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 were you like at school?
At primary school - hard-working and creative. At secondary school - quiet and terminally bored.
Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?
A writer. Then I thought I might work for Radio 1. Then I wanted to be a journalist but my careers teacher thought I was too quiet. She was wrong.
Q: What are you afraid of?
Heights. Lightening. Accidents. Rollercoasters.
Q: What do you do as a hobby?
I go and see a lot of films and I like walking, swimming and cycling.
Q: What’s your favourite food?
My mum's lamb stew.
Q: What do you day dream about?
The book I'm writing at the moment
Q: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done?
Not telling!
Q: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I'd love to be an art therapist. In a parallel universe I'd be a dancer.
Q: Do you feel younger or older than your current age?
Writing for teenagers makes me feel younger but going to the gym makes me feel older.
Q: What quality do you most admire in a person?
Kindness
Q: What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
Cambodia - especially the temple where the trees have wound themselves into the fabric of the building.
Q: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Stay calm
Q: What would you most like to change about yourself?
I'd like to lose weight and get a lot fitter. I'm working on it.
Q: What has life taught you?
You can survive the bitterest blows, but sometimes you need to ask for help.
Q: Which three words describe you best?
Impatient, inquisitive, disorganised
Q: What makes you cringe?
Being asked 'Are you going to be the next JK Rowling?'
Q: How long have you been a writer?
All my life - since I was 18 as a professional journalist.
Q: Where do you do your writing?
I flit from cafe to cafe.
Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?
Newspapers
Q: Which of your own characters do you most identify with?
Ty in When I Was Joe although he's a boy, 14 and a Catholic and I am none of those things.
Q: What do you do to combat “writers’ block”?
I make myself write even if I know it's not good enough
Q: What was your favourite book as a child?
A book called Masha by Mara Kay about a nineteenth century Russian girl sent away to boarding school. Now tragically out of print.
Q: What book do you wish you had written?
When I read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman I experienced sharp pains from envy, the writing is so good.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Just do it. It's only a first draft.
When I Was Joe
ISBN
1847801005
Published By
Frances Lincoln
Status
In Print
Almost True
Published By
Frances Lincoln
Status
In Print