The Arts End of Somewhere is an arts collective based in Dumfries. Over the last 2 years, they have worked together to create inclusive theatre performances and learn how to produce and perform multi-sensory stories. Seven members of the group; Courtney Scriven, Faye Cattanach, India O’Mara, Katie Wright, Sarah Law, Skye Hughes and Zoe Charlesworth …
Written by
Shalla Gray
Message from our Intern
Hi, my name is Laura and I am currently undertaking a publishing internship with Curly Tale publishing house! Whilst completing my placement I have found that children’s publishing is something that really excites me and I feel very passionate about. Although during some conversations with Shalla I felt silly in saying, ‘well what if the …
Princess Dangerous – New Book Announcement!
I am so excited to announce that Curly Tale Books will be publishing Princess Dangerous, a story written by Alan Grant and Abby Gray (me), with beautiful illustrations from Shalla Gray. Alan Grant, my grandad, first came up with Princess Dangerous as a character when I was little, to try and create a positive female …
Highlights of the Nip Nebs Shenaniganza
What a wonderful week of Nip Nebbery fun I have had! Something Nip Nebbery happened every day during Book Week Scotland. Like almost everyone I have spent most of 2020 in restricted work parameters and not being able to physically visit schools and events. My passion has always been about connecting with young children …
Happy Batman Day!
To celebrate International Batman Day, we interviewed comic book legend and Curly Tale author, Alan Grant, about Batman and why this superhero is favourite among adults and children everywhere. Did you enjoy reading as a child?I loved reading. My granny taught me to read and write before I started primary school, using comics like The …
Saving Gracie – From Inspiration to Finished Book in 3 Months!
You may have noticed that we have a new book out! It’s called Saving Gracie – the Story of Cow 812, and it’s selling like hot cakes – you would hardly believe that 3 months ago, at the beginning of lockdown in Scotland, I had never heard of Gracie, and, even though we live in …
Saving Gracie – New Book Announcement!
Gracie was a dairy cow, her tag said 812, she lived in green and bonny Galloway. Gracie’s life follows the peaceful rhythms of the dairy farm until one day she falls ill. Who can fix her sore feet and help Gracie get back to her friends? A gentle rhyming story, based in Galloway and featuring …
My Business and the Biosphere
You’ll have noticed the Biosphere Certification Mark situated prominently on the home page of our website. If you click on the image, it takes you to the highly informative website of the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB). So what does the Certification Mark mean, and why are we so proud to have been awarded …
How to Write a Successful Children’s Book
So you’ve had a great idea for a children’s book. Fantastic! It’s original, never-been-done-before and unique? Awesome! So now you’ve got to write it. Erk. How do you go from a great idea to a ready-to-submit story? Well, it is not easy. Even with a brilliant idea, if you and your story don’t follow some …
Thoughts on Watercolour
I love painting in watercolour! Most of my books are illustrated in watercolour, although I have used other media – Sammy the Rainbow Snail is in acrylic, the Galloway Chilli is in gouache for example – but for the landscapes and animals of Galloway, there’s nothing like watercolour. No one taught me how to paint, …