The Author Hotline
is
being developed by CW4K, or Creative Writing 4 Kids. They are the company behind a website that enables children to create and publish their own stories online. In its first year it has signed up over 2000 members and has been enthusiastically received by children, parents and teachers. In fact the response has been so encouraging that they are planning a huge expansion of its services. Embedding The Author Hotline into the site is part of that expansion...
For more information on CW4K CLICK HERE
Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?
I was going to be a professional footballer... but that didn't happen. Being a writer was something that I had always dreamed of.
Q: Which three words describe you best?
not very good at maths
Q: What do you do as a hobby?
I like going to the football with my son and gardening, but not at the same time.
Q: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I'd like to have a go at building walls or plastering.
Q: Do you feel younger or older than your current age?
Much younger, of course.
Q: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Richmal Crompton, who wrote the Just William books.
Q: What quality do you most admire in a person?
Honesty
Q: What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
Venice
Q: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Be yourself
Q: What has life taught you?
Don't give up on your dreams.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
I have a battered old notebook that belonged to my Dad when he was a prisoner of war. It's full of snippets and news from home,along with several poems he wrote about his experiences.
Q: What’s your favourite food?
Steak and Ale pie
Q: What do you day dream about?
I used to day dream about turning up to see my team play (Watford) and finding they were a player short. In the day dream I always have my boots with me just in case!
Q: How long have you been a writer?
I had my first book published in 2003
Q: Was there a specific moment in your life when you decide to become a writer?
I wanted to be a writer from the time I was at Primary School.
Q: Where do you do your writing?
At my computer desk upstairs which I share with a cat called Stanley
Q: What are the best and worst things about being an author?
The best thing is breathing life into strange creatures and imaginary worlds. The worst thing is neck ache.
Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?
I'm always on the look out for strange things I might see, or secretly listening in to conversations... collecting ideas for my next story.
Q: Which of your own characters do you most identify with?
I think I could see myself as Owen. He's the kind of person who does not get himself noticed at school... but then saves the world from invading aliens and scary mummies.
Q: What do you do to combat “writers’ block”?
Go for a bike ride
Q: What was your favourite book as a child?
Just William by Richmal Crompton
Q: What book do you wish you had written?
Just William by Richmal Crompton
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Stick at it!
The Mummy's Finger
Status
In Print
Powder Monkey
Status
In Print
The Magician's Bag
Status
In Print
Sam's Spitfire Summer
Status
In Print
Alien Teeth
Status
In Print
Eyeball Soup
Status
In Print
Children in Wartime
Status
In Print
Mrs Wrelton’s Dinosaur
Status
In Print
Assembly Lines
Status
In Print