Doodling cooks up ‘Mammoth Stew’
Bob Darroch has been drawing cartoons for most of his life. His work has appeared on toys, jigsaws, souvenirs and postcards as well as newspapers and magazines worldwide.
He started writing and illustrating books for children in 1999, and in 2001 the first in the popular Little Kiwis books was published.
Continuing his distinct style, Darroch has released Mammoth Stew, about a hungry wee lad called Inga who finds his prey to be surprisingly friendly.
Tell us a little about your books. What do you think makes your books different from other picture books?
I don't know what makes my books different to others — mainly because I avoid studying others in case I end up subconsciously copying them. I guess my drawing style is different to others, for better or worse.
Why did you first write Mammoth Stew? What was your inspiration?
My only incentive for writing Mammoth Stew was to do something different to the Kiwi ones. They're up to about No 13 now, so thought it was time for a change.
Did any special or unusual circumstances or incidents play a role?
I didn't have any “inspiration”. I just doodled with an idea or two, one thing led to another, and a plot formed. The plot was about an elephant to start with, but I thought that that might be a bit macabre and not exactly conservation-savvy, so settled on a mammoth. Any “savethe-mammoth”
campaigns should have died out by now.
What research was involved (if any)?
The only research needed was to check on what a mammoth looked like. Also to check on the mammoths in the Ice Age movies in case mine looked too similar. Hopefully I avoided that.
What is your writing routine or process?
The writing routine is, a fair bit of doodling with ideas. Once one has emerged, I work on a basic story, and, as I do my own drawings, scribble out ideas and layout for each page. I can add or subtract words or pictures to suit. Then the “work” starts.
What do you enjoy the most about writing your books?
The original reason for trying my hand at writing was — because l enjoy drawing — to have a something to draw. I have sometimes started with an idea for a picture that, hopefully, kids might like, and worked a story around that. Another enjoyment is finishing, and having something to show for the effort, after much cursing and cups of coffee when things don't go right.
Do you listen to music when you are at work? Who do you listen to?
Anything. Mostly background stuff, but anything from Mozart to Merle Haggard. Probably mostly Merle Haggard, but Magic Radio, music of the 50s, 60s and 70s is played a lot. Must be getting old.
What experience in your working life was most helpful in your writing?
My working life included advertising copywriting in England and here, but not enough to say it was much of an influence.
What’s your next project?
The only project on the go is another Kiwi one, due out this summer — if the world gets back to normal. Whatever normal is.