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?
I doodled and dreamed.
Q: What is your favourite word?
What – only one? Twerp.
Q: What makes you cringe?
Having my photo taken, unfortunately.
Q: What are you afraid of?
Cruelty. It’s deeply scary.
Q: When did you last have a really good laugh?
Earlier - at my cat. Have you seen 'The official Simon's Cat website'? Well, that cat is so like him.
Q: What strange habits do you have?
Making supper when I could be watching the Simpsons – or so my son says.
Q: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done?
When I was five, I locked the babysitter I didn’t like outside the house – and then fell asleep indoors. I'm sure I've done worse since, but you'll have to ask me.
Q: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Mad scientist.
Q: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Nelson Mandela. (Any time.)
Q: What quality do you most admire in a person?
A big heart.
Q: What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
Lingshed. A small village high in the Himalayas, five days’ walk from any road.
Q: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t listen to writers talking about writing, or themselves (!)
Q: What would you most like to change about yourself?
I’d like a better memory please. Sorry, what was the question?
Q: How long have you been a writer?
I sold my first story about 15 years ago. But being a writer, that's just part of being alive.
Q: Was there a specific moment in your life when you decide to become a writer?
There was a moment at school when something I’d written was read out. When we got to the twist at the end, everyone gasped. That’s when I realised, you really CAN make it up.
Q: Where do you do your writing?
In an untidy attic with a drum kit, lots of books, a view of the sky and all the family’s junk. Great.
Q: What are the best and worst things about being an author?
The best is seeing something you’ve written grip an audience. That’s why I like school visits. The worst is when your own, favourite book goes out of print – hopefully not forever!
Q: What was your favourite book as a child?
”The Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton from the school library. It reached out and grabbed me and turned me into a reader.
Q: What book do you wish you had written?
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Get on and write! Be very surprised if anyone wants to publish it. Then do it some more.
Georgie and the Dragon
ISBN
0747577293
Published By
Bloomsbury
Status
In Print
The Christmas Tree Fairy
ISBN
0747575669X
Published By
Bloomsbury
Status
In Print
Hippo isn’t happy
ISBN
9780749678845
Published By
Franklin Watts
Status
In Print
Cassie and the Kiss Soldier
ISBN
1843623595
Published By
Orchard
Status
In Print
Fairy Tale Secrets
ISBN
1843624176
Published By
Orchard
Status
In Print
Sssh! The Moon is Sleeping
ISBN
0192790161
Published By
Oxford University Press
Status
In Print