Last year, I visited the pupils at Inglefield School and they came up with some rather foxing questions for me. Here are my answers below!
Who or what inspired you to write books? (Amelia, Year 6)
Hello Amelia, I had an awesome English teacher when I was in early senior school. He’d draw down the blinds, hush the class and read his characters to life. Also, I loved Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling. Look it out at your library. It’s a great book!
If you could become anything other than an author, what would you like to be? (Lola, Year 6)
Lola, it has to be an astronaut. I love looking up at the night sky and wondering what’s out there. I’m sure that in years to come, people will travel into space as easily as they fly across borders.
What is your favourite book and why? (Luella, Year 6)
Luella, my favourite children’s book is: Matilda, by Roald Dahl. I love the power that little girl has at her fingertips and the fun it gives her to use it on all the mean adults around her. It’s a wonderful book.
Do you have any special connections with any of your books? (Amelia, Year 6)
Ruby’s School Walk in the series is based on walks to school with my then little girl Charlie. I also love the fact that Ruby is in a set of 3 stories, so the reader learns more about her life, Amelia.
What was the most challenging book you have written? (Lilly, Year 5)
Well, Lilly, it must be The Tupilak: This book was challenging because of the research involved and learning all about Inuit culture and their challenges which was not only time-consuming but sometimes, quite sad. But it was the most rewarding project, too.
What is the most difficult part of writing a book? (Annie, Year 5)
Finding a home for it, Annie. Sending it to the right publisher who will turn your book into print. That’s the toughest part of writing for anyone, I believe.
Which one of your books would you like to see made into a movie? (Scarlett, Year 5)
Ah, Scarlett, what an exciting thought, although it will never happen, it’s quite inspiring. I have to say, THE GIFT: I think this book would be quite spectacular with the Pyramids and beautiful scenery in the background: the tension and mystery of Queen Hatshepsut’s death and the magic of the mirror combined, would offer great visuals. What fun that would be!
Thank you all for your interesting questions and the enthusiastic reading and listening. Keep in touch and keep reading.