Today we're talking to the rather lovely and completely inspirational YA author Phil Earle. Now, you know someone's the bees knees when The Telegraph describes them as "A must-read author for today's young adults." Talk about shit-hot!
When did you first know that you wanted to be a published author?
Not until I was in my mid-twenties.
I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life at that point (but I certainly didn’t want to write!), and had hit some dead-ends that had left me pretty disillusioned.
I got a job in a bookshop, shelving the books no-one else wanted to shelve (banking/travel guides and grubby erotic fiction) until I was shoved into the kids section. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I was told I had to read kids books so I could recommend them. Was given ‘Holes’ and ‘Skellig’ and that was it. It was like someone turned the light on.
For the next two years I read every kids book I could get my hands on. Then Celia Rees came in to talk to a class of kids in the shop. I watched her, how brilliant she was, and thought "I want to do that . . ."
As well as being an author, you’re the Sales and Marketing Director at David Fickling Books and a dad of three and husband. How on earth do you manage it all?!
It’s just a case of WANTING to do it.
I LOVE kids books. They excite me in a way no book for adults ever has.
So when I have an hour spare on the bus to or from work, I use it to write. People look at me like I’m mad when I say I write on the bus. But for me it’s perfect. I can’t write at home. The kids want to play with me and vice versa . . . and once they’re in bed?
All three of them?
Well I just want to drink heavily . . . Writing on the move suits me, and it proves to me I’m still hungry to do it.
Is it nerve-wracking when editors look at your manuscripts for the first time?
Not as nerve-wracking as when my lovely wife reads it. She’s the toughest critic.
But yes, it’s nerve-wracking, maybe more so now after four books. You don’t want your editor thinking you’re a one trick pony. You want to prove you’re improving as a writer . . .
What is your favourite part of the book-making process?
Getting drunk at the launch party.
Making long-lists for awards, then wallowing in self-pity when you don’t make the cut.
Finishing the first draft. First drafts rock. Editing doesn’t. I hate editing. I know it’s making it a better book, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
I don’t plan my books really, so the first draft is heavenly . . .
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?
Never drink on an empty stomach.
Never stalk editors or agents on Twitter.
Never chase the market. Twilight’s already been written, have your own ideas . . .
Is there one review, nomination or award that has felt particularly special to you?
Making the long-list for the Carnegie was pretty special.
But to be honest, any review or nod makes you feel like a million quid.
For about an hour.
Then you become a self-indulgent idiot again . . .
If you could have afternoon tea with any authors and/or illustrators (dead or alive), who would they be?
Can I have a soiree? David Almond, Marcus Sedgwick, Kevin Brooks, Keith Gray and Siobhan Dowd.
All are or were huge influences.
All are or were magnificent people.
What are your views on the children’s book market right now?
The quality of writing is bloomin’ brilliant, and anyone who tells you otherwise is talking nonsense.
It’d be great if we weren’t all so focused on price though.
Books sold at their rrp? Yes please.
If there was one thing you could change in the world of children’s books, what would it be?
Answering that question uber-honestly would land me in hot water working in publishing.
I’d say more power for indies and librarians.
Describe yourself in five words
Northern
Worried
Paranoid
Childish
Tired!
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