Ask the Author: Barbara Catchpole
Answered Questions (6)
Barbara Catchpole
Whenever you think of something that can be used in your writing, note it down. When your brain is full of tumbleweed, read through your notes. Something will jump out at you and you can write it in.
For example, as a teacher I used to get some great material:
Kid 1: I don’t eat Brussels sprouts because they taste like farts.
Kid 2: What do farts taste like?
Kid 1: Brussel…
Kid 2 - interrupting - I mean how do you know?
Kid 1: You have to breathe through your mouth.
I mean you can’t make up dialogue like that. It is genuinely in one of my notebooks. One day I will use it.
For example, as a teacher I used to get some great material:
Kid 1: I don’t eat Brussels sprouts because they taste like farts.
Kid 2: What do farts taste like?
Kid 1: Brussel…
Kid 2 - interrupting - I mean how do you know?
Kid 1: You have to breathe through your mouth.
I mean you can’t make up dialogue like that. It is genuinely in one of my notebooks. One day I will use it.
Barbara Catchpole
Most of the children’s book ideas came from teaching for thirty odd years. I’ve seen some awfully odd things…
Barbara Catchpole
Just finished: Bennets and Bonnets: a rethink of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I love Jane Austen and amused myself during lockdown by rewriting the book with all the real thoughts of the characters in italics between the polite conversation.
Barbara Catchpole
Do it! Keep pestering people to help you! You can do it. I write books so it can’t be that difficult.
Barbara Catchpole
Being somewhere other than the real world. Being totally in control. Getting letters from kids who read your books. That’s three best things…oooppps!
Barbara Catchpole
It has to be Narnia to sit under furs and eat Turkish Delight.
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