Ellie Daines: Family Strife

Ellie Daines talks to us about her debut novel Lolly Luck, about an ordinary girl who's life is turned upside down when a series of catastrophes at home threaten both her family life and her experience at school.

Lolly goes through a lot in Lolly Luck – bullying at school, her father losing his job, her family losing their home – what made you want to write Lolly’s story?

I really wanted to write a book that dealt with real issues that some children have faced in their lives and show how it is possible to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges that a person may be confronted with. In the book Lolly is a cheerful and optimistic person and that side of her never fades even when she has to deal with the most devastating news.

Did you need to do much research?

I didn’t find myself needing to do lots of research but one thing I was definitely interested in learning about was what it’s like for a child growing up in poverty in Britain today and having to deal with the stigma that’s attached to it. I looked at a number of news articles, read case studies and watched a powerful BBC1 documentary last year called ‘Poor Kids’ which gave me further insight into this issue. In the novel Lolly finds it difficult adjusting to her family’s change of circumstances and is fearful of being perceived as poor by her classmates.

Were any of the characters based on anyone you know?

I did base part of the character of Lolly on my childhood self. Like her I was very lucky as a youngster and was always winning competitions. When writing about Lolly’s friendship with her best friend Nancy, I took inspiration from my own friendship with my best friend at primary school, a girl called Dinah, who’s still a good friend of mine to this day.

Lolly is very lucky to begin with in the book. Are you a believer in good luck?

To some extent yes, but I do believe that people make their own luck and that positive thinking plays a big part in achieving one’s goals.

Who are your favourite children’s writers writing today, and favourite children’s books?

My favourite children’s writers writing today would have to include Michael Murpurgo whose books are both gripping and uplifting. I enjoy Hilary McKay’s books and my favourite book by her is Saffy’s Angel. One of my favourite children’s books from the past few years is Jamila Gavin’s Coram Boy which is a moving and beautifully written story.

Will we be hearing more about Lolly?

Maybe. It wasn’t my original intention to do a sequel but it might be something I look at again in the future. I certainly enjoyed writing this book and I do think there is still more of Lolly’s story yet to be told.

What made you want to be a writer?

It was always an ambition of mine ever since I was really young. I loved writing short stories as a child, creating characters and taking them on a journey and I also enjoy sharing my writing with others. I particularly wanted to become a children’s author because I liked the idea of showing how a child makes sense of our complex and colourful world.