What is your favourite book?
As a child I remember enjoying The Ship that Flew by Hilda Lewis as well as horsey books like Silver Brumby and historical novels by Rosemary Sutcliffe. I think now that Alan Ahlberg's Jeremiah in the Dark Woods is literally 'perfect' - not a word wrong, not a comma out of place. My favourite adult books get inside the heads of each character in turn and makes you like and understand every single one.
What inspires you?
I can sometimes work myself into a good frame of mind by going to the theatre. It makes me feel things more strongly and see things in sharper focus. I often also style my characters on actors because real people don't use their faces and voices as much as actors on a stage; they exaggerate movements and expressions in the same way a writer needs to.
What is your favourite place?
Home, definitely, though I do like hot sun and blue-sea-side and bright, bright light. I get gloomy in the winter.
What does Ailsa think of your books?
The first one I remember is the Orchard book of Greek Myths. I didn't really start to appreciate the novels until I was 11 or so. Now I really like the fact that I am the first person to see them. Mum tries them out on me. She even believes me when I tell her what needs changing! My favourites are The White Darkness, A Pack of Lies and Not the End of the World. One day I'm determined to act in one of her plays.
Do you have any pets at home?
Daisy, a Golden Retriever. Until recently we had never had pets - except for fan-tail doves which the neighbourhood cats quickly ate
What was your favourite subject at school?
English Literature - though it was better at college, where the teachers asked what we thought of the books instead of telling us.
What do you do to relax?
I write. The only time I get really miserable is when I can't get any work done. I only put off working when a novel is proving really difficult and I know the day's writing won't go right.
What ambitions do you still have?
I'd like to write more plays - for stage and radio and schools. Maybe Peter Pan will give me the chance. I'd like to get on a train or Tube or bus and see the passenger opposite reading a book of mine. One day!
Collections 1 Collections 2 Childrens Books Classics 1 Classics 2 Atrium Webs
Geraldine McCaughrean Copyright 2006©

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