Interview with Lilija Berzinska, author and illustrator of The Skeleton in the Cupboard
1. How did you become a writer and illustrator?
It was always my dream to be a writer and illustrator. When I was a child, I used to imagine how it would be to write stories and to paint beautiful pictures. So for me it came naturally, but also slowly. Both writing and drawing make me very happy and help to create an alternative and cosy world where I can disappear and spend happy hours exploring and daydreaming.
2. What does your working day look like?
I work as a translator, I translate books. So my day usually starts at 7 AM, then from 8 or 9 AM till 5 or 6 PM I work. My personal creative work happens in free time or between translation projects. But as I always say, creative work is not only writing on the computer or drawing. It is also thinking, slow walks in the woods or by the sea where ideas unfold and stories begin to live.
3. Do you have a favourite story and/or illustration in The Skeleton in the Cupboard? What part(s) did you find the most challenging to write/illustrate?
Yes, I do! I have two favourite stories. First one is “The Sea Wolf and The Hare”, and the second one is “The Skeleton in the Cupboard”. These two stories were the first to enter my mind, they surprised me and started this whole book journey. The most challenging part to illustrate was the story “The End of the World”. It took me a while to find the best approach, and I chose to draw those abstract trees and little critters among branches to illustrate the chaos and the unknown of the story.
4. Can you tell us anything about the translation process of The Skeleton in the Cupboard?
The translation process was absolutely amazing. Translators Zanete and Sara and editor Kate did a wonderful job and I was sure that all the little creatures and critters were in good hands. The most difficult part of the translation adventure was to find the right names for my characters, because in Latvian many of them have some kind of meaning or playful connotation. But in the end I am very pleased with the final result. You can read about some of the translation challenges at the end of the book and think about how you would translate them!
5. What is/was your favourite story or book, as a child and now?
One of my favourite books was The Wind in The Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It still is very dear to me. I also loved Grimms’ Fairy tales. As a teenager I fell in love with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. As for now, whenever I need to calm myself or to relax I choose one of Agatha Christie’s books.
6. What tips would you give to aspiring writers/illustrators?
Never give up and learn to love discipline! For me it was very difficult to overcome laziness and impatience, because creative work takes time and the end result isn’t something you can achieve in two days. Sometimes it takes two years or even more. So you have to learn to be patient and persistent. And with creative work the journey sometimes is even more important than the destination. That is why you have to learn to embrace every part of this creative process, for it brings joy and lots of happy moments, as well as unexpected surprises as in this case with my stories in The Skeleton in the Cupboard. I never dreamed about it being translated and meeting new readers abroad. And here we are. I am so happy and thrilled about it.
Image from The Skeleton in the Cupboard and other stories.
