Claire Freedman - Author Interview: Children's Author

What kinds of fiction did you read as a child, and did you have some favourites?

I read everything and anything. My favourites were girls adventure stories by Enid Blyton, Winnie The Pooh, and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Would you say your childhood reading has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

I'm not sure about that one! I think you the more you read, the more you discover what you really enjoy in fiction. That possibly reflects in what I write now, as I tend to pen the kind of story I would have enjoyed reading as a child myself.

What did you do before you became a published children's author, and how did you come to write your first children's book and get it published?

I had many previous jobs before becoming a writer - including working at Harrods, London, in a print company, as a secretary and as a dental nurse. I started writing after joining a creative writing class.
I still attend the same class 15 years later!

How would you describe your style of children's fiction or your approach to writing children's fiction?

I have 2 styles - Reassuring and emotional or just plain good fun!

Who is another author whose children's fiction you admire and why?

I love Oliver Jeffers' work. He captures emotions beautifully - and he can illustrate his own work!

How would you summarise one of your children's books in one paragraph?

Okay - choosing my best known book Aliens Love Underpants....

Aliens come down to earth to pinch all your underpants that are hanging on the washing line! They play underpants games with them and generally have fun. Then when Mum comes to get the washing in they zoom away in their spaceships. Ooops! One alien is left behind, so better check your underpants before you put them on!

How would you describe the appeal of this book to readers?

It is crazy alien fun, brightly illustrated, and includes pants, which all children seem to love!! It is also written in rhyme which makes it easy and accessible for young children.

How would you summarise a chapter or section from this book in one paragraph?

The first spread reads:

Aliens love underpants in every shape and size
But there are no underpants in space, so here's a big surprise...

The rhyme summarises it all - but each spread of a picture book has to stand alone as a seperately illustrated marrriage of text and picture. It also has to move the story along.

How would you describe the contribution this chapter or section makes to the book?

Hopefully it is a taster of what's to come.
Also, the integration of writing and illustration are crucial to the book's success. In a picture book, the story is not told just in words, but in the illustrations.

How would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your illustrated children's books? If none of your children's books have been illustrated, how would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your favourite illustrated children's books by another author?

The illustrations totally contribute to the text (as in all picture books!). Ben Cort really has brought the aliens to life and added to the humour of the book. They are bright, funny and colourful!

To what extent would you say fiction written primarily for child readers is different from fiction written primarily for teen readers?

Obviously the language has to be age appropriate. The storyline and character(s) also have to grab the reader very quickly, and sustain the momentum to the end to keep the child interested in turning the page.

Author website: http://www.clairefreedman.co.uk/



Christopher Lincoln - Author Interview: Characters

Pick one of your favourites among the characters from your published fiction stories or a character which is an interesting example from your published fiction. What makes this character one of your favourites or an interesting example of your fiction?

Perhaps my favorite character who graces the Billy Bones books is Scamp, Billy’s pet bug and best friend. Scamp is an adventurous soul, quite gallant, and always ready for a good dust-up. He is also willing to put his life on the line for his friends, literally.

What kind(s) of character do you consider this character primarily to be, or how would you describe this character?

Scamp has the makings of a larger than life hero, packed quite efficiently into his bug-sized frame.

What is a character from a published fiction story by another author you would compare this character to and why are they similar?

Narnia’s sword-wielding mouse Reepicheep. Both jump fearlessly into the fray whenever needed. Although nothing against Reepicheep, but I think Scamp’s sense of humor has a bit more going for it.

To what extent did you use any pre-existing character formula, template, paradigm, character design, archetype, or theory or principles of making or analysing character in planning, writing, and refining this character?

Probably not enough: I based aspects of the characters on people I know.

How would you describe the first chapter, scene or section of this story in one paragraph?

The first chapter is an introduction to the Bones family and their secrets-closet: the tiny world in the bowels of High Manners Manor where they collect lies, secrets, and fibs. We are also introduced to Billy’s far-flung dreams to experience life beyond his little world.

Pick one of your published stories. How would you describe the introduction of the main character, or one of the main characters, in this story?

See answer above.

What makes this an effective character introduction for this story?

The challenge was two-fold: to introduce a skeleton boy and make him loveable, and to tell readers how skeletons go about collecting lies and secrets. I suppose it was effective because readers have a natural interest in secrets, so it was simply a matter of having some fun.

What major changes does this character go through, or what major challenges does the character encounter and how does the character respond to them?

Billy gains confidence when he meets Millicent, an orphaned relative, and get caught up in unraveling biggest secret in the book: his family’s own. He also learns that heroes are only human (even Death himself). Billy is a reluctant hero, but is protective of family and friend. Every so often he has to give himself a kick in the pants to act more with more dash, like a buccaneer.

How would you describe the most important minor characters in this story and the changes in their character, or the challenges they encounter and how the respond them?

Several of the minor characters bring trouble on themselves, and Billy, by bending a few Afterlife rules.

What does the story gain from the minor characters?

Without them, there would be no un-murder mystery to solve.

To what extent would you describe the characters in this story as typical or atypical of characters in your fiction stories?

These characters are very typical, as they make up the entire universe of my stories, so far. I really do love whimsical characters that are a little creepy, but a great deal of fun.

Author website: http://www.chrislincoln.org/



Sue Walker - Author Interview: Children's Authors

What kinds of fiction did you read as a child, and did you have some favourites?

We didn’t have many books in the house while I was growing up, so the ones I did read, I remember well. Enid Blyton’s books left me with lasting memories of tall magical trees and strange lands, and children having exciting adventures. Journey to the Centre of the Earth was another story that had the same affect, and also The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It seems adventure, magic, and fantasy were what I craved as a child.

Would you say your childhood reading has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

My first thought was to answer ‘no,’ because I write realism and not fantasy. But on reflection, I think the forward momentum of these stories – a character in trouble and the degree of suspense and uncertainty, has influenced my writing for middle grade children particularly.

What did you do before you became a published children's author, and how did you come to write your first children's book and get it published?

I left school at the age of 15 and became a secretary. In a way I think this served my writing well because I learned to type and to edit words on the page, but all the while I knew I wanted to do something creative. I’ve always been a writer…first diaries, and later stories, and when I had children I started reading lots of wonderful children’s books. That’s when I knew I wanted to write for children. I did a short writing course, and had some early success submitting non-fiction articles to children’s magazines. My first published book was for the education market. It was called Camping Capers and was based on a camping trip with some friends. Most of my stories are triggered by my own life experiences.

How would you describe your style of children's fiction or your approach to writing children's fiction?

I’m not sure how to describe my style, but I guess I could say that my stories are about real kids in real situations – often school or family relationships. I don’t spend much time on description and my prose moves the story along quickly, a feature which I think appeals to kids. My focus is on the character and their journey, and there’s always a subtle underlying theme that often doesn’t emerge until I’ve finished the story and reworked it several times.

Who is another author whose children's fiction you admire and why?

Tricky question. Two authors I have to mention are Ursula Dubosarsky and Sonya Hartnett. Ursula Dubosarsky for her versatility – she can write flawlessly for any age group, and Sonya Hartnett for her originality. Her book The Silver Donkey is one of my all time favourites. I also greatly admire the work of Sharon Creech. She has the ability to touch the reader deeply and her stories leave a lasting impression.

How would you summarise one of your children's books in one paragraph?

Arnie Avery is a story about a 13 year old boy who has a few serious problems. One of them has to do with fighting the school bully, and the other has to do with his family. As bad as things are for Arnie, the impending fight turns out to be just what he needs to help him come to terms with the death of his brother and turn his own life around.

How would you describe the appeal of this book to readers?

Arnie’s distinctive voice speaks directly to young readers and kids are quickly drawn into his world. The problems he faces are serious, but Arnie tackles them head-on with a strength and humour kids will admire. There’s action and suspense, and a couple of unexpected twists to keep kids reading.

How would you summarise a chapter or section from this book in one paragraph?

In chapter 2, Arnie meets his rival, Jacko at the pool. When Jacko challenges Arnie to race him, Arnie stands frozen on the blocks while Jacko churns down the pool like a speedboat. Everyone finds the whole situation funny, but Jacko is furious and he challenges Arnie to fight him at the pool the next week.

How would you describe the contribution this chapter or section makes to the book?

This chapter introduces the main characters and sets up the complication. The impending fight is what compels the reader to stick with the story.

How would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your illustrated children's books? If none of your children's books have been illustrated, how would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your favourite illustrated children's books by another author?

One of the latest on my long list of favourite picture books is Sounds Spooky by Christopher Cheng & Sarah Davis. It’s the perfect example of a picture book where the illustrations enhance and extend the story, rather than just mirroring the text. If you read the words without seeing the pictures, you might imagine the story is about a child who hears creepy noises in the night, but the illustrations take us on a slightly different journey, adding much more meaning and interest to the book. The effect is that both the illustrations and the text combine to tell the complete story - one wouldn’t be as satisfying without the other. That’s exactly how a picture book should work.

To what extent would you say fiction written primarily for child readers is different from fiction written primarily for teen readers?

Aside from the obvious - age of the protagonist, the themes, and the language, I see no major differences. I think that’s why so many great children’s books are enjoyed equally by adults and kids.

Author website: http://www.suewalkerauthor.com/



Tristan Bancks - Author Interview: Children's Author

What kinds of fiction did you read as a child, and did you have some favourites?

I loved action-adventure stories and humour, which is what I write now. For humour, I loved Roald Dahl, Paul Jennings and Judy Blume. I was also obsessed with Mad Magazine in late primary school. For adventure, I loved My Side of the Mountain, Huckleberry Finn and, at about age 13, Stephen King's novella The Body, which became the film Stand By Me.

Would you say your childhood reading has had a distinct influence on how you write fiction now, and why?

I think I write the kinds of things I would have loved to have read as a kid. I learnt to write by reading the authors above. I found my voice by living my life and reading their prose. The fusion of the two has become my fiction.

What did you do before you became a published children's author, and how did you come to write your first children's book and get it published?

I was an actor and TV presenter. I worked in film and TV production, too, writing, researching, directing. A lot of my work was for children and an opportunity came up to write some books for an educational series for Scholastic / McGraw Hill. I had tons of ideas stored away in files and on my hard-drive that I was keen to work on. I wrote those books and then some fiction for Macmillan Education Australia. I was able to try things out, find my voice as a kids' writer across 8 x 7000-word books. I then used those books to convince an agent and publisher to take on my first two books for the Trade (bookstore) market. They were the Mac Slater Coolhunter books, a mix of fast-paced adventure and humour, exploring ideas around consumerism, identity, peer pressure and the environment.

How would you describe your style of children's fiction or your approach to writing children's fiction?

I try to write books that move - page-turning reads but with characters and ideas that you care about. All of my books seem to be either 'Action-Adventure' or 'Weird-Kooky-Funny' or a mix of the two. I remember reading that the number one rule in children's writing is 'Never Be Boring'. I took that to heart. I try to explore ideas that are relevant and meaningful both to me and to children but I do it in a way that will hopefully be fun and pleasurable to read. 'Story first' is another motto. Then I work on teasing out and strengthening the ideas that are emerging from the story and characters.

Who is another author whose children's fiction you admire and why?

Louis Sachar, author of Holes. I like the simplicity of his prose, the unexpected nature of his narrative twists. He writes unusual yet believable characters in extraordinary situations. His stories traverse comedy, mystery, adventure and drama. He touches the reader on many levels. The structure is taut and leads the reader ever-forward. He is that rare author who writes strong characters, meaningful stories with an engaging plot.

How would you summarise one of your children's books in one paragraph?

Galactic Adventures: First Kids in Space is about a kid called Dash Campbell who has only ever had one dream. To go to space. But does he have what it takes to survive Space School? Gruelling physicals, fierce competition, media attention, medicals, the Vomit Comet, a skydive from 4000 metres and an instructor who despises him. Can he push through his deepest fears and make history? He and four others have been given the chance to become the first kids ever to leave our planet. From building rockets behind his family’s laundromat in Australia to attending a hardcore Space School in the US, Dash is a long way from home. And he still has an intense month of training ahead before he can even think about that glorious moment of blasting out of Earth’s atmosphere and living his dream.

How would you describe the appeal of this book to readers?

It is fast-paced middle-grade action-adventure. It is filled with facts about the real-life civilian space travel revolution that is happening right now. It is science faction rather than science fiction and it has a non-fiction section at the back. This kind of factual adventure has strong appeal, particularly to boys.

How would you summarise a chapter or section from this book in one paragraph?

Dash is forced to skydive from 4000 metres strapped to the front of an instructor who despises him – an enormous challenge for a 13-year-old boy. Falling is his greatest fear and throughout his time at space school he has been dreading this moment that his hopes and fears collide and he discovers whether he has the courage to live his dream.

How would you describe the contribution this chapter or section makes to the book?

This chapter is a major turning-point for Dash. He is forced to stare his greatest fear in the face and he survives the experience. After doing this he feels that he can tackle anything. Of course, there are greater challenges ahead but Dash faces those knowing that he has proven himself.

How would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your illustrated children's books? If none of your children's books have been illustrated, how would you describe the integration of writing and illustrations in one of your favourite illustrated children's books by another author?

My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up is a book of short stories and funny ideas about a kid called Tom Weekly. Tom, ostensibly, wrote the stories himself. The illustrations by Gus Gordon feel like the kind of sketchy drawings that Gus used to do in the margins of his school workbooks. So the illustrations and stories feel as though they are the work of the main character, Tom Weekly. Gus and I, essentially, became the two halves of Tom's brain. A frightening combination.

To what extent would you say fiction written primarily for child readers is different from fiction written primarily for teen readers?

Humour is more essential for child readers. Ideas are obviously not as dark as they are in teen fiction. The stories tend to not be as 'issues' based, reflecting the more playful, dream-like headspace of a child versus a teen. The language is obviously simpler and 'cleaner'. Children's fiction, perhaps, is more about possibility, with less angst than its teenage counterpart. I love the sense of 'anything's possible' that children ooze.

Author website: http://www.tristanbancks.com/