Anthony Horowitz - live webchat Tuesday 10th November, 12 - 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

International best-selling children's author Anthony Horowitz is joining us for a live webchat on Tuesday 10th November between 12 and 1pm. Crocodile Tears, the eighth book in the Alex Rider series will be published in November, and 'Collision', Anthony's new 5-part drama series is soon to hit the screens on ITV1. If you have a question for Anthony, or you have a fervent AH fan at home, post your advance questions on this thread or join us next Tuesday.

Thanks for replying. To quote DD "Awwww that's so nice".

Hello, Anthony - any chance you could answer my question (right near the beginning of the thread)?

My son will never forgive me otherwise...

personanongrata - I guess I have no life at all outside writing. No. That's not true. How do I fit it all in? It's a very long day when you're on your own all the time and you'd be surprised how much I can get through in ten or eleven hours (before my wife gets home and I have someone to talk to). Again - see earlier answers - I love what I do so it's easy to lose myself completely in my work in all its different forms.

Helen - I'm so sorry. I have answered your question but it's got swallowed up in this office somewhere. The answer should arrive at any moment!

Pointydogg, I have to be careful when I talk about my unpleasant childhood. After all, I had wealthy parents, a stable family life, a solid education. So what's to complain about?

Well, Orley Farm in Harrow-on-the-Hill, mainly, one of those vile 1960s prep schools that seemed determined to destroy ? emotionally and psychologically ? as many of its alumni as it could!

I definitely had an odd childhood and I think it did steer me unerringly to my present career. I knew, aged eight, that I would be a writer, partly because it was the only thing I was only good at but also because, even at this very early age, I was seeking refuge and escape in stories. The library was my lifeline.

I can still remember everything about it, from the colour of the wooden panels to the lay-out of the shelves. It was the only place in the school where I felt alive.

Anthony,

I agree that the one of the joys of reading is you get to 'contribute your own visuals' as it were. Despite watching Alex P in the role on film, my son tells me that he 'sees' a different Alex R when he reads the books.

jack

Helen, found it! You ask me what books I was reading aged ten. Well, not being terribly bright, I actually began with Tintin. I loved the world of the books, the bizarre characters, the mix of humour and adventure. Also, there weren't too many words!

The first books I enjoyed were the Willard Price series ? Elephant Adventure, Crocodile Adventure etc. They're still in print and although some may disagree with the premise (two boys travelling the world to capture animals for their dad's zoo), I'd recommend them. They're full of natural history and there are moments of peril and daring escapes that would even make Alex Rider gasp. Crocodile Tears was certainly inspired by Price ? as was Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, the excellent series by Michelle Paver. I also read Valiant and Hotspur!

Thanks for asking, Deadworm. I asked my 16-year-old son, Cass, for a title for a collection of horror stories that was both scary and funny. He thought for about 30 seconds and then came up with "More Bloody Horowitz" so that's what it's called. I agree with you about Stephen King, by the way. I do think some of his books are good for younger readers (try The Dead Zone) but others can be too unpleasant and intense. My horror stories, of course, are perfectly judged!

I am such a bad mother because I have no idea what my children are reading! After saying we haven't read any of your books, I have just found the whole series of Alex rider books on DS's book shelf
For my penance I shall read them all tonight.

Thanks for your response - am v jealous of the walks with your chocolate lab. What are your thoughts other children's authors - thinking of Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson and which others do you rate?

Playdough - you have a very amusing son. I probably am more more like the villains than the heroes in some ways...I do enjoy creating them. But definitely not Kasper with all the tattooes. Maybe General Sarov (Skeleton Key)? I always have to remind myself that Alex is 14 and I'm 54 - so we can't really be compared. The bad guys, of course, are closer to my age...

Thanks for your answer, and sorry if you've already covered this in other answers (am keeping half an eye on webchat while meant to be working!).

Do you switch between writing projects during your day, then, or just work on one thing at a time?

Oh, yes to Willard Price - much loved in our house, though we tend to skip over the bits about 'uncouth natives' rather quickly...

fruitshoots...your message is doubly insulting. First, nobody could describe reading the Alex Rider books as a "penance". They should be a pleasure! But secondly, shouldn't you be watching part two of Collision tonight? Don't tell me you missed part one!!!

Thank you very much. "More Bloody Horowitz" is great title. Will get it.

It is really lovely to hear your passion for writing and stories in all your comments here. And I'm glad you don't think much about the ages of your readers: I don't like the suggested age-banding schemes for children's books.

antoxo...alas, Lucky is now almost 12 and not much longer for this world (though still fit and spritely). Other authors? There are so many good ones around! Michelle Paver is excellent. I really liked Patrick Ness's first book though it is perhaps a touch too violent. Darren Shan is always good for a laugh. Lots of bloodshed. Morpurgo is at his peak...

I've just had a quick read of your bio, I didn't know about your childhood. DD isn't having a great time of it at the moment and she is heartened that someone she 'knows' has been unhappy and now is doing what she would love to.

Helen - too true. Willard Price (like my other hero, Herge, did live in less enlightened times). But I think these old-fashioned attitudes are still worth exploring in some ways...

errr well.... Am starting iplayer now will watch collision and read Alex Rider at the same time!

Have you ever gone into a bookshop and tactically rearranged the books so yours are all at the front?

Louise 2004: Yes, Louise ? there will be one last Diamond Brothers book and thank you for asking as I really like Nick Diamond and think he's occasionally overlooked ? thanks to Alex. It will be called RADIUS OF THE LOST SHARK and will be set in Australia.

I'm in Sydney next year and will be starting the research. As to South Africa, Cape Town is amazing of course and you must do the drive along the coast to Port Elizabeth...it's beautiful. Allow two or three days. Stopped at a hotel along the way with a sign that read: BEWARE OF THE HIPPOPATAMI. We thought it was just a joke to amuse the tourists but about a dozen of them crossed the lawn that night. It's quite a famous place so you should be able to find it.

I loved the Cape of Good Hope so much that I took off all my clothes and dived into the freezing water in a moment of madness/elation. And if you don't mind spending a small fortune, a safari is unforgettable. Finally, avoid Sun City!

persona...I have a strict rule. Only one project a day, I never switch, for example, between Alex and Foyle. They inhabit such different worlds!

Anthony, my daughter is 8 and wants to be an author . What advice do you have for her?

Fruitshoots COLLISION is really interesting idea for a TV programme ~ you should deffo watch it