. This project was done in coordination with the Barbados National Terminal Co. Ltd and the National Cultural Foundation. The most recent publication is the book and computer animated CD - "Timmy Turtle and the Litterbugs".This was a joint project between the Solid Waste Project Unit, Ministry of Health, Shell Western Supply and Trading Company and Caribbean Kids, and had a nice book launch.

Timmy Turtle, himself one of the endangered species of animals, introduces primary aged children to what happens if the environment is made sick. Work has commenced on the next publication which consists of a series of readers entitled "Rubbish Rebel". Also on the agenda are books on cancer and obesity.

I write for children mainly on social and environmental issues which can impact their lives, but my main desire is to push them out into the magic world of reading.

Post prepared by Susan Haynes-Elcock

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Susan gave my four year old daughter a signed copy of her book and that will be treasured.