An Olivetale began many years ago while living in the Spanish Andalusian countryside. Writing at work in bars and cafes my plot and story came to life. I put pen to paper and characters I saw in my dreams came to life. Lilly Lara my god daughter was my first inspiration for writing a children’s book.
While I was working as a waitress in a local hostel bar, in the beautiful Andalucían town of Loja, my boss and friend Silvie let me write in the quiet periods, she soon became the first person to review and help me edit the first drafts.
After moving to Malaga and starting a family my writing slowed down. Until one day a good friend of ours John, who is a writer himself, visited us and caught a glimpse of my notes and images on a story board I had set out in the attic. He encouraged me to pick it back up again and finish.
With the story finished I needed an illustrator to bring my world to life. I knew straight away my artistic father in law would be a great for the job even if he didn’t. So, after months of sending him my drafts, descriptions of how I imagined things should look and being a general pain in the bum, I was amazed with what he came up with! Out of his comfort zone and the first time he had ever attempted anything like this he bought my world and characters to life.
So here we are ten years later, book in hand, ready to share it with the world.
Finally Lilly Laras book is ready for her, and you all to read.
I hope you enjoy my world, An Olivetale
Lara Clara Goodacre x
