Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Children's books

Join in for children's book recommendations.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

Post your questions to Anthony Horowitz to win a SIGNED copy of Stormbreaker

31 replies

TinaMumsnet · 30/03/2015 10:06

2015 marks the 15th anniversary of the Alex Rider series, and to celebrate we're inviting fans to send in their questions for author Anthony Horowitz.

We've picked our favourite ten questions and filmed Anthony's answers - check out the video below! If your question was one of ten answered, you'll receive a SIGNED copy of Stormbreaker.

Don't forget, if you're lucky enough to win a copy of Stormbreaker, we do ask that you tell us what you think about it on the thread below or in our book review section.

This giveaway is sponsored by Walker Books

Post your questions to Anthony Horowitz to win a SIGNED copy of Stormbreaker
Post your questions to Anthony Horowitz to win a SIGNED copy of Stormbreaker
OP posts:
UniS · 30/03/2015 21:55

Who did you imagine your "reader" to be when you started writing the Alex Rider novels? And have they proved to be like you imagined them?

Valski · 31/03/2015 01:14

Hi Anthony,

Whilst I have never read any of the Alex Rider series, I have very fond memories of the comic capers of The Diamond Brothers. The first time I read them was on as part of a compendium in a book I was given as a Christmas present at about 8. Following that great introduction (The Maltese Falcon) I searched out all of the novels featuring this duo and used to even re-read the stories time and again up til I was about 15!

I cannot wait to introduce my 7 year old to what I found to be hugely enjoyable books and one of those which are appealing to both boys and girls and really encouraged my early reading. Here was something I devoured and was itching to read and my own. For reluctant readers they are a must and I even to this day, have the audiobook on CD.

I long for another Diamond Brothers novel and wonder if this has crossed Anthony's mind? I think a glimpse into the lives of these boys as adults would be a fitting tribute and I can imagine Tim as a hapless father of a misbehaving brood who run rings around him! What are the chances of a trip down memory lane for many fans of your work, now adult, but still as fond of these as ever?

Sorry for my overly rambling question, but I felt in asking Anthony this, it was imperative that he gained some insight into the memories these books bring back for me.

Thanks very much Anthony,

All the best without future endeavours, Rachel (Valski)

maryburrows · 31/03/2015 13:19

What started you writing? Did you always want to write? What advice would you give to a young reader who longs to see themselves in print?

potteringpenguin · 31/03/2015 13:33

My 9 year old son would like to know if, in your head, you are Alex or another character in the book. He loved the series, and it was a great antidote to post-Potter Blues, so thank you. My classes also love Groosham Grange and I recently recommended it at training to teach the irony and sarcasm objective in the new English curriculum!

Susangilley7 · 01/04/2015 08:35

Who or what was your inspiration for the Alex Rider series. Great work by the Way!!!

ArcheryAnnie · 01/04/2015 15:59

My son loves these, and he's bought them for his friends for birthdays, too.

How do you balance reality and fantasy when you are writing? Do you just let rip and go as fantastical as you like, or do you try to keep one foot on the ground?

BirdyArms · 01/04/2015 17:35

Totally loved the Alex Rider books! I have read all of them. I lent my copy of stormbreaker to a friend and it came back covered in Ribena so I would really love a new copy!

My favourite Alex Rider is Russian Roulette because I think it explains a lot from the previous books. I would like to ask Anthony Horowitz what his favourite book is and why?

Also is he going to write any more Alex Rider books? I would really like him to!

Shaw (age 10)

BigGapMum · 03/04/2015 18:50

How difficult was it for you to get your first novel published? Was much rewriting necessary of do publishers accept it pretty much as submitted?

dinkystinky · 08/04/2015 11:24

Question for Anthony from DS1 (aged 8): When you were a boy, did you want to be like Alex Rider and run secret missions? If so, which of Alex's missions would you have liked to have gone on?

iseenodust · 08/04/2015 11:24

I'm going to see if DS has a question. He loved the Diamond Brothers series and we've just listened/laughed to the first two Groosham Grange as audio books.

SomewhereIBelong · 08/04/2015 12:54

I first came across you on "The Wright Stuff" - a program not loved much here on MN - and it actually made me think what a great guest you were, and I bought your latest book - which is what it was designed to do I guess!!

what was it like appearing on the show? It looked like you had fun.

ireadnovels · 08/04/2015 14:53

What was your favourite book that you read as a child?

nochocolateforlentteacake · 08/04/2015 15:28

What do you think of the film version?

nochocolateforlentteacake · 08/04/2015 15:29

(And we love the Diamond brothers - more please!)

balletgirlmum · 08/04/2015 16:31

Please don't put me in the prize draw as ds is due to get a signed copy anyway for reviewing the series but I'd just like to say that ds is incredibly proud that a quote from his review is in the inside cover of one ofvthe new edition books.

He loved the series & it renewed his interest in reading books & got him away from the Xbox so thank you.

MrGumsMum · 08/04/2015 16:40

My 10 year old son, who loves the Alex Rider books, would like to know:

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you really could have done with one of Smithers' spy gadgets?

My son imagines he does every day Grin

benfoldsfive · 08/04/2015 16:45

ds 10 would like to know (explained It to me in a very complicated way) Which character from the series do you feel the most like you in real life and why?

HettyD · 08/04/2015 17:29

Hi
My son LOVES the books, he says Russian Roulette is his favourite! He really liked the way you expanded the character of Yassen into his own story; and he wants to know if you have plans to do this to any other characters?? He thinks Smithers could have an interesting 'back story' and he also says Sabina could do far more than you have given her credit for!!! Thank you for inspiring my son!!

PulpFriction · 08/04/2015 18:47

Hi Anthony

what gave you the idea to start the Alex Rider series and also what gave you the ideas for the missions?

from max age 10

Kampeki · 08/04/2015 19:18

Hi Anthony.

My 9 year old daughter has read all of the Alex Rider books now. She thoroughly enjoyed them, as did my 10 year old nephew.

As an aspiring writer herself, she would like to ask what you think makes the difference between a good story and a great one. She would also like to know if you plan your books before you start writing, or if you just get stuck in and let them evolve?

Many thanks!

Bowwowchikkawowwow · 08/04/2015 21:06

This is from my son M who is 10, he has Autism and loves your Alex Rider series.

If you wrote another Alex Rider book, What would the title be? Where would it be set?

Almostnever · 08/04/2015 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

orangeformica · 08/04/2015 22:15

Hi Anthony. Your writing inspires such a wide range of age groups. Do you prefer writing for children or adults and are children's books easier to write?

barricade · 09/04/2015 01:56

Anthony Horowitz's 'Alex Rider' series of books are without doubt one of the most imaginative and ultra-cool reads out there. Suitable for reluctant young readers of both gender, the best thing about them is the way the action, escapades and spy-thrills is infused with expertly-timed humour. I myself have very pleasant memories of 'Stormbreaker' from all those years ago. (what I would give for a signed copy!)

QUESTION:- The 'Stormbreaker' film sadly did not perform at the box office, but it was still a fairly enjoyable watch, nonetheless. IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF RE-IGNITING LIFE INTO THE FRANCHISE, AND FILMING A SEQUEL ('Point Blanc' or one of the other novels in the series)?

vestandknickers · 09/04/2015 08:50

My nine year old son who doesn't ever read fiction has just finished Granny in three nights! Thank you for showing him how enjoyable stories can be.

Do you test your ideas out on children as you are developing them?