Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "book-blog"

Today, we are going to hear about Francis. H. Powell's work, and his new children's book.

How did you decide to become a children's author? Did any person influence your decision?

I have a son who is now 10. I mostly wanted to write stories for him.

Who is your favorite children's book character and why?

Roald Dahl, I love his quirky stories.

If you could meet any children's author alive today, who would it be?

Somebody who could give me tips on how to approve my stories.

Describe your writing style. What writers, if any, have influenced the way you write.

I like to come up with unusual characters, a few wicked characters, putting them in an adventure, with strange happenings along the way.

Do you like marketing your book on social media? Why/Why not?

It's not that I like it, but it is a necessity.

Do you think modern-day children's authors are as good as those of yesteryear?

This is a tough question. It was a different situation in the past, maybe children had a different mentality. Some yesteryear author's work still resonates today. My son still likes films and books I knew in my childhood. A lot of the yesteryears stories are far better then Peppa Pig!

Name your top five children's books that you have read. What stands out about them?

My childhood is a long time ago, but recently I have read Percy Jackson to my son, which I thought was good. I read him the Hobbit, which I thought was great, but Lord of the Rings, a bit to much detail. I have read all the Roald Dahl books to him which were great.

How do you get material/do research for your books?

As a writer I do research on the internet, for example recently I have been looking up Victorian Christmases and traditions.

Would you say you plan your stories or do you just let them flow?

A bit of both. My stories involve twists and turns. It is a bit like putting a jigsaw together.

When you finish writing a book do you feel happy or sad? Why?

A bit apprehensive, will people like it?


Are you addicted to writing?

I do other things, like painting and music.


What books are on your reading list now? Do you read outside your genre?

I am part of a book club, so we chose a different book every month. The books are outside my genre often.

Do you have a writing mentor, or someone you turn to for advice if you have questions about writing?

No, but I am part of a creative writing group.

What plans, if any, do you have for your next book?

I hope it gets accepted, to be published.

In the long term, what ambitions do you have as a writer?

To have a book read by many people and acknowledged would be great.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write?

It can be a hard road, but keep going.

How do you get inspired to write your books?

Different ways, a drawing by my son inspired The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts.

What if anything, is your biggest challenge?

Reaching lots of people.

If you could visit any country in the world, which one would you choose?

I quite fancy Japan.

What kinds of settings are in your children's books? Do you imagine them or do they come from your own experiences in the real world?

The Fish King is set under the sea, in a castle, but in the second part the prince visits lots of different places.

Where can we find you and your books?

On Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

It's really refreshing to hear from another fellow author who wants to reach more people. My best wishes, and let's hope this author interview helps you get under the spotlight!