Michael Morpurgo: Author Interview

Michael Morpurgo answered some questions asked by Kids' Book Zone.

What was your favuorite book when you were a child?

Tresure Island - still is!

Which of your books was the most difficult to write? Why?

Everyone of them is difficult - probably wouldn't be worth writing if they weren't. The most intense was Private Peaceful.

Which of your characters is most like you?

The boy in Singing for Mrs Pettigrew - because it is me!

How do you write your books? Do you plot and plan in detail, or do you develop an idea as you are writing?

I spend weeks, months, years weaving events, memories and notions inside my head. When I'm ready to write, when the egg is ready to hatch, I feel it. Then I write fast, the ideas developing as I write.

Why do you enjoy writing for children?

I write about children, not for them. I write for me, because I love telling stories, always have.

What advice would you give to young writers to help them improve their stories?

Look, listen, learn, read - fill your head with the world about you, then you'll always have plenty to dream about and plenty to write about.

Where do you write your books?

On my bed, where I'm writing this.