Author Interview: Lisette Auton
We had an opportunity to chat with Lisette Auton, author of The Starlight Rebel! Read our interview with her, below:
1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?
When I finally realised writing books could be an actual job! The author Anne Fine came into my school when I was about ten and signed my book and I thought that was very rude... until I found out that she'd written it!
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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 read loads. It was and still is my favourite thing to do. I loved reading in a sunbeam in my living room, in our plum tree (until my mam got it chopped down - I still haven't forgiven her for that!) and in my bed.
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3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?
I loved 'The House at Pooh Corner' by A.A. Milne. My dad read it to me when I was little. He used to prod me awake if I fell asleep when he was reading it to me! I adored all the characters and the way some words were italicised to give them extra emphasis and meaning. I still treasure that copy now. I want to be Tigger when I grow up.
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4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?
Absolutely ruddy ludicrous! My fourth book with Puffin comes out in July. It's amazing seeing them sitting together like a little family on the shelf.
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5. What is the best part about being an author?
Getting paid for using your imagination and making things up. Visiting schools and hanging out with awesome teachers and students. Meeting the people who read my books. And making friends with people like librarians, booksellers and the Rebel Reading Society!
6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?
When you think you've written the best book ever and then your editor sends you a billion things to change. That's always a bit rubbish. But once I've stopped being grumpy I realise how much better my book will become when I edit it. Once I get started I really love it! Getting started? Not so much...
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7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?
There are lots of very important reasons such as gaining handy life skills, helping you to be empathetic, and learning about the world around you. The main reason though, is because it's bloomin' brilliant to find a comfy spot with your favourite snacks and then completely and utterly disappear into a different world. Once you find the sort of books you love, then reading can be magic!
8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?
I'm autistic, so I have lots of special interests that I get obsessed with. They usually become the basis for books. Such as lighthouses and kittens in beards for 'The Secret of Haven Point'; crows and fossils for 'The Stickleback Catchers'; ghost dogs and haunted theatres for 'Lights Up'; and stars, aliens and freckles for 'The Starlight Rebel'! After that, my stories always begin with finding the perfcet setting for them.
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9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?
My agent and my editor. Even if I don't always do exactly what they've suggested, I know that if someone I trust has flagged up a bit in my story that doesn't quite make sense or could be more exciting then I need to do some work on it! I mainly act by running away, then buying a pack of biscuits and getting stuck in (to the biscuits and the edit!). Custard creams usually, in case you were wondering.
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10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?
Oooooh, could it be at the top of a lighthouse, but in space?!
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