Author Interview: Philippa Leathley

We were able to chat with Philippa Leathley, author of the Inkbound series! Read our exclusive interview with her below:

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

I don't actually remember deciding to be an author. Telling stories is something I've always loved and wanted to do.

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 heaps as a child, at home and at school and borrowed many books from the library. My favourite place to read was on the school field during summer.

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

My favourite book was probably Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I adored the protagonist Meggie and reread it many times when I was twelve and thirteen. I loved the idea of characters popping up from books!

4. How does it feel to know that your first book will soon be on shop shelves, all

across the world and on sale to everyone?

It's so exciting but very surreal to know that Inkbound will be published soon. It's especially strange thinking about children in different countries reading my story (and hopefully enjoying it). Being published is something I've worked towards my whole life, so it's enormously exciting to finally reach that moment!

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

The best part of being author for me is worldbuilding, spending hours pacing around and thinking up strange little details like the solar birds in Inkbound. I also love having a good excuse to read so many children's books.

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

The part I enjoy least about being an author is having to read the same chapters over and

over again while you edit until you can recite them in your sleep (which does happen to me

sometimes). 

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

There are so many reasons why it's important for everyone to read, especially children, but my favourite one is that books can take us anywhere and everywhere. They're tickets to fantasy worlds, continents we might never visit, other time periods, magic schools and mystical libraries. They teach us to stretch our imaginations and use them to learn and escape and experience all sorts of emotions.

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

The biggest inspiration for my writing is probably reading, but also watching movies, looking at paintings (especially surreal ones), and listening to music. Engaging with other people's creativity makes me excited to use my own.

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

Now that I'm a professional author, I get to work with some amazing editors and my brilliant agent who all provide feedback. Before that, my first reader is always my mother, and she's not afraid to tell me if something's a bit rubbish.

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

I think I would read on a train like the Orient Express, bonus points if it's magical and can fly.