Denise Marsh

My Story

When I’m not weaving stories for children, I’ve been busy knitting together a life filled with adventure, creativity, and love. My career has taken me across the world in arts, entertainment, and leisure, but my proudest creations are closer to home: three spirited daughters, two caring sons‑in‑law, and four grandchildren who keep my imagination sparkling. As “Grammy,” I delight in their laughter and curiosity, and as a wife, I count myself lucky to be partnered with one of the kindest and most generous men on the planet. Together, we’ve stitched a tapestry of family and joy that inspires every happy ending I write.

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WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

My stories are inspired by the bonds between children, parents, and grandparents, the joy of family, and the magic of creativity. The rhythm of knitting — threads woven into patterns, stitches forming something lasting — mirrors the way I weave words into tales of wonder. Scotland’s landscapes and traditions provide the backdrop, while my grandchildren’s laughter and curiosity spark the heart of every adventure. Writing is my way of stitching together heritage, imagination, and love into happy endings that can be shared across generations.

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WHICH AUTHORS HAVE HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WORK?

Julia Donaldson has had the greatest influence on my writing. Her masterful use of rhyme and rhythm, combined with her gift for crafting stories that captivate children aged 5–8, inspires me deeply. I admire the way her books engage young readers while remaining a joy for parents and grandparents to read aloud again and again.

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SO WHAT'S THE LATEST BOOK ALL ABOUT?

The Knitterwitches - A Family Yarn is the heartwarming tale of a clan of magical Scottish Knitterwitches who save Christmas for Grammy Mac and her lovely family. Breathing new life into traditional fairytales and folklore, the Knitterwitches are always busy making 'Happy Ever Afters' with a wave of their magic knitting needles.

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WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCES IN WRITING?

My first experiences with writing began while living in Singapore, where I wrote and directed original scripts for musical theatre, film, and television. Much of this work involved collaborating with children and shaping material to suit family audiences, which taught me the importance of crafting stories that resonate across generations. Combined with my background in graphic design and advertising, these creative ventures sparked both a passion for storytelling and the discovery of a latent talent that has since flourished into my work as a children’s book author and illustrator.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHILDREN'S STORY?

A good childrens' story weaves rhythm and imagination into characters, illustrations and text creating a yarn children adore and grandparents love to read aloud, spreading joy across generations.

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WHAT DOES YOUR DAY AS AN AUTHOR LOOK LIKE?

I spend around 4 hours a day working on my writing and illustrations, attending live events, preparing/delivering interactive workshops and engaging with readers who love Grammy Mac and the Knitterwitches almost as much as I do.

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HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO WRITE YOUR FIRST BOOK?

As this has been my first children's book it has taken me more than a year to write, illustrate and polish.  The second book in this series has however only taken me around a month to write, illustrate and polish thanks to improved skills, learned experience and advances in technology that allow characters to remain consistent in both the written word and images on the page.

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WHATS WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WRITING YOUR FIRST BOOK?

The most challenging part of writing this book was striking the right balance between imagination and accessibility. I wanted to create a magical world that would enchant children, while also weaving in themes that grandparents could enjoy and relate to. Ensuring the rhythm and language flowed naturally for read‑aloud storytelling took time and care, especially as rhyme and cadence are so important for the 5–8 age group. Another challenge was shaping colourful, exciting characters who felt both whimsical and relevant, so that young readers could see themselves in the story while grandparents recognised the warmth and wisdom of the Knitterwitches. Ultimately, the challenge was also the joy — crafting a tale that could truly connect across generations.

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​WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL WHEN WRITING?

What I find most helpful is drawing on the rhythms of everyday life and the joy of family. My grandchildren’s laughter and curiosity gives me a constant reminder of the audience I am writing for, while my daughters and wider family inspire the intergenerational themes at the heart of the story. I also lean on my background in theatre, media, and design, which helps me shape characters that are colourful, exciting, and relevant, and to structure the narrative with a natural flow for reading aloud. Finally, immersing myself in the traditions and landscapes of Scotland provides a rich backdrop, grounding the magical elements in a setting that feels both authentic and enchanting.

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WHAT WRITING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I would tell my younger self to trust her imagination and not be afraid of starting small. Every idea, no matter how whimsical, has the potential to grow into something meaningful if it’s nurtured with patience. I’d remind her that rhythm and flow matter just as much as plot, especially in children’s stories, and that colourful, relevant characters will always carry the heart of a tale. Most importantly, I’d encourage her to write bravely, to share her words sooner, and to believe that stories can connect generations in ways she might not yet imagine.

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Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

info@knitterwitches.com

Tel: (+44) 07804424930