Reader Interview #5: Storytelling is a "huge part" of Linsey's life.

Linsey Painter is an Aussie children's author. She's also an avid reader, the leader of the Omega Writers Fantasy and Sci/Fi Chapter and a mum of three boys (one of whom illustrates some of her books!). Linsey and I connected years ago, over writing but also over our shared experiences in mission (both as adults and as MKs). I've long respected Linsey's work so was excited to interview her for this series so I could learn more about how she reads, shares books with young people and how that in-turn influences her own writing. Enjoy!

​Penny: Tell me a little about yourself and how you use books in your relationships with children. 
Linsey: I am a writer. I write mostly for older children around 9-12 years, though I have written a number of picture books. Story telling is a huge part of my life, ever since I was young, I’ve loved telling stories.
I’ve always been big on reading to my boys. We’ve had story time as part of their nightly routine ever since they were babies and I even read to my older boys into their teens. Now all three of my boys are great readers, they read more than I do. 
As a playgroup and a Sunday school leader, story is a big part of the schedule and one of the favourite parts of the session. Young kids love being read to. 
My eldest son is a talented illustrator and I had the privilege of creating two picture books with him. It was such a fun project and it was very special to be able to do that together.

"Ever since I was young, I’ve loved telling stories."
- Linsey Painter

​Penny: What are some of your favourite books to share with your children and why?
Linsey: Some of my favourite books that I’ve shared with my boys have been The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis and The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. These are all stories that my own parents read to me growing up and it has been such a privilege to pass these stories on to my kids. 
Fantasy stories have the ability to cover topics that might be heavy or not popular in contemporary fiction. It’s also an amazing way to bring a sense of wonder back into our lives. 

"Fantasy stories... an amazing way to bring a sense of wonder back into our lives." 
- Linsey Painter

Penny: Can you think of a book that made a big impact on you as a child? What was it and why was it so important at that time?
Linsey: A book that had a big impact on me as a child was Rainbow Garden by Patricia St John. It was my favourite story when I was about ten years old. I was a boarding school and the story of Elaine, a young girl who was sent to live with a family she didn’t know and had trouble relating to was something that I could relate to. I was really touched by the theme of being God’s child and part of God’s family when our own human family might not exist or maybe far away.

Penny: Do you get much time to read in your everyday life? Tell us what you are reading at the moment.
Linsey: I don’t get a whole lot of time to read during the days, but I’m making a big effort at the present as I’m trying to read as much as I write. I usually have a number of books on the go. Right now, I’m reading, Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett, Wildsmith by Liz Flanagan and The Sacred Diaries of Adrian Plass Aged 37 ¾ by Adrian Plass. 

For more information about Linsey, her writing and books, or to sign up for her fantastic newsletter, relatably titled 'Messy Writing', visit: https://www.linseypainter.com/