To think that David Walliams hasn’t written all his books?

I am a school librarian and Walliams' books are hugely popular - naughtier versions of Roald Dahl - but I do suspect he is not the author and has them ghost written maybe from a title or initial idea. Authors sometimes write in different styles but more often than not they have a distinctive writing voice. Walliams' writing voice changes between books.

Hermagsjesty

Sometimes the ghostwriter is acknowledged by the author or publisher for his or her writing services, euphemistically called a "researcher" or "research assistant", but often the ghostwriter is not credited. ... In other cases, the ghostwriter receives no official credit for writing a book or article; in cases where the credited author or the publisher or both wish to conceal the ghostwriter's role, the ghostwriter may be asked to sign a nondisclosure contract that legally forbids any mention of the writer's role in a project.

I find it very depressing that people are so snide and judge about books that have ignited a passion for reading in so many small children. Not everything has to be to your taste. They’re not to mine either - but that’s because they’re not written for me.

Ghost writers are almost always credited somewhere. Using ghost writers is not a scam or a trick. It’s just a way of co-writing Thad non-writers who are the face of a big brand or who have an interesting story to tell but don’t feel experienced enough to tell it themselves use.

David Walliams is known as a comedy writer performer so I am certain he writes his own comedy fiction. Of course he has a heavily involved editorial team - that’s how books are made.

nannyogg I loves Sir Terry and he was never mean.

I read one of David Baddiel’s early adult novels, years ago. I was rather taken aback to discover he is now, apparently, a children’s author. I am awaiting the MN thread ‘My child loves David Baddiel’s books but we have just bought one that is about a protagonist who wants to have anal sex. Should we read the new David Walliams instead?’

The late, much lamented Sir Terry Pratchett wrote two books a year.

(I am not, in any way comparing the talents of the two of them. God forbid)
Just pointing out that it is possible.

Who cares! My son adores his books (and I do to) I couldn’t care less who has written them!

P.S. It's good to meet other writers on here. It's a shame the writing topic isn't more active, but I can't complain when I hardly ever venture into it...

@icerebel It's possible because some people write quickly and cleanly.

I'm very impressed that you have a full time job and manage to write 2 novels a year, however I wouldn't think that to be the norm

Two a year is about average, from what I see. And I'm very active in the writing community, from forums to Twitter.

Hormonecure

The most prolific writers I know have multiple pen names and do a mix of trade publishing and self-publishing, since their publishers can't keep up with their writing.

I can't write that quickly, but I've just signed a contract with a Big 5 imprint for a novel that went from conception to completion within three months. Some writers would "question the quality" because they take much longer, but it doesn't mean I have to!

I know writers who have spent TWENTY YEARS working on a single novel. The norm is somewhere in between, as I'm sure you know.

He's also an enormous creep- isn't this widely known? I have THREE colleagues who have had unpleasant experiences with him.

Alesha?

@TedAndLola

I'm astonished that you know plenty of writers who publish a book a month! I'm a published writer, mix with lots of other writers, and I have yet to meet any who pump out books this quick. By a long stretch - even the most commercial ones. Are you talking about traditionally published or self-published? I would have to question the quality of a normal length novel that could be written in a month.

For what it's worth, I think DW has help. I'm pretty sure I was told that he did by another writer. I don't really like his work - a poor derivative of R Dahl - but DC do, and I champion anything that engages them with reading.

David Baddiel’s children’s books are really great. Ds and I have a few authors who we equally enjoy reading (to each other and me to him) and David Baddiel is one of them.

We’re a bit hit and miss on Walliams though - DS finds them a bit too sad and gritty I think, but he wasn’t ever a big Roald fan either.

He's also an enormous creep- isn't this widely known? I have THREE colleagues who have had unpleasant experiences with him.

Jamie Oliver is a cook by profession. Davina McCall is a model turned TV presenter. It’s hardly surprising that they’d need substantial help with writing books.

David Walliams is a writer/performer by profession (and a graduate unlike the other two, which doesn’t guarantee creative talent but does make it more likely that you can knock off a reasonably polished paragraph)

I reckon he does- having read most of them to DDs, who are obsessed, I think they’re good but quite formulaic so he can probably churn them out.

I’ve also come to the conclusion he has real issues with mothers- they’re almost always awful, dead, or have run off and left the dad who then can’t afford to feed the plucky hero of the story! Just read Ratburger- the stepmum who does at least feed the girl is the evil one and ends up being killed in a burger machine, while the dad who is basically an alcoholic is a hero for finally coming to her rescue when she drags him out of the pub

^^that was to Sarahandduck

Ghost writer.

Of course he doesn’t write every word.

He probably generates some story ideas and the odd quite but it will be filled by a cheaper ghost writer.

ps anyone can be a writer/author, they just need to feel the need to tell a story and have people with them that can help them hone it (everyone seems to be picking on Katie Price in this thread-I think fair dues!)

He's released a book every year since 2008, and from 2016 onward he's released 2 a year, it's just too many for one person without help.

As someone who writes and knows a lot of authors it's definitely not if you write for full-time hours and have a machine in place-ie a number of editors to work on finding issues while you get onto the next book. Then you send that book to them and get back to fixing the first!! I've heard a lot of interviews with him (my kids are fans) and I'd be seriously shocked if he didn't write them, plus you can see at certain times of the year he looks absolutely wrecked and it's no doubt book related. I~ think his voice changes according to the characters and the stories, that's all. Maybe someday I'll be proven wrong but for now I think he's great in what he does and I love that he openly admits he has no wish to write anything that will be literary acclaimed, he just wants to keep entertaining children

He was pretty consistent with his writing back in the day so I imagine it is him. Also they do credit ghost writers generally so it would be known if someone else was doing it.

My questions are:
Go on admit it you are DW aren't you?
Ok then who are you and how do you know David?
Are you a slightly tubby bald guy?
Do you have a God complex and and amazing ability to sell primetime talent shows?
In what way is David Walliams involved with his editor?
Has he ever thought of doing a series called Little Brexit?

Writer writes books shock

No, I mean he is involved editorially... perhaps that answers your questions

To be honest it actually raises more questions.