All Aboard Captain Sunshine: A Q&A with Alex Milway

Step aboard Captain Sunshine, the first book in Alex Milway’s exciting new four-part series. In this Q&A, Alex shares the inspiration behind the cruise ship setting, the real-life memories that shaped the story, his favourite characters, and what readers can look forward to in Bella Day’s future adventures at sea.

You can buy the book, complete with an exclusive Captain Sunshine bookmark and activity pack, here.

What inspired you to move from the world of hotels to a cruise ship setting in Captain Sunshine?
We were looking at other settings in Animal Boulevard to expand the world, and on the map in Hotel Flamingo I’d drawn a cruise ship. I’ve always loved ships – especially the cruise ships from the early 20th Century – and it felt like the perfect subject!

Did any real-life places or experiences influence the world of the ship?
Absolutely. My gran once went on a cruise – I was really little when she went – but it was such a strong memory and I definitely wanted to include them and their joy at being on holiday. You’ll find their characters in the book! Also, I live at the seaside, so I see a lot of boats. Life on the waves seems very enticing to me!

Do you have a favourite character in the book, or one you particularly enjoyed writing or illustrating?
They’re all favourites! But I particularly like Beeks when he turns up. I also love drawing Flip and Flap. They are very easy to draw and silly to boot.

As both writer and illustrator, which comes first for you, the story or the visuals?
It can be a bit of both. I love just drawing shapes and popping beaks or ears on them to see what they turn into. Sometimes they become characters! Other times, I have to make a character fit a position or a plot, so that can push me into writing them first.

Where do you usually like to write or draw? 
I tend to write at home. I’m not really one who goes to cafes or likes to get out and work. When I’m outdoors I like to be looking at things and taking in the world! I do take a notebook everywhere though – I’m often scribbling on trains or having ideas on the go

Are you someone who plans everything out in advance, or do your stories evolve as you go?
I love to plan things in advance, so that’s usually the way I work, but sometimes it is lovely just to write and see where the writing takes me.

Captain Sunshine is the start of a four-book series. What can readers expect from future adventures on the ship?
We’ll see Bella really grow into her role as captain and gain confidence. There will be many more fun characters coming on board for their holidays, and plenty of problems for the crew to sort out. In the second book we’ll meet a circus troupe and an elephant acrobat, who has been great fun to get to know and draw.