Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Anne Fine: 'I didn't ever want to become a writer – just to be left alone to read!'
One of the most celebrated children’s authors of our time, who penned stories including Madame Doubtfire and The Diary of a Killer Cat, speaks to site member CaraErica about her life, career and of course books, books, books!
Anne Fine: A subject comes along – you overhear something curious or something happens to a friend of yours – and it’s as if you have an antennae. Photograph: Murdo Macleod
CaraErica
Guardian children's books site member
Anne Fine is one of the most celebrated children’s authors of our time with over 50 books published in 45 different languages; she has won countless awards, received an OBE in 2003 and even been Children’s Laureate. Basically, she’s seen it all. So going to meet her was a pretty daunting prospect; it was as if a fiery dragon was waiting for me on the other side of the door! I’d grown up alongside her books: Goggle Eyes, Madame Doubtfire and The Diary of a Killer Catwere my childhood. I was terrified she’d shatter the awe-inspiring image I held of her. Upon seeing her my brain flashed through the options: a) freeze there gawking; b) run; or, c) start the interview. Then she drew back her lips, revealing a brief flash of teeth. This left me with only one sane option and so our conversation began … During your career you have written more than 50 books for all different ages. Where do you draw your inspiration from and how do you keep coming up with new ideas? More
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