Phil Rawlings

IN THE STUDIO

Stories in the making.

The notebooks, the rough sketches, and the small beginnings of a book.

A look at what I’m working on. At the moment, that means notebooks, memories, and finding the words for Bailey’s Balloon.

FROM THE NOTEBOOK · BAILEY’S BALLOON

The things Bailey hated.

Notebook page titled Things Bailey Hated, with handwritten notes about loud noises, tablets, shouting, bangs, being left alone, and suitcases when we went away.
The other side of getting to know Bailey.

Loud noises. Shouting. Bangs. Tablets. Being left alone.

And suitcases—because suitcases meant we were going away.

Alongside the things Bailey loved, I made a notebook page for the things he didn’t. Before writing Bailey’s Balloon, I wanted to gather up my memories of him: the things that made him happy, the things that worried him, and the little details that made Bailey Bailey.

These notes are part of finding the words for his story. I’m still working on the writing, with plenty of reading aloud, crossing out, and trying again.

The list of things he loved was much longer. I’m glad about that.

FROM THE NOTEBOOK · BAILEY’S BALLOON

Bailey’s Balloon: where it began.

Before I started writing, I spent some time with a notebook: sketching Bailey, remembering his little habits, and making lists of the things he loved.

An open notebook with rough sketches of Bailey’s face, beside coloured pencils and a fountain pen on a wooden table.
Finding Bailey on the page. A few early sketches, before the words.

GETTING TO KNOW BAILEY

Socks, bubbles, and all the things he loved.

The next spread is a reminder of Bailey’s world: socks and soft toys, balloons and bubbles, walks, hugs, and plenty of food.

These pages helped me remember the details I wanted to carry into the story. They’re rough, but that’s part of the pleasure of a notebook: there’s room to think, scribble, and see what turns up.

The first draft of the words is around ninety per cent complete. After that come the illustrations. I’ll share more as the book takes shape.

A handwritten brainstorm spread headed Things Bailey Loved, with a heart surrounded by notes about socks, balloons, walks, hugs, toys and food.
A little map of the things that made Bailey happy.

WOULD YOU LIKE A FIRST LOOK?

Help a story find its feet.

I’d love to hear from readers interested in trying some work in progress. These are unfinished stories, and honest thoughts about what works—and what needs another look—would be very welcome.

EARLY CHAPTERS

The Littlest Gurkha — Book I

The first draft is complete, and I’m planning the wider story as a series of six books. I’m looking for young readers to try a few chapters and tell me which characters draw them in, where things get confusing, and whether they want to turn the page.

I’m interested in The Littlest Gurkha

READING ALOUD

Bailey’s Balloon

A different sort of early reading: a story to share aloud. I’d love to hear how the words flow, which moments hold a child’s attention, and how the story makes you feel. The illustrations will follow later.

I’m interested in Bailey’s Balloon

For younger readers, please ask a parent or guardian to get in touch. The buttons open an email to me; I’ll reply personally about the next steps when there’s something ready to share.

MORE FROM THE DESK

Follow the next few pages.

I’ll be sharing more notebook pages and glimpses of the writing: early verses, revisions, and the words as they find their rhythm.