About Laura Latimer

Behind every story lies a spark of imagination. Dive deeper into the world of One Summer in Your Shoes with insights from the author.

Meet Laura Latimer

I lived and worked in the East End of London as a teacher, seeing hardship in sone of my pupil’s lives, and affluence in others. One summer I worked on a playscheme, in a park, for local children, whose parents were working, or not able to afford a holiday. One day a gang from over the river came and caused trouble. We had to call the police.

I think these experiences influenced the opening of the book.

I have based Melby on the place I live now. The park is just below where I live, the town has a divide between the social housing and large houses, but actually has only one secondary school now, but in the past had two schools, similar to Melby.

I enjoy reading, writing, knitting, art, quizzes and puzzles, pets, cooking, countryside, visiting new places, history, making jams and marmalade, cinema, live theatre and watching TV, but not all the time.

Featured Q&A

Behind the Story

What was the moment that inspired you to write this story?

The moment that inspired me to write the story – I wanted the two boys, Joe and Charles, to experience what it would be like for them to swap bodies, and I needed the means to enable that, which is where the magic comes in, and goblins being known for mischief, it had to be a goblin. Minx seemed a good name for my goblin, and I wanted her to be a colourful character. There had to be a community of goblins, that led to the creation of the other goblins.

Do you have a favourite character from the books?

Minx has to be my favourite character, but I like Maggie as well.

Is there a scene or part that made me emotional?

I intended the book to be amusing, but there is a picture I like, which is of the two boys, sitting in their raincoats in the rain.

I can also sympathise with Joe, when he realises that there are leftovers, and he takes it home to Maggie and Mum to eat, not wanting it to be wasted, as they have to watch every penny.

Joe is also more used to spending time with Maggie and Mum, whereas Charles spends a lot of time on his own. Swapping bodies brings a change for both boys. Charles becomes less isolated.

In Scotland the boys spend a lot of time exploring and playing in the countryside, forming a close friendship.

What’s your favourite hobby (besides writing)?

I am an artist, so painting. I love reading books, knitting, socialising, playing cards, working with children, cooking, the countryside, being creative, and I am into floristry and big on K-dramas.