Ask the Author: Paul Nolan
Answered Questions (7)
Paul Nolan
Hi Matthew. I do remember you! Things are fine: I'm teaching part-time, writing books and visiting schools to help children write their own stories.
Thanks for asking!
Thanks for asking!
Paul Nolan
I think the idea for 'Timecast - Age of Bronze' is a mish-mash of numerous books and films that I may have absorbed in my 30+ years (OK - 42 years). There were so many ideas swimming around in my head and it was only when I visited Stonehenge, that they began to fall into a story mould. By walking around the ancient monument, I was able to see my story happening in front of me. I wanted a book that would excite younger children (ages 6+) and teach them about the Bronze Age period. I think that my new book does just that. Certainly those that I have read it to think it's fab!
Paul Nolan
I have two boys - aged 13 and 8 - and it is them I began to write for. The 8 year old thinks it's cool that his dad writes books; the 13 year old thinks his dad is anything but cool, but that's normal - isn't it?
I use my boys as product testers - if they love the books then hopefully children like them, will love the books too. When I visit schools, the look on the children's faces, when I begin to read my books, is something I will never grow tired on and that too inspires me to write.
I use my boys as product testers - if they love the books then hopefully children like them, will love the books too. When I visit schools, the look on the children's faces, when I begin to read my books, is something I will never grow tired on and that too inspires me to write.
Paul Nolan
In a change from my usual works (Historical Fiction) I am currently working on a seasonal book. The story, inspired by years of working in Primary Schools, is about a tyrannical Head Teacher who bans any element of Christmas. It is only when a new girl, Holly Glover, arrives at the school, do things begin to change, but not at first for the better. It is very funny. It is very sad. It is very Christmassy! It would be the perfect book for a teacher to read to a class at Christmas time.
Paul Nolan
There is so much advise out there that aspiring writers can be drowned beneath the weight of it all.
When I visit schools, I tell the young writers to focus on the story. Story. Story. Story. What happens in your book, is the most important thing. It has to excite; it has to make the reader want to know what happens.
What's more, the reader has to care about what happens, and they only care if they like the character and want them to succeed. That's the genius of Roald Dahl: normal characters, that children can relate to, who have been dealt the most terrible start to life.
When I visit schools, I tell the young writers to focus on the story. Story. Story. Story. What happens in your book, is the most important thing. It has to excite; it has to make the reader want to know what happens.
What's more, the reader has to care about what happens, and they only care if they like the character and want them to succeed. That's the genius of Roald Dahl: normal characters, that children can relate to, who have been dealt the most terrible start to life.
Paul Nolan
Many things! The journey to work has to be near the top of the list! Down the stairs, turn left, and there I am! Lovely.
I also visit schools, and the look on the children's faces, when I read to them is something I never grow tired of. When I end on a cliff-hanger, the groan of displeasure at the end is something that always warms me. They are desperate to hear more which is just what a good book should do!
Many children, and some adults too, have one of my books in their house. To have something that you did, in someone else's house, and to be part of their day, is something very, very special!
I also visit schools, and the look on the children's faces, when I read to them is something I never grow tired of. When I end on a cliff-hanger, the groan of displeasure at the end is something that always warms me. They are desperate to hear more which is just what a good book should do!
Many children, and some adults too, have one of my books in their house. To have something that you did, in someone else's house, and to be part of their day, is something very, very special!
Paul Nolan
I can usually keep the 'writer's affliction' at bay. Much time is spent planning my books, time which pays of in the long term as I usually know what I'm about to write next. Brain blockage, when it comes, can usually be lifted by a cup of tea and a read through of my notes.
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