Author Interview: Lisa Thompson
We had an opportunity to chat with Lisa Thomspon author of The Goldfish Boy, The Day I was Erased, The Rollercoaster Boy, and many more! Read our interview with her, below:
1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?
I loved making up stories from a young age. I remember playing at break time with my friends and coming up with an idea that we were all in a rowing boat, heading for a desert island. We all got into the ‘boat’ and rowed across the playground. And then it was a case of what was going to happen next..? I didn’t write any of these stories down but I was already enjoying making them up in my head.
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2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn't, what was the reason?
I did! I used to visit my local library and choose three books each time as that was all we were allowed to borrow back then! The children’s section was exactly the same each time I went. They never seemed to get any new books or have the amazing choice that we now have. I used to read in my bedroom and I wasn’t a particularly fast reader (I’m still not someone who can read a book in a day!).
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3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White had a huge impact on me as it made me cry! I thought that was incredible. How could a book make you cry?! I was sold from that moment on! I read all sorts of books – funny ones, scary ones, ones that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each time I was amazed that ‘just a book’ could make you feel such strong emotions.
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4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?
It’s the best feeling ever! I regularly pop into bookshops and, if they have my books in stock, I ask if they’d like me to sign them. That’s also a wonderful moment - signing copies of your own books.
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5. What is the best part about being an author?
I love coming up with an idea and feeling so excited about it I can’t wait to start! I also love meeting readers and hearing what books they like to read. A big part of my job is visiting schools and sharing my love of reading and writing. I love it when I take a creative writing class and the students are so absorbed in their stories they don’t want to stop!
6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?
I’m not so keen on planning a book. I really have to force myself to do that part as I know it’s the best thing to do or I’ll get in a muddle! But I find it quite hard to do as I am usually itching to get started on chapter one.
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7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?
I think reading is one of the best things forms of entertainment there is! Yes, we all like to watch screens nowadays (including me). But with reading you can really switch off and be taken to another world. Just ten minutes of reading can do so much for our minds, our anxiety levels, our understanding of others and the world.
8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?
I have been inspired by many films! Toy Story, Groundhog Day, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and It’s A Wonderful Life are just a few of the films that have directly inspired my books. I also like to include memories from my childhood – just little snippets that have stuck with me over the years but still feel so vivid.
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9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?
I share initial ideas with my children and family, and their feedback can be really useful. But I don’t really share a first draft with anyone apart from my editor. It can feel a bit like handing in your homework! When I get feedback from her, depending on how much there is, it can take me a while to process it. Fortunately, I have a brilliant editor, and it is very rare that I disagree with anything she says!
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10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?
I think I’d choose to sit in a nice, comfortable chair by one of the beautiful rivers in Suffolk. It won’t be too hot, and I’d like a bit of shade so I can see the pages properly. I’d occasionally look up to watch the passing boats or the birds wading by the water’s edge, but mainly I’d be absorbed in the whatever journey the book has taken me on…
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