Interview with Corinne Fenton on One Lone Swallow

Where did the inspiration for One Lone Swallow come from?

Way back in 2010 I was visiting Florence and watching swallows dance from my hotel room balcony one evening. I began scribbling, way back then.


What made you choose Florence, Italy as the location for One Lone Swallow?

This is easy. I have always loved swallows and I also love Florence and Italy. I think the location and the story chose me.


What was the most challenging part about writing One Lone Swallow?

Probably making sure there was enough action happening, enough page-turning quality.


What do you hope children will take away from One Lone Swallow? 

I hope children will learn a little bit about Florence, where it is located in Italy and maybe wish to visit it themselves one day. I hope they also see the resilience of the swallow and learn that if you love something enough, you will do anything to save it. Although she would have been concerned about leaving her nestlings, the swallow knew, without a doubt that her lifelong mate was in trouble. 


Do you have any routines or rituals when you work?

Not really. I love my job so much that it never really feels like work, not the writing part anyway. The funny thing I always do though, is take my stories for walks with me. Because I write picture books, the pages are easy to carry and as I walk I read them out loud. This is a wonderful way of hearing clunky words or phrases that don't work. It also clears my head and I am able to see problems more clearly.


Have you always wanted to write children’s books?

I have always loved books and words and used to write poetry in primary school. I was a secretary for many years and used to write shorthand but I started writing children's books about 20 years ago!


When you aren’t busy writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Writers have to do so many things do do with writing, but aren't actually writing - like visiting children in schools, libraries and bookshops and spending a lot of time on social media promoting books. Writers also have book launches, where they can celebrate a new book with their friends - a bit like having a new baby.


What was your favourite childhood book?

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.


What was your favourite part of writing One Lone Swallow?

At about draft 10, where I had the story but was fine-tuning the words to make each one the very best it could be.


Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!

I go walking a lot and I often come across (and rescue) lost animals. I've helped many dogs, a small pony, a baby goat, chickens, roosters and 6 ducklings.


And, in another life, I'd like to come back as a swallow!

One Lone Swallow

One lone swallow flies out into the night to find her mate, leaving her nestlings behind. 
Will she find him and return home safely? ​
This stunning and evocative book takes you on a bird’s eye view journey through the streets of Florence, Italy.

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