You are young writer. Do you think that makes it more or less difficult to get your books noticed? Or do you think age doesn't matter?
Yes, age does matter a lot, adult writers have it easier than child authors. People tend to think ‘He’s just a kid, what’s he got to offer?’ Though, at the same time, lots of adults have really appreciated that I’m a kid with something to offer.
I also think that people tend to think age and experience affect the quality of the book, that’s not necessarily right.
Do your school friends know you write and if so, what do they think about it?
Not all of them, my close friends do and they think it’s a cool thing to do.
What 3 things (not including paper, computer, pens) would you like to facilitate your writing?
A wonderful, comfy writing zone all of my own, with lots of bookshelves, lots of books, and cosy leather sofas with cushions and blankets, then lots of chocolate bars. (ah ha! Chocolate - though to be fair most of the adults I've interviewed have included similar - it seems that Cadburys should consider sponsoring authors)
Do you write to a schedule, eg every day or three times a week, set times, etc or do you write as and when the mood strikes?
As and when the mood strikes, as by forcing myself to write, I wouldn’t be as creative.
What are your favourite biscuits?
Chocolate cream bourbons (an excellent choice)
Where do you do most of your writing?
On the big leather sofa in the living room or in my room at my desk.
What book are you reading at the moment?
‘The Rest Of Us Just Live Here’ by Patrick Ness
Do you plan to continue writing and if so what plans have you for 2016? Any new books already lurking in your head or will you need time to plan in 2016?
Yes I do. My plans are to get my new book out and marketed (with my Mums help of course.) It is called ‘The Chronicles of Derek Dunstable’ at the moment it’s in edit and I’m deciding on book jackets with my illustrator Adam J. Pickering.
If you could genetically cross and animal with a fruit or vegetable what would you choose and why? I'm currently thinking hamster peach, cute and fuzzy.
A Yorkie/Potato called a ‘Yotato’. Now that would be funny! I have two yorkies called Jake-Teddy and Toto-Jon.
If reading and writing were banned on pain of death, what would you do instead?
I’d take my creativity into the filming industry. As I’m also a child actor and have done quite a bit of work.
Who do you currently most admire and why?
Jeff Kinney, because of how he became successful. He wasn’t a clever kid but he loved to sketch, he sketched a lot before he came up with ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ as his sketches inspired him to write. I went to a seminar on this author once and his story was amazing.
Big thanks to Harri for taking part - if you are a young author you can follow him on twitter and ask him any burning questions that I have missed. And of course you can buy his books and have a read for yourselves.
Until next time, have a fab Wordy Wednesday - and don't forget to read up on all the past interviews on the blog if you've missed any.
