Storytelling with Ian Brown

Throughout history, storytelling has been an important aspect of everyday life. From sharing information about the world to helping us understand different perspectives, storytelling should be celebrated for it’s ability to help us to relax, escape and develop essential literacy skills. 

For children’s author Ian Brown, storytelling has been a lifelong passion – one that started in childhood and persisted through decades of writing. 

We spoke to the Hugg ​‘n’ Bugg and ALBERT the tortoise series author about his journey to becoming an author, the inspirations behind his books and what storytelling means to him. 

Journey to becoming an author

Since he was a young boy, Ian had a love for reading and writing, which stemmed from the encouragement of his parents and teachers. He recalls: ​“I seem to remember that I was almost always writing something – rhymes, stories, little plays. I first wrote the first version of the Hugg ​‘n’ Bugg picture book Finding Home when I was seven”. 

After a successful career in journalism and television, Ian’s passion for writing found it’s way to the world of children’s literature, where he enjoys writing the Albert and Hugg ​‘n’ Bugg books and taking the stories into schools, libraries, bookshops and festivals. 

But Ian’s journey to becoming a published author wasn’t without it’s challenges. It took him about 40 years to get published, where he was ​“constantly submitting books, picture books, chapter books [and] grown-up novels to agents and publishers [which led] to dozens and dozens of rejections”. 

But Ian didn’t give up hope and inspiration struck when his family pet, Albert the tortoise, ​“went upside down in the garden about five years ago”. This unexpected moment led to a series of picture books and soon, Ian was finally able to see his stories in print. 

Bringing stories to life through storytelling

For Ian, the joy of storytelling comes from the magic of ideas coming together. He said: ​“The best thing is when an idea comes together and seems to work. I can’t explain it, really. But my books, certainly, start as a mix of ideas usually. I jot down notes, rough sketches of thoughts. Then, usually I let things sit in my head for a while. Then, in time, the story is almost bursting to get out and then I start writing properly. It’s great when things gel.” 

This creative process was the foundation for his beloved books, Hugg ​‘n’ Bugg and Albert and the Tortoise, published by Graffeg.. The idea for Hugg ​‘n’ Bugg dates back to his school years, when he was tasked with writing a story titled The Himalayan Flea. ​“I came up with the idea of a little flea who doesn’t like the cold and a very messy yeti. They team up and the flea tidies the hairy snowman in return for a warm home in his fur.” 

Meanwhile, Albert’s adventures stem from real moments with his pet tortoise. ​“All the other stories have a starting point in real things about real Albert.” 

Lessons for aspiring writers and storytellers

For Ian, storytelling is a way for children to explore new worlds and possibilities. Drawing on his journey to becoming an author, Ian tells children to ​“get writing! If you have an idea for something – a story, a song, a comic book, a rhyme, a drama… have a go. Lots of ideas and writing I’ve done over the years help me now. Don’t be afraid of a blank page or screen.” 

Ian’s journey proves that creativity, patience and inspiration can lead to incredible stories. His books continue to bring joy to young readers and encourage a love of storytelling. 

Discover more from Ian Brown here.