When you were a child did you ever pick up a book that pulled you in, made you walk in the shoes of its characters (or scramble around on their paws)? Did a book ever open your eyes to a culture, a language…or the world? Then I think you’ll find today’s writer profile very inspiring.
I’ve interviewed Irina Skibenko, teacher, creator of the Smart Story Club blog, and author of several beautiful children’s books about a girl and her dog…and their travels around the world. You can learn more about her inspiring book-based speaking courses for kids or follow her on Instagram here.
As a parent of 2 bilingual kids, I cannot overstate how beautiful these books are and how much they get kids motivated to read and write in English. I feel lucky to have been able to work with Irina on some of her books…and discover her books for my own children.
This post is part of a series: What keeps you writing?
I hope we’ll start a conversation around the simple and profound things that keep us showing up at the page. I’m interviewing fellow Vagabonds who have written books, collections…or just put something incredible out into the world.
What follows are my questions to Irina about the process of becoming a writer—and writing her books. And her answers to those questions.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you--and what are the projects you're most passionate about these days?
My name is Irina Skibenko. I am from Ukraine, from the east, that’s why since 2014 I had to relocate because of the political situation in that region. I lived in different cities around Ukraine and also abroad. I call myself a teacher, a traveller and a writer, as I have been teaching English for many years now, I have travelled to around 20 countries and those trips are my inspiration to write adventure stories for children and teach them English with my adventure programme, based on my stories.
What made you interested in reading and writing in general? Did you grow up feeling like a writer? Or is it something you grew into as an adult?
Our home was full of books. My mum has always told me her funny stories connected with books in her childhood. For example, how she was hiding in the attic from her parents reading books or how she read from cover to cover “War and Peace” while her classmates read only “peace” passages. She also tells me that I would play with my books and notebooks rather than toys in my childhood. My granny used to read many interesting fairy tales to me.
However, I have never imagined I would be writing myself. I write adventure stories for children,more than that not in my mother tongue, and share my own life experiences from cycling and hiking trips, package holidays, visiting friends and sightseeing tours. I believe it’s a great medium to teach so many aspects - reading, writing, opening children’s eyes to the world, developing aesthetic tastes through examining illustrations, etc.
Tell us about your latest books, what gave you the inspiration to write them?
My books are inspired by my trips to beautiful places around the world. In the first book “Nina and Eve. First Trip to the sea.” I wanted to show children Turkey and its amazing blue lagoon in Oludeniz. I visited that place some time ago and even did paragliding there. However, the accident I describe happened in the Azov Sea, Ukraine, but it’s a secret. And, of course, my story was inspired by our funny, always energized dachshund Eve.
“Nina and Eve in the Schonbrunn Palace Park” was based on the accident that happened to me in Vienna. Once, I was lost in that park and couldn’t find the exit. It was getting dark and scary, I survived, unfortunately, I was without Eve, and Nina (my main character) is luckier as Eve was helping and supporting her.
“Nina and Eve in the Middle of the Indian Ocean” was inspired by my trip to Reunion Island. I write about the French culture, landscapes and, of course, an exciting adventure. Nina and Eve look for a lost puppy in this story. Moreover, something happen to Eve’s passport and the end of the story is open. Readers will know how the characters will deal with this problem in the next story. Yes, I plan to work on the next story which will take place on Mauritius Island. Another hot, exotic destination.
What do you love about writing? And is there anything you find difficult, or challenging? What keeps you writing in the face of those struggles?
While I write I reproduce those beautiful moments in my memory and I love experiencing them one more time, as well as sharing them with my readers. I also love adding and tweaking my writing so that it is more exciting and unpredictable.
The most challenging thing is to describe everything so accurately that a child could feel the same emotions that I felt. No more, no less, just enough to create a certain emotion and feeling about a landscape or an adventure and keep a child engaged. Another difficult thing could be if you feel you need to change something after you have finally finished your work. I’m not so patient to do it, but I do it to make it even better.
It’s so exciting to hold a finished copy with beautiful illustrations in your own hands. It’s such a rewarding feeling. What’s more rewarding is to see children who feel engaged with my stories and want to know what will happen next to Eve.
What new writing projects do you have in mind for the future?
I plan to continue writing my adventure series. The next story will be about Nina and Eve’s adventures on Mauritius island. And I don’t know yet what will be after that…
I also have a writing project for children where I teach them to write their own stories. They love creating stories about their pets.They feel very proud of themselves when they complete and illustrate their books.
Any final thoughts, advice for your fellow readers on writing, hopes for this year...or directions you’d like to take personally, and creatively?
Writing from your heart about your real-life experiences or desired dreams can make a real impact and inspire others for a better change in their lives, as well as creating because you can’t stop your creative flow :). I wish to have more time to read and explore literature world this year and to create my new story.
Thanks to Irina for a great walk through what it’s like to publish a children’s book series—and help young people explore the world through stories, books, and great conversations.
Ready to get writing? Join me for a workshop or a writing prompt.
As a way of reaching out and bringing us together, I write prompts and hold live, free writing workshops--and book chats. If you’d like to get my prompts, invitations to my next live event, and a short and sweet series of prompts designed to get you writing something short and healing about your life and from the senses, be sure to join the newsletter.