Rose English – Enchanting Tales and Timeless Wisdom

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readershouse.co.uk

Rose English discusses her inspirations, the impact of her librarian experience, themes of empathy and redemption, charitable efforts, and the creation of her pocket-sized books.

Meet Rose English, a self-published author and devoted Read-a-holic, crafting stories purely for joy. Nestled in tranquil Herefordshire Countryside, her home is a sanctuary of books, complete with her own ‘Leaning Tower of Paperbacks’.

A dreamer by nature, Rose treasures quiet moments immersed in her beloved books, extending her passion to live performances and the arts. Formerly a school librarian, she now resides among the shelves of Hereford’s NHS Trust, issuing ‘Medical Equipment’.

In her whimsical world, Rose’s muse is Miss Ruby Heart, a ruby King Charles Spaniel (a stuffed toy) adding magic to her literary adventures. Besides being a main character in her children’s stories in verse, the little dog has her own social media pages, reviewing Children’s Books. Embark on a journey through Rose’s life, where each chapter promises enchantment and discovery.

What inspired the transformation of ‘The Magic of Grandfather Christmas’ into a collection of stories for all ages?

My fascination with longcase clocks sparked when I discovered a book at my local library. The quote, ‘A Grandfather Clock has a face and a voice. As its name suggests it is more than a piece of furniture it is a member of the family’ (Richard E.A. Barder, 1983), deepened my interest.

I delved into the history of the ‘Grandfather’ clock, discovering an old song from 1876 ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’ by Henry Clay Works. It tells of a clock that slowed when one brother died and stopped when the other passed away, ‘Never to go again’.

Intrigued by this narrative, I envisioned a magical clock granting wishes. Inspired, I entered a seasonal short-story competition, leading to the creation of ‘The Magic of Grandfather Christmas,’ which won first prize.

How did Rose’s experience as a school librarian influence her writing and storytelling?

Rose’s tenure as a school librarian deeply influenced her writing and storytelling. Witnessing how books acted as havens for children of all backgrounds, including the most unruly, revealed to her the solace found within stories.

Rose’s nurturing approach not only cultivated a passion for literature but also empowered disengaged students, guiding them towards academic success. The heartfelt thank-you cards from former students, once doubtful but now flourishing in college, underscore the profound impact of her dedication. Rose’s experience imbued her writing with empathy, understanding, and a profound appreciation for literature’s transformative power.

Can you tell us more about the role of Grandfather Time in ‘Young Ebenezer’ and the significance of Miss Ruby Heart in the story?

In “Young Ebenezer,” Grandfather Time narrates and guides the young protagonists, embodying wisdom. Alongside three companions, he leads transformative experiences, guiding them through pivotal moments.

Miss Ruby Heart, the Ghost of Christmas Past, shows Young Ebenezer past events and potential futures, fostering his growth with gentle guidance.

Together, Grandfather Time and Miss Ruby Heart symbolise time’s passage and redemption, highlighting themes of reflection, forgiveness, and second chances.

What motivated Rose to donate copies of ‘A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time’ to Hereford County Hospital NHS Trust?

Rose’s decision to donate copies of the picture book “A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time” to Hereford County Hospital stems from deep empathy for hospitalised children. Witnessing their struggles firsthand drives her to take action, believing even small gestures can make a significant difference.

Her past fundraising experiences, like providing a table tennis table through her first Ebenezer story, further fuel her desire to contribute. She understands such donations enhance young patients’ experiences.

Additionally, Rose’s commitment to reading to elderly dementia sufferers, like her mother, reinforces her dedication to giving back. Their smiles, evoking cherished memories, validate her efforts. These experiences affirm Rose’s belief in bringing joy and comfort to others, motivating her charitable donations.

Could you elaborate on the themes and messages conveyed in ‘Ebenezer and the Bully’ and how they tie back to Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’?

“Ebenezer and the Bully” echoes “A Christmas Carol,” emphasizing redemption and empathy. Through Grandfather Time and Miss Ruby Heart’s guidance, it shows bullies’ potential for change. The story promotes friendship and sharing, urging readers to consider others’ feelings. It adapts Dickens’ themes for a younger audience, using the “Dream Keeper” for accessibility and relevance instead of the scary Grim Reaper.

Calvin the Swan & Bartholomew Drake are little pocket books only 6’ x 4’ why this size and where did the inspiration come from?

The ‘Calvin the Swan; books are designed for practicality and accessibility. Inspired by real-life encounters with a swan at a local lake, the series shares heartwarming stories.

Rose’s nephew has a compassionate nature, evident through regular bird feedings at the park. Calvin’s habit of following him home, signalled by a gentle tapping upon his door, led to daily breakfast visits, spreading joy.

These encounters inspired 6×4 inch books, perfect for tiny hands. Their postcard-like dimensions ensure easy enjoyment for young readers and convenient portability for on-the-go reading.

So, though Calvin the Swan and Bartholomew Drake are small, their stories overflow with warmth and inspiration, ideal companions for exploring the magic of real-life encounters.

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