 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Pippa Goodhart
How many books have you had published?
Twenty eight
Did you write for fun when you were at school?
I was "bad" at writing at school because
I couldn't ( and still can't) spell. It's a joy to realise now that the
story is more important than the writing. It's only as an adult that I've
had the confidence to write for fun.
Have you always earned your living as a writer? If not, what else have
you done/do you still do?
I've done a little teaching and a lot of working
in a bookshop. As well as writing, these days I'm busy being a mother
and I also do some adult teaching and work for a publisher.
When was your first book published and what was it called?
Flow
was published in 1994.
Was it difficult to get your first book published?
I
wrote Flow for the Kathleen Fidler competition. It didn't win.
But I'd also sent it to the great children's book agent, Gina Pollinger,
and she liked it and sold it to Heinemann for me. So I was lucky! And
even luckier when it got shortlisted for the Smarties Prize.
Which is your favourite of your own books and why?
I've
got a soft spot for several of them because they relate to things in my
own life or were particular fun to write - but they all frustrate me too.
I always wish I'd done better.
Which is your favourite children's book written by someone else?
Dogger by Shirley Hughes. It's the perfect love story and makes
me want to cry every time I read it.
How long does it take you to write a book?
What do you count as writing a book? All the
thinking as you peel the potatoes? The half ideas jotted down years before
they develop to book size? Impossible to answer I'm afraid.
Do you use a computer or write first drafts long hand?
I've come to love using a computer - the freedom
to throw words at a page, read them and make instant changes. If only
computers were as reliable as a pencil!
Do you have a writing routine or just write when you feel like it?
When I get the chance. In theory I write while the children are
at school, but there are so many interruptions, some unavoidable, some
self-inflicted to put off the writing, even though I enjoy it once I'm
started.
Rewriting - do you love it or hate it?
When
I'm struggling to get the rough shape of a story in a first draft I long
for the finer work of rewriting. And when I'm rewriting I long for the
present-opening excitement of the the first draft. There's no pleasing
some people.
Have you ever belonged to a writers' group? If so, did it help?
I've
been on courses and now teach courses, which certainly helps by making
you stop and think about your work in a properly critical way. Talking
to writer friends always stimulates ideas too, as well as making you feel
less isolated.
Have you got an agent?
Not
any more.
Why do you like writing for children?
Because
they are a fresh, honest, interested audience open to almost anything.
How do you get your ideas?
From my own childhood, from my children and
their friends and from life all around.
Do you draw the pictures for your books?
I
wish I could! No I don't on second thoughts. It's a great treat having
a host of wonderful different illustrators bringing my stories to pictorial
life. But I do think pictures as I write picture books. You have
to or you end up telling in words what should be shown in the pictures.
What advice would you offer anyone who wants to write for children?
Read and read and read, and read critically. Why does one book take
off and fly and why does another fall flat?
Are you willing to do author visits to schools?
Yes, I've done lots of primary school visits, talking to children from
4 to 11.
Nearest home in Leicester is easiest, but I'm happy to travel. I can be
contacted via any of my publishers.
Have you won any awards or prizes?
Not quite! I've been shortlisted for the Kathleen Fidler Award, the
Smarties Prize and the Young Telegraph book of the Year.
To visit Pippa Goodhart's website, click
here
[ Parents Corner ] [ Choosing Children's Books ] [ Reluctant Readers ] [ Numeracy ] [ Big Books ] [ Writing for Children ] [ Author Profiles ] [ Resources ] [ About Us ] [ About Us ] [ Full Contents List ] [ Home ]
