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- Stephanie Hope
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Today on the blog, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with the incredibly talented Hilary Lawrence. If her books aren't already a staple in your home, you're truly missing out on something special. Hilary's work consistently garners glowing reviews, and it's easy to see why; her writing is not only captivating but also imbued with essential values that help children learn and grow. As she aptly puts it, "in today's world, having a strong north is essential!" Join us as we delve into our conversation with this remarkable author and discover the insights she has to share…
A big welcome to the blog Hilary!
To kick things off, could you share a little about your background and what inspired you to become a children's author?
When my children were young, bedtime often turned into a rhyme-making adventure. We especially loved inventing silly rhymes about animals that had us all in fits of laughter. Over time, I started jotting down some of those ideas, hoping to develop them further whenever life gave me the chance.
Poetry has always held a special place in my life. Growing up in Scotland, I was surrounded by it - reciting Scottish verses for Burns Night or Halloween, and exploring poems in English class. Even birthday cards became creative projects, where I would create long, humorous rhymes and limericks on handmade cards for friends.
People often say, “Do what brings you joy,” and for me, that’s writing poetry. It’s been a true pleasure and a privilege to take some of the whimsical rhymes I once shared with my daughters and shape them into poems for others to enjoy.
So special, and now they are spreading heaps of joy! However, your books are not just full of brilliant poetry; they also provide wisdom and guidance. What led you to choose proverbs as the central theme for all your books?
As a mother of three girls, I understand the importance of instilling strong morals and values. In a world overwhelmed by social media noise, biased news, and hidden agendas, having a clear moral compass—a strong North—is more essential than ever. Morals act as gentle reminders of truths we often know but occasionally forget. Simple sayings like “Loose lips sink ships” remind us of the harm that can be caused by careless gossip, while “The grass may not be greener” teaches us not to compare ourselves to others constantly. These simple sayings carry timeless wisdom that helps guide our decisions and keep us focused on what truly matters.
Very true! Is there a particular proverb that you find yourself referencing frequently in your everyday life?
In our house, now that my children are teenagers, we often remind ourselves of the phrase "The grass may not be greener." There’s always someone going on a better trip, attending a cooler party, or excelling more in school or sports. It’s not always easy to be content with what we have, especially in a world where we're constantly bombarded with comparisons. But with age, we begin to appreciate the small things and learn to let go of the “fear of missing out”. Gratitude, we’ve found, grows with age but can often take a lifetime to perfect.
Absolutely! Gratitude holds great importance. Shifting our attention to your writing abilities now, your books are known for their wonderful rhymes. Is this a skill you were born with, or have you honed it over time?
Thank you — that’s very kind of you to say. I’ve always believed in the path of least resistance. I’ve loved poetry for as long as I can remember, and when I was younger, I spent a lot of time writing poems because I found it easier than writing short stories. The more I wrote, the better I became. I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited to keep growing and improving with time.
And we are excited to keep reading your work! Speaking of growing and improving, could you walk us through your current writing process? What steps do you take from idea to finished product?
I’ve been fortunate to have the gift of time, which has allowed my story ideas to slowly develop over the years. Many of these ideas first sparked long ago and then quietly simmered in my subconscious. Often, when I least expect it—whether I’m grocery shopping or sitting on a plane—I find myself reaching for my phone to jot down notes.
I love crafting stories with unexpected twists at the end, though these surprises often take me the longest to perfect. Each book I’ve written has gone through multiple endings before settling on the final one. Take A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots, for example: originally, the leopard devoured all the animals who attended his party. But upon reflection, I realized this might be too frightening for children, so I rewrote the ending to have the elephant save the day instead.
It seems that the saying holds true then; 'Good things take time, better things take a little longer!’…For any readers interested, what does a typical day look like for you as a successful children's author? How do you balance writing with other responsibilities?
First and foremost, I’m a mother, and I take that role very seriously. I also help out with our family business, but whenever I get the chance, I love to focus on my writing. It brings me so much joy. I’m grateful to have found a creative outlet I’m passionate about, and as my daughters grow older, I’m excited to dedicate even more time to it.
We are grateful too! Bit of a tricky question for you now, out of all the books you’ve written, which one stands out as your favourite at the moment?
I really value all the different morals I come across, but one feels especially close to my heart. I’ve just finished writing Fear of the Unknown, which I’ll be releasing in the coming months, and its message resonates deeply with me. Though I’m not naturally a confident person, I’ve learned to throw myself into situations I might otherwise avoid. I often have to push myself beyond my comfort zone—and every time, I’m grateful I did. It isn’t easy, but it’s always rewarding—and those moments of courage feel like nourishment for the soul. Often, the unknown presents an opportunity for growth, change, and self-discovery, and we usually discover that many of our worries about new situations or ventures are unfounded.
Wow, can't wait for that, how inspiring! Talking about inspiring, it’s wonderful that all proceeds from your books go to children’s charities. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Thank you, both of these charities are very close to my heart.
Dyslexia runs in our family, and when our children were young, we spent many hours at the Reading Clinic in Bermuda. The clinic supports children with learning differences such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, and proceeds from these books help families who might otherwise struggle to afford the support their children need. Some of the most creative and influential people in history have been dyslexic—including Einstein, Picasso, Walt Disney, and even several U.S. presidents. The Reading Clinic believes that early intervention should be available to every child, not just those whose families can afford it.
KidsOR was founded by dear family friends, with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves access to safe surgery. Around the world, 9 in 10 children lack this access. Without it, a broken bone can lead to a lifetime of disability, and conditions that could be easily treated may tragically cut a baby’s life short. Recently, KidsOR opened its 100th operating room—expanding their capacity to deliver more than 200,000 life-changing operations each year in hospitals across the globe. Their mission is clear: surgery is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right for every child. Together, KidsOR and The Reading Clinic show how education, healthcare, and community support can empower children, strengthen families, and create lasting change for generations to come.
Absolutely, and we can appreciate the importance they have for you. They are both truly remarkable and greatly needed charities!
Just before we end our chat, what exciting projects or goals do you have lined up for the future?
I’m thrilled to share that my new book, Fear of the Unknown, will be coming out in the next few months! It explores themes of courage, curiosity, and the power of imagination when facing uncertainty—something many children can relate to as they grow and discover new experiences. I’ve also written another book for a slightly younger audience. While I’m still deciding on the title, it will be a fun, festive Christmas story full of friendship, laughter, and holiday cheer.
How exciting! We are confident they will be just as sensational as all your past work! Can't wait to read them!
Finally, where can readers find and purchase your books? Are they available in bookstores, online, or both?
The books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and in many other bookshops and hotel boutiques such as the Rosewood and Ritz-Carlton.
Amazon UK:
Amazon USA:
All profits go to charity.
Amazing, thank you so much for everything you do and for all that you've shared with us today!
If you're keen to explore the literary treasures of this talented author—and we highly recommend you do—just hit those links above! We'll also provide her social media below so you can track her incredible journey.
Thanks for stopping by!
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