AN AUTHOR of more than 40 children’s and young adult books has paid a visit to Crediton Library. 

Carnegie Medal-winner Tanya Landman spoke to youngsters from the Year 6 and 7 book group, who had been reading her 2022 novel Midwinter Burning, and the teen book group in a question-and-answer session on Friday, April 19. 

“It was so interesting to hear about how Tanya gets her ideas,” First Assistant at Crediton Library Beth Vaughan said. 

“The way characters come alive so much that they start having conversations with Tanya in her head, why she wants to represent certain characters, as well as many other aspects of being an author and the process of writing. 

“It gave the children and teenagers an opportunity to ask questions about authors and their work in general – for instance how a photo is chosen for a cover, what can go into the creation of the first draft.” 

Attendees also heard about how Ms Landman decided to change the setting of Midwinter Burning, a historical time-slip adventure about an evacuee from London, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“When Covid hit Tanya told us how the book had to become something else: set in Devon as she couldn’t travel for research, and some characters and stories based on experiences of her mother who happened to be living with her during this period,” Beth Vaughan continued. 

“This was fascinating to hear about and really inspired those who attended to appreciate aspects of books’ creations they otherwise wouldn’t have considered. 

“After the event, I received much positive feedback about Tanya’s visit, with one attendee telling me that Midwinter Burning was one of the best books she had ever read.” 

Ms Landman is also the author of 2015 hit Buffalo Soldier, for which she won the Carnegie Medal in 2015, and I Am Apache, which won another award in 2009. 

The Year 6 and 7 and teen book groups meet once every half term at Crediton Library. 

Libraries in Devon and Torbay are run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff- and community-owned charity.  

You can join for free online: https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena.