Jocelyn Stevenson is a BAFTA winning British American writer and producer for children’s shows. She has worked on some of the best loved children’s shows including Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street. She currently resides in London and her latest project, the children’s book The Waterubas, immerses young readers in a watery world where travel to the ends of the earth is possible for Puddlers – humans that can become water – and Waterubas – a community of super-friendly characters that are water themselves.
Photos shared with permission by Jocelyn Stevenson.
- Describe a typical day for you.
A few years ago, I decided that if I didn’t have to get up to catch a train or plane or to be anywhere at a particular time, I wouldn’t set my alarm. I’m not a fan of alarms. I much prefer waking up when my body and mind are ready. If I’m awake earlier than I actually want to get out of bed, I’ll do what I call beditation. Meditating in bed. Then at about 6:30 or so, it’s up and at ‘em – about 45 minutes of yoga and chi kung before making the tea and (de-caf) coffee for me and my partner. He gets a tea-livery, and we have 20 minutes hanging out before heading to our offices (we both work from home) and breakfast.
On days when there’s nothing scheduled for the morning, I’ll take a walk in the park near our house. Those are my favourite days. If there are no meetings or appointments that require leaving the house, I’ll be at the computer writing, zooming, emailing until about 7 pm. Then comes the evening. Sometimes we have a concert or gig – more often, it’s dinner (he cooks!) and TV.
- What do you feel are your greatest achievements?
Emotional equilibrium is something I’d like to say I’ve achieved, but I’m definitely not there yet. It’s an ongoing endeavour. I’m much better now as I get older at not surrendering to anger or outrage or, the most difficult one to navigate, fear. I haven’t achieved, but I’m achieving!
- What’s in your handbag/ satchel?
I used to lug around a fairly large, backpacky-type bag filled with all sorts of things I might need. Emphasis on the word “might.” One day, I realized I didn’t actually need membership cards to places I wasn’t visiting, two pairs of glasses in case I broke one plus a pair of sunglasses, hand sanitizer, various mints, a hairbrush – you get the picture. So I started carrying only what I would need for any particular journey. And I don’t put these items into a bag – but into my pockets! I love pockets.
- What are your ambitions in life?
All my ambitions coalesce into one overall ambition: To be inspired in order to be inspiring.
- What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?
I wish I’d appreciated that you don’t have to overwork to succeed. Just because everyone else does, doesn’t mean you have to compete, to pretend you’re not exhausted when you are. You may feel that’s the only way to get ahead – but is it really?
When I was in my early forties, I had three young children and about twenty five projects on the go. A lot of travelling. I didn’t think I could say no – until I had to.
All the stress and terrible habits like drinking coffee instead of resting played havoc with my immune system, and I got Stills Disease, a form of arthritis mostly seen in children – very rare in adults.
It took months to diagnose and more months to recover – and the magic ingredient for the way back to health? Rest. I finally learned that if you take energy out, you have to put it back in. Duh! To quote Tricia Hersey from her fantastic book Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto: “We must believe we are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn it. It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.”
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Still learning, still laughing, still loving!
- What advice would you give a budding author and lecturer?
The same advice I give anyone starting out or trying to figure out what to do or how to do it: Do what you love.
- What advice would you give a first time mother?
Don’t forget to rest! In fact, make it a priority. Resist the temptation to think, “I’ll sit down and rest after I do (fill in the blank).” No! Rest now! It will be better for you, and therefore better for your baby.
- Finally, happiness is…
…Not having to rush.
The Waterubas: Book 2 by Jocelyn Stevenson is published 19th March
Order my debut children’s book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
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