Author Interview: Kieran Larwood

We were able to chat with Kieran Larwood, author of the World of Podkin, Dungeon Runners and Podleaf series! Read our exclusive interview with him below:

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

I actually had no idea until I was in my 30s. I was working as a teacher, but wanted to illustrate children's picture books. As I needed a story to draw pictures for, I decided to write my own and then fell in love with writing.

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 was a real bookworm. It began when I picked up my parents' copy of The Hobbit, and from that moment I couldn't get enough fantasy books. I read absolutely everywhere: in my room, on the sofa, in the car... I always had a book in my hand!

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

As I just mentioned, it was definitely The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. That was the book which turned me into a reader and started my lifelong love of fantasy books.

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

It's the most amazing feeling! Even after more than ten years of being published, I still can't believe it when I walk into a shop and my books are on the shelves.

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

It's amazing to meet readers who have loved your books, and seeing people dressed up as your characters on World Book Day is incredible. It's also a wonderful feeling when the story you have been working hard on for a year or more finally becomes a real book and you hold the first copy in your hands.

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

I sometimes find editing quite difficult, especially if there are a lot of tricky changes to make. It's also hard work to get a first draft finished, particularly when you are in the middle and the ending seems a long way off. I'm also a big introvert, so I find all the public speaking you have to do a bit traumatic!

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

Reading is vital for so many areas of children's development. It helps build empathy, it is good for their mental health, it broadens their experiences, it helps build their creative intelligence, it develops their ability to focus and- most importantly - it's fun!

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

I take a lot of inspiration from the authors I loved reading as a child, such as Tolkien, Ursula LeGuin, Tove Jansson and Pat O'Shea. I'm also greatly inspired by the natural world and spend a lot of time in the countryside, thinking up ideas.

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

As part of the editing process, I have several editors. Each book usually has two or three structural edits, then a copy edit, then a proof edit. I definitely listen to all my editors and act on their advice as I'm very lucky to have the chance to work with such talented professionals.

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

I would probably say somewhere isolated and peaceful like a forest, but I would find all the birds and animals too interesting and distracting, so perhaps an amazing library like the one at Trinity College in Dublin.