There are 13 of us working on the project, and we all have different jobs to do to make the book a success. We are split into different areas and you can find out a little bit more about each of us here.
Ralph is our Captain for this voyage.
He is originally from England, and moved to Edinburgh to study. If he can’t have a life of pillaging on the seven seas, he’d love to work with brand-new fiction in Edinburgh.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
I like Smee. Despite being a pirate, he’s always struck me as a nice guy, and all the children love him. And I’d like someone to darn my socks.
What is the best part of the story?
I think the fight at Mermaids’ Lagoon is my favourite. I’ve always liked Tiger Lily and Peter gets into an awful lot of danger after this scene.
Our Editorial fairies have been working hard to capture the magic of the story.
Mairi is head of Editorial.
She is from the Scottish Borders but spent some time in Germany before returning to Edinburgh. Mairi hopes to work in Publishing when she finishes the course, working on books which will bring as much joy to people as Peter and Wendy has.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
I wanted to be an author; then I changed my mind and wanted to be an astronaut.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
I like Nana because she is very sensible. Newfoundland dogs are supposed to be huge and clumsy and messy, so it’s funny to think of one being a prim, proper nursemaid.
Julika is from Germany, and has previously lived in the US and Wales. She studied International Business Management and is an ICC Foreign Language Correspondent (English and Spanish), and her dream job is to work in publishing in Tokyo.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
I wanted to own a horse ranch and take adventure trips.
What is the best part of the story?
When Peter and the Darling children fly out the window. It feels like the start of a great adventure.
Angela is from Stirlingshire and has previously studied zoology and screenwriting. Her interests are in scientific and museum publishing in an editorial role.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
My favourite character is Hook. I think he’s a really well-drawn, psychologically complex and entertaining character.
What is the best part of the story?
My favourite scene is in the nursery, when Peter and Wendy first meet and she sews his shadow back on.
Narelle is from Brisbane, Australia and worked as the Principal Arts Development Officer for writing in Queensland.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
Everything! And I still can’t decide.
What is the best part of the story?
The ending, because you know the story will go on forever.
The swashbuckling Marketeers are hoisting the flag and generally running riot.
Sophie is head of Marketing.
She is originally from Bermuda but moved to North East England when she was younger. Sophie studied Business Management at Northumbria University before coming to Edinburgh, and hopes to work in book publicity somewhere warmer like Australia.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
I have always loved the ocean (I have never lived more than 2 miles away from it) and wanted to be a Marine Biologist.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
My favourite is definitely Hook. I love a rogue! I think he has a lot of depth as a character.
Chris is from Newcastle upon Tyne and spent nearly 5 years in Fairport, New York before returning to Edinburgh to complete a degree in American Studies. He hopes to work a publishing house but enjoys most roles, so is open to trying different jobs.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
Peter Pan. When I was growing up the Disney version was one of the 4 movies my grandparents had, so I’d watch it almost every time I visited.
What is the best part of the book?
The sword fight between Peter and Captain Hook. When I was a kid that’s the scene I would recreate after watching the film (with my grandad playing Hook).
Jenny is from China, and has a background in Journalism. When she was a child she wanted to grow up so that she didn’t have to do any more homework!
What is the best part of the story?
When Peter sends Wendy, her brothers and all the lost boys home, I was moved. I could feel Peter’s loneliness.
Cece is also from China, and hopes to work in publishing when she finishes her course.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
Peter, because he can live as he wishes and chase his dreams.
Lily is the third member of the team from China, and also hopes to work in publishing. When she was young she wanted to grow up to be a teacher, and her favourite character is Wendy because she is very brave.
Gaia is one of our shining stars, and head of Design and Production.
She is from Italy, and studied Modern Languages and Literature at La Sapienza University in Rome. Her ideal job is to work as an agent or in the rights department of a big publishing house.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
I always loved literature, so I wanted to be a writer, but now I don’t think I have that kind of talent. Hopefully, as an agent I will be able to help those who do have the talent.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
Probably Mrs. Darling. Such a sweet and eccentric lady… of course, she would be nothing without Mr. Darling!
Irena is using her crocodile wiles to head up our Digital efforts.
She is from the Americas but had been living in the Far East (Japan) for the past couple of years. Now she is happy to be adventuring in the great North here in Scotland! Irena is hoping to work in an editorial role and to combine this with some web-based activities.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were little?
I was very busy being a daring thief, a fighting princess, a great explorer, a dragon rider and a castle builder – far too busy to think about boring things like growing up!
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
I like Peter best because he’s the bravest and has the most exciting adventures – and gets to keep on having them, forever and ever.
Isla is guarding the loot, as head of Finance and Administration.
She is from England and studied Maths at Edinburgh University before deciding to take a change in direction. She would like to work as a copy editor in a publishing company.
Who is your favourite Peter and Wendy character?
Tiger Lily, because she is a brave Indian who has as much strength as any of the boys. I have two brothers, so I know how important it is to hold your own.
What is the best part of the story?
I really like the scene where Peter plays “yes and no” with the pirates. It shows how Peter is very clever but also cheeky and childish, wanting to be on top and sometimes forgetting to be sensible!
boy who never grew up turns 100 peter and wendy peter pan merchiston publishing
