Author Interview: Helen Rutter

We were able to chat with Helen Rutter, author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh! Read our exclusive interview with her below:

1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

I had never even considered being an author until I had the idea for my first book THE BOY WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH. I was out of work and so I just wrote the story not really having any expectation. I loved writing it so much and then when I managed to find an agent I realised that this might actually be a career!

2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn't, what was the reason?

Yes I read and re-read the same few books we had in the house. A lot of Judy Blume, over and over again! I read The Secret Garden too many times to remember. I still have that copy and the cover is hanging on by a thread. 

3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?

I absolutely adored my Oakapple Wood Treasury. The illustrations are perfect and I never grew out of it. My daughter feels the same way about it now. It’s like the comfort food of reading, so safe and cosy.

4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?

I am on book seven now so it is starting to feel a bit more normal. Although I saw my book in a charity shop for the first time the other day and I found that very exciting, like it was going on it’s own adventures through different owners!

5. What is the best part about being an author?

I love the variation. That one day I am in my shed writing and the next I am laughing with a hundred Year Six kids at a school visit.

6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?

Trying to find motivation when it is dark and cold and the last thing you want to do is write. But that would be the case in any job I guess, I just don’t have a boss telling me to get on with it! 

7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?

Because it builds empathy, helps them do better across all of their subjects, it feeds their imagination and creativity. I could go on and on but generally it makes them happier and more rounded people! 

8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?

Everything around me. I write contemporary middle grade, which means real kids dealing with real things. My inspiration comes from my kids, my childhood, my friends and the world around me, 

9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?

My first reader is always my daughter, she is my biggest cheerleader! Then my editor reads it. I am pretty open to feedback to be honest. I enjoy the editing now, whereas at first the idea of changing everything freaked me out! I really trust my editors which really helps.

10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?

In a hammock on a beach in Mexico please!