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Sylvia Green
How many books have you had published?
Nine, plus two American versions this year, and one has come out again
in a collection of school stories. I am currently working on a new book
for publication in 2003
Did you write for fun when you were at school?
Yes, I have always 'scribbled'. I wrote stories, poems, a play which was
performed by my Girl Guide Company, and a newspaper (which never got further
than two editions)!
Have you always earned your living as a writer? If not, what else
have you done/do you still do?
After leaving school I worked in various offices. Since having my children
I have worked from home as a self-employed bookkeeper. I combine this
with my writing and have recently scaled down the bookkeeping to concentrate
more on my writing.
When was your first book published and what was it called?
I had two books published at the same time in 1993.
Lisa's amazing Animals (4 stories in one book)
Alfie (2 stories in one book)
Was it difficult to get your first book published?
Yes. I had had several children's short stories published in magazines
but found it difficult when I moved onto books. I tried several publishers
but in spite of enthusiastic letters about my work, no one actually offered
to take me on!
I then contacted a publisher in Singapore that I had heard about and the
result was my first two books published (listed above). My first British
book was A Parsnip Called Val, published by Scholastic in 1997.
Which is your favourite of your own books and why?
Each book is a favourite in its own way and for different reasons. e.g.
The Soft-Hearted Sheepdog is a favourite because I have a soft
spot for Harvey, the sheepdog. And whenever I am writing a new book I
always think that that one is my favourite - so I guess I give them all
a turn!
Which is your favourite children's book written by someone else?
I like lots of children's books but I particularly like books by Jacqueline
Wilson and Anne Fine and I love all the Harry Potter books. I also like
Charlotte's Web but I think my overall favourite is The Secret
Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend.
How long does it take you to write a book?
About 2 - 3 months when I get down to the serious research and writing
but I spend a lot of time thinking about it beforehand.
Do you use a computer or write first drafts long hand?
I write lots and lots of notes in long hand and then write the actual
story on my computer.
Do you have a writing routine or do you just write when you feel like
it?
I have to have a routine in order to fit everything into the day.
I write
every morning during the week, sometimes at weekends as well and often
when
I am away on holiday.
Rewriting - do you love it or hate it?
I enjoy rewriting. I find getting the first draft down very hard work
and am much happier 'playing' with the words once they are on paper.
Have you ever belonged to a writers' group? If so, did it help?
I have belonged to a local writers' workshop for several years. It
was a great help at the beginning and I still find it helpful. It's also
quite good fun as we are a very informal group.
Do you have an agent?
No.
Why do you like writing for children?
I think children's stories are much more fun than adult stories! Also
doing the research is lots of fun. (If I had been writing an adult story
I can't imagine that I would have been doing research at a turkey farm,
including recording the turkeys so I could work out how they would talk!).
I also enjoy the company of children.
How do you get your ideas?
They come from life - sometimes an item on the television news or
an article in a newspaper sparks me off. The most unusual was probably
for A Parsnip Called Val - the idea came from a till receipt from
Tesco!
Do you draw the pictures for your books?
No! No one would buy anything I had drawn!!
What advice would you offer anyone who wants to write for children?
Talk to children. Have as much contact with them as possible to observe
how they talk, how they think.
Read lots of children's books.
Persevere!
Are you willing to do author visits to schools?
I enjoy doing author visits to schools. I give talks and readings as well
as running writing workshops. I live in North Surrey and am willing to
go to areas within a reasonable distance. e.g. Greater London and parts
of Surrey and Middlesex.
I prefer to work with 6 - 10 year olds and can be contacted via my email
address: sylviagreen@care4free.net
For a list of Sylvia Greens books in print click
here
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