For the second year in a row, I took part in World Book Day through an online interview with a Year 6 class in Bury – where my old university friend, Vicky, is a teacher.
This year was special, however. Firstly, Vicky didn’t have a chance to edit the questions, meaning that I was asked such delights as “Would you add me as a character in your next book?” – to which the answer was “yes” – as well as the brazenly cheeky “how much money do you make?”. While I admired the boldness of the question, that was one that received a vague answer!
Many of the questions were more traditional: my favourite books, my favourite films – to which I chose films based on books – the creative process and the inspiration behind the characters. They were great, great questions and I loved seeing the interest and excitement on the faces of the children.
Best of all, at the end I showed them a photograph of the lead character in my current work in progress and to my delight, I have received 28 drawings of him in the post! I am still busy choosing my favourite – I have narrowed it down to nine – and the winner will receive a copy of the book when, fingers crossed, it is published.
Vicky first contacted me in 2021 about World Book Day as something to brighten up the day for her class, who navigating their way through the pandemic and home schooling. I am happy to say that it is now a regular event on our calendar, and I cannot wait to see what next year’s questions bring!
