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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

84 replies

myohmywhatawonderfulday · 27/12/2018 15:56

I have read a lot of David Walliams books to my children before bed.
Gangsta Granny, Ratburger, Mr Stink, The Midnight Gang..but there is something off about The Worlds’s Worst Children (read vol 1 and 2). They don’t have the same ‘narrator voice’ nor use of vocabulary. They just don’t sound like him, I don’t think.

I have looked for some reference to who could have written them but they are marketed as if it’s him.

Does anyone else think that?

OP posts:
brizzledrizzle · 27/12/2018 20:08

I think somebody with a double first from Cambridge in English is more qualified to be an author than somebody with a degree in drama, even one from a top university like Bristol.

Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 20:26

Haven't rtft but yes. He does write his books and has a very involved editorial hand also.

calpop · 27/12/2018 20:27

yes, of course, absolutely. But they are statistically more likely to be able to write a book / not need a ghost writer than, say, Katie Price or somebody that left school at 16.

HildaZelda · 27/12/2018 20:30

@BirthdayCakes, neither do I. There's something incredibly creepy about him.

XmasPostmanBos · 27/12/2018 20:32

Haven't rtft but yes. He does write his books and has a very involved editorial hand also.

David is that you? If so say something only you would know.

LaurieMarlow · 27/12/2018 20:49

i think somebody with a double first from Cambridge in English is more qualified to be an author than somebody with a degree in drama, even one from a top university like Bristol.

What a bizarre thing to say. Confused

Nothing 'qualifies' you to be an author expect talent.

An undergrad degree in English lit is not preparation to be a writer. Literary Criticism is another discipline entirely.

Witchend · 27/12/2018 20:51

Merry in that case I suggest you sack your editors.

Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 20:55

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

Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 20:57

He is a writer, so not sure why you think he wouldn't write his stuff tbh.

XmasPostmanBos · 27/12/2018 20:58

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

To be honest it actually raises more questions.

Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 21:00

Writer writes books shock Grin

XmasPostmanBos · 27/12/2018 21:08

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?

MountPheasant · 27/12/2018 21:11

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.

stayathomer · 27/12/2018 21:16

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

stayathomer · 27/12/2018 21:19

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!)

Sarahandduck18 · 27/12/2018 21:21

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.

Original poster
myohmywhatawonderfulday · 27/12/2018 21:23

Well, usually my threads get very few replies so I am delighted with this one!
I have read every comment and I am feeling very happy to have had a visit from David himself - this thread must have popped up on a google alert for his name!! If it’s not you David then it’s definitely a “close friend” - maybe Amanda Holden?

Jamie Oliver has always been open that there is a team behind him and so has Davina. These (fine and talented - I love Davina) professionals are the face for a brand and so it’s not so big a leap to wonder if he really has written all his books.

OP posts:
Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 21:23
Merrylegs · 27/12/2018 21:25

^^that was to Sarahandduck Grin

egginacup · 27/12/2018 21:29

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 Hmm

HelloToJasonIsaacs · 27/12/2018 21:33

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)

PawsAndReflection · 27/12/2018 21:51

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

Ozgirl75 · 27/12/2018 22:02

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.

Hormonecure · 27/12/2018 22:05

@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.

XmasPostmanBos · 27/12/2018 22:05

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

Alesha?

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