Whoosh! That’s the sound we hear as we journey into the wonderful world of the small in a new microbiology children’s book by Lindsey Millar. Today, we chat with Lindsey on about her process for creating books, the switch from the lab bench to science communication, and more!
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What specifically inspired Wonderful World of the Small?
LM: There was a mold outbreak affecting the rare books in the Special Collections Department at the university library where I was working. I helped advise the collections team on strategy and decontamination measures, and this experience made me realize that many non-scientists are unaware of the various types of microorganism. This coincided with me reading many picture books to my then young children and inspired me to create a picture book that could be read as a bedtime story, but which would also educate kids (and perhaps adults too!) about some of the main types of microorganism. The character Felicity Fungus and her spore babies is a direct nod to the initial inspiration sparked by the moldy library books.
What is your process for creating a children’s book?
LM: After the initial idea, I like to brainstorm with pen and paper (old-school!), then tighten my words and illustrative sketches in a lengthy process of revision and editing. I always garner a variety of opinions at this stage as it’s very helpful to have other points of view, and I prepare a dummy book to check the layout and flow. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so finding the point to stop correcting and polishing can be difficult! I create my own illustrations using paint, pencil, crayon and decoupage, and I also work with an amazing illustrator/digital designer who helps shape the final product – watching the finished book pages emerge is extremely rewarding.
What are some of the challenges in translating scientific complexities into children’s books?
LM: For picture books the text must be simple and one of the main challenges is to reduce the amount of technical scientific language whilst still retaining the correct meaning. Concepts need to be distilled down to their essence using words a pre or early reader can understand. When creating Wonderful World of the Small I was very conscious of keeping biological terminology to a bare minimum so as not to overwhelm or confuse. I feel it’s very important not to sound preachy and to maintain a lightness of tone, even when describing the most complex ideas.
Another challenge is to achieve the right mix between the fictional elements of the story and scientific fact. The careful balancing of fact and fiction allows space for freedom of imagination while learning.
Aside from creating children’s books, what else do you do as a writer and editor?
LM: I work as a freelance scientific editor for a large publishing services company specializing in providing editorial help to clients whose first language is not English. I also contribute articles to websites, blogs and newsletters on various aspects of books, science and publishing.
What motivated you to move away from the bench to science writing and editing?
LM: I felt I wanted more flexibility in my work routine when I started a family. Writing and editing meant I could work from home, or indeed anywhere, and be in control of my working hours so I could fit them around other commitments. Preparing papers for publication was one of my favorite aspects of being a research scientist therefore I naturally gravitated towards exploring a role in science writing and editing.
While working as a research fellow I started taking on some proofreading and minor editing work for a small editorial company. This provided me with experience and gave me a taste of what the job would involve. In addition, I joined the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), which provided a wealth of information, training, support and contacts.
Can you give us a sneak peek into upcoming books you’re working on?
LM: At the moment I’m working on a companion book to Wonderful World of the Small – I can’t give away any more than that! I’m also creating a book based on a Scottish folktale. As well as introducing microbiology to the next generation, I’m passionate about creating stories which reflect my native country’s rich cultural heritage.
Stay tuned on Lindsey’s books here!
What are your favorite microorganisms and why?
LM: A very difficult question to answer because I have so many … If pushed, I’d have to say cyanobacteria. They quite literally created the air we breathe by helping to form our oxygen atmosphere and so they deserve maximum respect! I grew enormous conical flasks of Microcystis aeruginosa for my first proper laboratory project during my undergraduate microbiology degree and I’ve always had a soft spot for them ever since. Diatoms are another favorite. I’m continually blown away by their delicate, intricate beauty. I particularly like the star-shaped Triceratium and the star-shaped colonies of Asterionella. I love the idea of these tiny, beautiful stars.
What are your top three science books?
LM: The Good Virus by Tom Ireland, The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee by Jared Diamond, and Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements by Hugh Aldersey-Williams.
All images from Lindsey Miller / Vivien Sárkány.
