Liz Bickerstaff
Name: Liz Bickerstaff
Novel name: The Time Travelling Adventures of Stanley Holmes-MG
Liz Bickerstaff lives in Liverpool with her husband. After 23 years as a primary school teacher, she decided to pursue a writing career. Liz has always enjoyed writing (ever since, as a child, she was a runner up in a Blue Peter writing competition!) but in the past she never had the time to pursue it. After completing several writing courses, she started writing picture books, but discovered that she really enjoyed writing middle grade. In 2020, Liz graduated from the Golden Egg Academy after completing the Story Foundations course.
Her MG novel, ‘The Isle of Giants,’ was longlisted in the 2022 New Writing North Awards. Liz is an active member of Write Mentor, and also an online critique group, where she’s learned a huge amount from both writing and receiving feedback. In her spare time, Liz enjoys running a children’s Writing Club and a Book Club in her local library.
Liz’s dream would be to see kids reading and enjoying her books and begging their parents to buy them the latest one!
What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?
I’d seen the competition advertised on Twitter and knew that each entry received feedback. That was a big plus in deciding to enter as you don’t often get any feedback in other competitions. I can’t afford to enter many competitions throughout the year, so this one seemed like a good opportunity.
What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?
I was completely amazed when I received the letter to say I was on the LL. I’d managed to miss the Twitter top 100 snippets, so it was a complete surprise. Then when Sara rang to tell me I was on the SL, well, I thought she was joking! I was very shocked.
What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?
Everyone was really happy for me and helped me to celebrate – lots of cake, sparkling drinks & meals out. Lovely!
You were unrepresented when you entered the Cheshire Novel Prize, can you say what’s happened since?
I’ve had my head down trying to complete a first draft of a new MG book set in a school in space. It’s kept me focused and stopped me thinking about the final announcement. I’ve also researched and compiled a list of agents, and I’m looking forward to the agent showcase.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I have always found the idea of time travel fascinating and wanted to explore that in a children’s book. I based the setting on Warrington, which has a long history dating back to the Romans. I thought it would be amazing to see what your hometown was like during different periods in history. I also wanted to write a book with working-class characters, inspired by the children who I taught in that area. I liked the idea of the main character, Stanley, having an unusual hobby that plays a big part in the story. His new friend, Billy, was inspired by two young lads who I saw on TV talking about how one of them was raising money for a cancer charity to support his friend who had been diagnosed. Their bond inspired the strong friendship that Stanley develops with Billy.
What’s it about?
‘The Time Travelling Adventures of Stanley Holmes’ is a middle grade contemporary adventure, with series potential.
Ten-year-old introvert Stanley loves history and metal detecting. He’s desperate to win Fordington’s ‘Best Find’ competition and make his grandad proud before he forgets him. After digging up a long-forgotten time capsule containing a mysterious time travel device, Stanley thinks he’s found the perfect way to collect objects from the past. But when his new friend, Billy, is left behind in Roman Fordington and then the time travel device is stolen, Stanley must find the thief or lose the first best friend he’s ever had.
It's a story about friendship, family bonds, and how we choose to be remembered. It also deals with a grandparent losing their memories.
What’s your writing routine?
Before starting a new story, I buy a new notebook to fill with ideas and inspiration. I daydream about the characters and their story for quite a long time before I start. I like to do a lot of free writes in my notebook to get a feel for the voice. Then, I try to write an outline before I start writing, but I don’t always follow it.
I usually set goals and have a plan for the week. If I’m at the drafting stage, then I’ll try to write at least a chapter a week – more if I’ve got time. As I’m writing the first draft, I often leave myself notes on things that I need to research. I’m lucky that I’ve got my own little writing room to work in, surrounded by lots of books and favourite things.
What’s next for you?
I want to finish the first draft I’ve been working on and then set it to one side, so I can start on another MG that I’ve been planning. It will be set in Liverpool, and the main character is a bit of a lovable rogue who always gets into trouble for making up outlandish stories. It will involve alternate worlds and a talking seagull!
What are your favourite children’s books and why?
I read a huge number of children’s books and have got many favourite authors, such as Emma Carroll, Lisa Thompson, Michael Morpurgo, Vashti Hardy, Christopher Edge, Jessica Townsend. One of my favourite books is ‘The Many Worlds of Albie Bright’ by Christopher Edge. I’ve read it numerous times and love the idea of exploring parallel worlds. The author also makes the science behind it very accessible for children.
For laugh-out-loud, I loved ‘Uma & the Answer to Absolutely Everything’ by Sam Copeland. It’s got a genius AI, a sinister inventor, and drunk alpacas! What more could you ask for.
Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?
Go for it! You never know what will happen, and it’s great to have a deadline to work towards. Even if you don’t win, the feedback (from experts & children) will be invaluable.