Embedded Files
Interview with the Authors
Pupils from Peterhead Academy sent in questions to the authors shortlisted for this year's award. Check out their responses below!
Q1. Where did you get the inspiration for your book?
Ross Welford: I used to pass a shed in the woods while walking my dog - I imagined it was the secret entrance to an underground bunker!
Lisa Williamson: Working at the Gender Identity Development Service (NHS dept working with under-18s struggling with their gender identity).
Alan Gibbons: It was a 1955 Hitchcock story!
James Clammer: My daughter's bike was stolen around the same time a gold Anglo-Saxon hoard was discovered. That's what started it off!
Q2. How did you choose the title of your book?
Ross Welford: I didn't. My editor did: he's much better at titles than I am
Lisa Williamson: The characters talk about the meaning of the word 'normal' quite a bit so I riffed on that until I found a title that flowed
Alan Gibbons: I had a different title! You Took my Son. My publishers persuaded me of this one.
James Clammer: It was a phrase I thought I might've used twice. I checked through to avoid repetition then thought: Good title! That'll do!
Q3. Is your book based on a true story, or someone you know?
Ross Welford: Well, it's time travel, so it is all made-up! That said, the places are all real, and the science is factually-based
Lisa Williamson: Lots of different tiny pieces of people I've met and stories I've heard, all sewn together. Plus lots from my imagination!
Alan Gibbons: No, it is the opposite of my own personal experience
James Clammer: Kids I remembered who never fitted in at school (including myself) Little bits here and there... Otherwise, it's all made up
Many thanks to the pupils of Peterhead Academy for sending in their questions, and many thanks to the authors for their fantastic responses!
Check out the authors' Twitter pages by following the links below (links open in a new window):
James Clammer
Ross Welford
Lisa Williamson
Alan Gibbons
CJ Skuse
Sarah Crossan
Page updated
Report abuse