Featured Interview With Alison Mcgregor
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a self-professed history nerd and love falling into Wikipedia and Google rabbit holes on obscure historical figures. I love learning more about the past which I find helps me to better understand the present. When I’m not Googling, I’m outside with my kids on hikes and road trips.
I was raised in Burlington, Ontario which was not as exciting as Tanzania with considerably fewer giraffes and lions. Now I live in Innisfil, Ontario with my husband, two children, and dog Rupert. So far Rupert is our only pet but I’m slowly wearing my husband down on adding some miniature cows to the fold.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Ever since I was cognizant of our nighttime story routine I became enchanted by how transportive and transformative a good story was. Nothing beat laying in bed after a good book read by mum and letting my imagination swirl with different ideas or directions I would have taken the story or what I would have done differently if I were the lead. Since I was able to write letters I was writing stories. Dogs and Batman were usually my main muses. I think my mum still has a few which needed some heavy translation from my unique way of spelling as a five-year-old.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I think Roald Dahl’s Matilda is what really set me on my writing journey. I loved how his characters mostly empowered themselves to stand up for what was right and save the day. It was really inspiring for me. These days I’m reading a lot of Oliver Jeffers picture books to my children. The illustrations are just so magical. For my own reading pleasure, I do love history and fun facts. I find I gravitate toward Erik Larson’s books. Once I start one of his books, I can’t stop reading until I’m done.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
The second book in my series, Antoinette and the Story of the Invisible Giraffes, is based on my mum’s first trip to Tanzania. Her father, my grandfather, often moved to remote places for work, which resulted in these almost too wild to be true stories. On their journey through the Tanzanian landscape, she was desperate to see a giraffe, her favourite animal, but they were nowhere to be found. Are they invisible? Do they even exist? You’ll have to read it to find out if Antoinette is able to answer these burning questions!
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Alison Mcgregor Facebook Page