New book ‘Mother Marshall’s Make Believe Menagerie’ released by Sunderland Writer and Illustrator Fiona Duncan
What was the inspiration behind the ‘Mother Marshall’ book ?
The inspiration wildly became clearer afterwards, when I sat and looked at the finished book. I’m from a family of story tellers, surrounded by amazing women especially and had a great childhood, spending every summer with my extended family in the wilds of Scotland.
So, a life long interest of folk horror, traditional folk stories and a love of the witch rather than the princess in fairy stories definitely shaped the idea of Mother Marshall from the start.
Even as a child, I was fascinated by the witch in every story. Why did Dorothy take those shoes, they weren’t hers so no wonder Elphaba got pissed? Why was Maleficent so cranky when she could turn into a dragon?
They always intrigued me rather than scared me and combine that with finding out about the witch trials and looking at them through a feminist lens, it all just became even more compelling. The actual history combined with the cultural impact of the witch has made for a life long obsession.
What is your background?
I’m a 56 year old author and artist left school with the minimum qualifications but still managed to get into Art College, then took two decades before I made it to the University of Sunderland to study Fine Art and yet another 10 years before I managed to finish an MA in Illustration at Falmouth University.
I’ve always struggled with education in the traditional sense but I love reading and researching stuff so once I get my teeth into something I enjoy that part of the process.
Have you had any reviews or feedback, have the band commented? (Fiona is also vocalist with Sunderland punk band Slalom D)
I’m very lucky to have had some fantastic reviews and the feedback has blown me away. Certainly, made all the hard work to get it out there worth it.
As far as band are concerned, they’ve supported me all the way, through the writing, the endless months of planning and drawing, they’ve been there, bought the book and I’m sure they’d get the t-shirt if I made any.
Sunderland Literacy Aid and Media Savvy in Sunderland were a huge help in getting the project over the finish line too. Without SLA this would probably still be a pile of sketch and note books, they helped financing the printing and encouraged me from the very start and still continue to support me in getting ‘Mother Marshall’ out there.
Lastly prayers and thoughts should really go to my partner Roy, he’s holding the rest of our life together as I’m cracking on with book number two!
Is the book available to buy or is it on loan in the library?
You can get a copy direct from my website feduncanillustration.com (A huddle round the cauldron) or from Chapter 13 bookshop in Sunderland. She’s also made it into our local libraries, schools and even our newest library in Sunderland, Culture House.
Alikivi September 2026
