1. How did you get started writing?
I started writing aged 7,writing short stories, but became a 'serious' writer at 13, when I wrote my first full-length novel and submitted it to a publisher. I still have that first rejection letter in plastic. It was very kind and supportive, the kind you don't get as an adult. It was also some time ago! It ended with those magic words 'If you don't publish this novel, you will certainly publish something in the future.' I'm 39 now. Still waiting...
2. Who influenced you?
I have always loved authors who treat fantasy with a very realistic tone; my favourite authors include John Wyndham and M.R. James, although the BBC TV adaptation of John Masefield's children's classic, THE BOX OF DELIGHTS had a huge effect on me as a child.
I'm not sure if it was ever broadcast in America, but I think you can find it in parts on Youtube. I have the DVD and find it genuinely magical to this day, but I dread any Hollywood remake. Hollywood doesn't do children's book adaptations very well. They seem to be all cold, synthetic CGI, and cast with bland, interchangeable 'hunks' with abs and Justin Bieber hair. (Shudder!)
I'm not sure if it was ever broadcast in America, but I think you can find it in parts on Youtube. I have the DVD and find it genuinely magical to this day, but I dread any Hollywood remake. Hollywood doesn't do children's book adaptations very well. They seem to be all cold, synthetic CGI, and cast with bland, interchangeable 'hunks' with abs and Justin Bieber hair. (Shudder!)
3. Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/
4. What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?
5. Where is your favorite place to write?
6. What else would you like to tell us?
With the success of HARRY POTTER and TWILIGHT, too many people have gotten into children's/teen writing in some pathetic attempt to become 'rich and famous'. Writing only works in any meaningful way (in the end) if you write even if you were certain nobody would ever read it; ie purely for your own pleasure. We all have to pay bills, and yes, it would be great to write professionally full-time, but not at any price! Don't sell out your work, and instead write for the love of it. Anything else should be a bonus, although reviews of my work from members of the public are a wonderful thing to read. It's taken a long time for me to think this way, but better late than never. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/