Tony Robinson: Interview

Tony Robinson (Baldric from Blackadder, and the presenter of Time Team) responded to some Kids' Book Zone questions about his reading habits and the children's books he enjoyed when he was younger.

What were your favourite books when you were a child?

I loved all books - big books, small books, fat books, thins books. I liked reading everything - billboards, road signs, even the ingredients on the side of sauce bottles.

Which books do you enjoy reading aloud?

Comics! I liked all those BANG, SPLAT and AAARGHH! bits.

Do you read regularly? If so, when and where do you most enjoy reading?

On the lav.

Have you ever written a book? If so, what advice would you give to young writers?

I've written 18 books. My advice is, don't write to impress other people; write for yourself, from your heart, your head and your guts.

Which book have you most enjoyed as an adult?

The last one I read.

Michael Morpurgo: Author Interview

Michael Morpurgo answered some questions asked by Kids' Book Zone.

What was your favuorite book when you were a child?

Tresure Island - still is!

Which of your books was the most difficult to write? Why?

Everyone of them is difficult - probably wouldn't be worth writing if they weren't. The most intense was Private Peaceful.

Which of your characters is most like you?

The boy in Singing for Mrs Pettigrew - because it is me!

How do you write your books? Do you plot and plan in detail, or do you develop an idea as you are writing?

I spend weeks, months, years weaving events, memories and notions inside my head. When I'm ready to write, when the egg is ready to hatch, I feel it. Then I write fast, the ideas developing as I write.

Why do you enjoy writing for children?

I write about children, not for them. I write for me, because I love telling stories, always have.

What advice would you give to young writers to help them improve their stories?

Look, listen, learn, read - fill your head with the world about you, then you'll always have plenty to dream about and plenty to write about.

Where do you write your books?

On my bed, where I'm writing this.