Massive Dog visits my blog

I'm delighted to welcome the ridiculously talented Massive Dog (a.k.a. my good friend Dan) to the blog today. In case you didn't know, he's the mastermind behind the soundtrack to the ENTANGLED trailer. You can download the track for free here. And watch the trailer in all its glory here.

This is Massive Dog. Isn't he a handsome fellow?

Welcome to my blog, Mr Dog. So, first things first... How did you come up with the BRILLIANT name Massive Dog?

I have to be honest and confess that I stole it from a certain friend. She thought it'd be a fantastic name for a punk band, but I think it works just as well for me.

She sounds like a very clever, insightful, wonderful sort of friend. How did you go about tackling the ENTANGLED soundtrack?

It was important for me to come up with something that suited the mood and narrative. I tried to create something that mirrored the intrigue at the start of the book and matched the pace and energy of the story.

When I came up with the idea I was just playing around on my electric guitar and came up with the chord progression and groove behind the track. I played around with that for a while until I came up with a little melody that worked really nicely over the top and this essentially became the second half of the soundtrack. I then tried out the tune on the piano and everything just fell into place and I was able to imagine exactly how I wanted the whole piece to sound.

The recording and production of the track was a real adventure as it was the first time that I'd tried to record anything properly rather than just a rough demo. I'd just built my little studio and was getting used to a whole new bunch of equipment so it was very much a test case for me. For a one minute track, it certainly took a lot of effort!

The soundtrack reminds me of a super-awesome TV theme tune... My favourites are Tru Calling and Angel... what are yours?

I love E.R. and Dexter, but Friday Night Lights wins by a mile. I get very annoyed if Mrs Dog tries to speak to me during the credits and will often skip back to hear it all over again. It's such an emotional and uplifting piece of music and I just wish that I could create something that was half as brilliant.

If someone LOVES the soundtrack, are there any bands you'd recommend they check out?

My music tastes and influences are a little eclectic, but based on the sound of the Entangled soundtrack I'd recommend Remy Zero, Jack's Mannequin and a smattering of Nine Inch Nails... and my band See You Next Wednesday of course!

What are your three favourite YA books and why?

Unwind by Neal Shusterman - The premise of this book is fascinating and shocking, but it's delivered in such a straight-talking tone that it's instantly believable. I love a futuristic dystopian story and this is as thought-provoking and engaging as they come.


Watership Down by Richard Adams - I think too many people regard this as just a simple children's book, but at its core it's darker and more sophisticated than that. It's not all about fluffy little bunnies but their struggle for survival and the nature of society, plus General Woundwort is one of the scariest characters you're ever likely to encounter.


The Long Walk by Richard Bachman (Stephen King) - The idea behind this book is simply amazing as 100 teenage boys learn that being the last man standing is all that matters. What makes this book for me are the characters and their interactions and relationships as they face up to their own mortality.

What one book would you like to write a theme tune/soundtrack for? And what kind of sound would you go for?

The Hunger Games - these books require something anthemic built around a string section so huge that it could fill the arena with sound.

What's next for Massive Dog?

I'd love to do some more trailers but for now I'll just churn out whatever I fancy! I've recently finished my band's EP and I'm currently halfway through recording a pop-punk love song I wrote back in '02. Once that's done I've got a few unfinished song ideas that I'd like to work on with a slightly heavier feel but I may start on something else entirely if the mood takes me!

Chocolate or cheese?

That's easy, I'm definitely in Team Cheese!

Team Cheese triumphs again! Thanks for stopping by, Mr Dog!


You can visit Massive Dog's website here.






Interview with Anthony McGowan

Today I'm privileged to be interviewing all-round writing superstar Anthony McGowan who will be leading the WRITING FOR CHILDREN course at the Faber Academy starting in January. The course sounds utterly brilliant - you can check out the details here.

Tell us a little bit about the WRITING FOR CHILDREN course and your involvement with it.


Like many authors, I grew up in love with the Faber name and heritage. I’ve been teaching creative writing at various institutions for a few years now, as well as writing children’s books, which obviously meant I was picked up on the Faber Academy RADAR. They approached me, and I leapt at the chance. The course is aimed at anyone from total beginners, to someone who’s finished or almost finished a children’s book. We’ll be covering the whole range of writing for children and young adults, except for picture books. I suppose the course is a distillation of all that I’ve learned in my years as a children’s writer (and reader). There’ll be plenty of workshopping and exercises, and we have some amazing special guests – Anne Fine, Michael Rosen and Meg Rosoff.

Do you think there are unique challenges in writing for children and young adults?

The basics of good writing are the same for adults and children – it generally boils down to great characters and a compelling plot. The main challenge in for writing for children is to get into the mind of a child, without losing your adult sensibility. And you generally have to work harder to keep children reading, given how many other things there are for them to do. This puts a little more emphasis on plot and action, as well as humour, as ways of keeping your grip on the young readers.

What are some of the common mistakes people make when writing for children?

Not thinking about the audience. The belief that ‘fine’ writing is somehow enough. Spending a page describing the sunset. A failure to appreciate the beauty of a good fart gag.

You write for different age groups. Which is your favourite? Go on, you can tell us. We’re VERY good at keeping secrets.

I love writing for teenagers. It’s where my heart really is. And my head. It’s such a dramatic and intense time in our lives, the possibilities for stories are endless.

What are your feelings about first person versus third person? (Careful here, you’re talking to a first person kind of girl.)

Most of my books are first person narratives. It comes most easily to me, and seems the most natural way of telling a story.

What are your top three YA books of all time?

Red Shift by Alan Garner, The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff and The Lord of the Rings by, well, you know who.

Have you ever walked up to someone in a bookshop and said, ‘I wrote that!’?

Yep, just once, with my first Y/A book, Hellbent. Couldn’t resist it! I still can’t go into a bookshop without turning my books so the cover faces out (I suspect we all do that …).

Please tell us your famous crossbow story, Twitter style (140 characters or fewer).

2 boys hunt rats with a crossbow in a filthy beck. An abandoned gypsy dog. A stray shot. A merciful boot crunches. The bones lie restless.

Best Twitter story EVER. Now, the most important question of all... If you could only have one for the rest of your life, which would you choose: chocolate or cheese?

I could actually live without either. Crisps, however …

Your answer has blown my mind. A life without chocolate OR cheese...?! I think I need to go and lie down for a minute. Thanks for stopping by, Tony!
Tony McGowan will be teaching Writing For Children at The Faber Academy, starting on January 25th 2011. For more information or to book, please visit www.faberacademy.co.uk, or call Ian Ellard on 0207 927 3827.

My very first interview

Just a short post today, you lucky people. I was interviewed on the Quercus blog, and you can have a look here if you like. I even managed to mention cheese (yes, I'm very proud of myself).


In other news:


1. Someone on TV the other day said 'The sky's your oyster', which made me laugh. A lot.
2. This morning on the tube I sat opposite one man with extraordinary ears, and another with the longest toenails I have ever seen.
3. Today I will be WRITING.


What will you be doing?

Interview with children's book publicist extraordinaire

Another interview! Don't say I never give you anything. This time we're venturing into the world of publicity, with the ever-wonderful Liz Scott. Now Liz used to be my BOSS, back when I was a baby marketing assistant, new to publishing and new to London. There aren't many bosses I've had that I would consider to be real, proper friends (*scans memory* *fails*). So here she is...

So what do you do then?
I am a freelance book publicist working with various publishers on their PR and marketing for children’s and YA books.


How did you get into the wondrous world of children’s books?
I always knew I wanted to work in publishing but have to admit to sort of falling into children’s books before I realised it was the world for me.

I started my book career in 1998 as an excitable bookseller in Bradford Waterstones where I worked for a year with inspiring, knowledgeable book folk, who cemented my desire to work with books. So I packed up my knotted hankie and headed to London Town where I found my first publishing job as a Sales Assistant at Phaidon Press. From there I moved to a Sales & Marketing Executive job at Usborne where I worked out that the children’s book world is indeed wondrous. So I stayed. I worked at Usborne for 7 years, 4 years as Marketing Manager, before the lure of the North got too much and I left for Manchester and freelance life.


Any exciting books you’re working on at the moment? Please plug away!
I could list all of them as I really am working on some excellent books but will keep it to a couple.

I’m immersed in the world of horror with William Hussey author of Witchfinder: Dawn of the Demontide – the first in the Witchfinder trilogy. William is an author who is seriously committed to his subject matter and a true horror fan himself so it’s a real joy working with him to promote his first book for children and to learn about his horror influences – reading Tales from the Crypt from the age of 6!

I’m also massively looking forward to being involved with Angel by LA Weatherly with the Usborne team. The buzz is building early and the angel phenomenon looks like being huge.


What would your ideal author do in terms of publicity?
That’s a really tough one because I really appreciate how hard it must be for authors with the weight of expectation heaped on them in terms of publicity ‘these days’. They have to be blogging, tweeting children’s entertainers with a love of long, tedious train journeys – not something that always comes naturally to someone who has chosen the essentially solitary job of writing!

Really I just like working with authors who have a passion for what they do, the audience they do it for and who appreciate the hard work involved by everyone in making it work.


And what would your nightmare author do?
Nothing.


Good answer! If you could work with any author in the world (children’s or grown-ups’) who would it be?
I’m from Yorkshire and that ALWAYS means an all-consuming enthusiasm for all things Yorkshire. I have a long standing admiration (borderline obsession) for poet Simon Armitage so would chose him for his dour wit.

If I could have 2 (please?) my second would be Frank Cottrell Boyce.


Top three children’s books?
Obviously the answer to this question would be different on any given day, but for today:

The BFG by Roald Dahl– especially the whizzpoppers chapter. When is pumping not funny?

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce – just thinking about it makes me giggle. Pure joy.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith – just coz.


I Capture the Castle is one of my very favourite books too!
So... please look into your crystal ball and tell us what the Next Big Thing is in children’s books... preferably 2-3 years down the line, to give us time to write the books and make the big bucks.
Blimey – who knows?!

For the past few years there has very much been the ‘big thing’. Whether its boy wizards, vampires, angels, people have seriously embraced trends. This has definitely been great in raising the profile of children’s and YA books so maybe the next big thing will just be a diverse, quality range. Ahhh!


What’s your favourite trashy reality TV show? I KNOW you’ve got one.
I am a really, really late comer to Come Dine with Me – after months of people (you) telling me that it is must-watch TV I have finally watched it. I love it! Fave moment so far on Celebrity Come Dine with Me – while Darren Day cooks, the background music plays ‘There’s a rat in me kitchen what am I gonna do’!! TV GOLD.


Would you rather have muffins for hands or squirrels for feet?
Whenever I’ve considered this question before (!) I’ve always read it as ‘squirrels’ feet’ which is much easier to answer than ‘squirrels FOR feet’. Whole squirrels for feet? That’s hard.

I’m going to go with muffins for hands which will at least give me a little something sweet to nibble on as my answer to the next question is undisputable...


Chocolate or cheese?
Cheese every time with no exceptions.

Not even a hint of indecision - I like your style.

Now, Liz has kindly agreed to answer any questions you might have. Please leave them in the comments section below.

Interview with an editor of awesomeness

Continuing my Interesting-Folk-Who-Work-in-Publishing feature, I have ANUTHA interview with a real live commissioning editor bod. It's the completely awesome Sarah Stewart of Scholastic Children's Books.

And yes, it's the same questions as last time, but hey, if it ain't broke... (I was indeed too busy to come up with new questions. Please accept my humble apologies.)



So, who the heck are you and where do you work?

I work at Scholastic, a large international publishing house, who create amazing books for kids of all ages, from teeny-tiny to teenage. We have dedicated non-fiction, picture book and fiction lists. ­ I'm one of the editors on the fiction list.

Do you get bucketloads of unsolicited manuscripts?
We're one of the very few publishers who still accept unsolicited MS. But I rarely have time to look at our slush pile. ­ I have enough manuscripts to read from agents. Most editors have a huge pile of reading to get through at any given time. ­ I can't remember the last time I had a bus or train journey without submissions to read!


Is there any particular genre/type of manuscript you'd really like to land on your doorstep right now?
I would love to see more fiction for girls aged 8-10 ­- really fun stuff with a good unique voice. I quite fancy reading some good detective fiction, but haven't seen much of that lately. And I'm always interested to see great YA ­but I think I've probably had enough of vampires for now!


What advice would you give to someone looking to get a book published?
Buy the Artists' and Writers' Yearbook and read it cover to cover. Find an agent: ­ approach all agents in a courteous and professional way, as they are the key to getting noticed by a publishing house! Believe in yourself, but don't pester!


What do you enjoy most about your job?
Finding new talent ­- it is so exciting when you read a book and fall in love with it. I also really like that magic moment where you make someone really happy by offering to buy their book!


And least?
It's tough when you have to break bad news to an author; for example that their sales have dipped, or that a book is going out of print. Fortunately we don't have to have those conversations often, but they're always difficult.


Top three children's books?
There are too many! Today I'll say:
Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
A Pack of Liars by Anne Fine


I also used to devour school stories like Chalet School, Malory Towers, St Clare's, Trebizon, Dimsie, you name it. Which is quite odd when you're a kid going to a normal state school who rarely encounters lashings of ginger beer:)


Which book do you wish you'd published?
Recently? Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. And When I Was Joe by Keren David.


Finally, the most important question of all: chocolate or cheese?
Cheese. But if I'm being asked to give up one of them forever, I'd start crying.

Cheese was the correct answer. Thanks for your time, Awesome Sar!

Interview with a real live commissioning editor bod!

Today I have a special treat for you. It's a new interview feature I like to call 'Interesting folk who work in Publishing'. Today's guest is the fabulous Non Pratt, Commissioning Editor at Catnip Publishing. In the interests of full disclosure, I should perhaps mention that Non happens to be my best mate. But that didn't stop me from asking the questions the people need to know!

                                              This is Non, posing with the Catnip logo.


Tell us what Catnip is all about then.

We’re an independent publishing house bringing out a wide range of children’s books from picture books to YA. We look for books that are out of print but really shouldn’t be, such as Berlie Doherty’s Granny was a Buffer Girl, which won the Carnegie, and we look for quality fiction from overseas – there are some brilliant Australian writers out there, Lili Wilkinson and Marianne Musgrove to name but two. This year we’ve really expanded our publication of original fiction from new authors like J.D. Irwin to established ones such as Joan Lingard and Lesley Howarth. I like to think you’d never guess our size from the quality and range of fiction we publish.

Which Catnip title would you suggest I read?


Paradise Barn by Victor Watson. Victor has a wonderful economy of style which breathes new life into an established genre. His book is about three children solving a mystery during the Second World War – the narrative is well-paced, but not breakneck and his approach to writing is considered and yet effortless, drawing you in and leading you on. It’s tidy and satisfying and there’s plenty in there to get you thinking about good, bad and that grey area in between. I’m not playing favourites, but I think it’s a good one for any writer to read.

Do you get bucketloads of unsolicited manuscripts?

I currently have a picnic hamper overflowing with submissions received since Christmas. So, not bucketloads so much as hamperfuls…
What’s the most common mistake in the unsolicited mss you read?
In the submissions the most common mistake is a poor covering letter – consider your submission the same way as you would a job application and keep it professional. Relevant writing credentials do not include making up bedtime stories for your own children, working with children or just really wanting to be a writer. In the mss themselves the most common mistake is not re-reading your submission before you send it – I see a lot of patchy punctuation, bad spelling and grammar, and unusual layouts.

Is there any particular genre/type of manuscript you wish would land on your doorstep right now?

Horror. Creepy hold-your-breath, wipe-your-clammy-palms writing that you can barely bring yourself to read in the house at night. For teenagers, not seven-year-olds, obviously – I’m not sadistic. I’d like some humour for the younger audience. Although I’d consider anything with a great voice no matter what the genre or age range.

Glad to hear you're not a sadist. That is reassuring for all of us. 
What advice would you give to someone looking to get a book published?

Get resilient. Get an agent. In that order. Agented manuscripts get priority on my pile and a good agent will get you the best deal possible with the right publisher.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The Big Edit. I love thinking of ways to tighten up the weave of the story and seeing opportunities within a manuscript that the writer may have missed because they’re so close to it. I try to go through this with each author in person so they can see my own enthusiasm for the work instead of feeling relentlessly criticised – even the most constructive criticism can seem depressing if you’re left in a vacuum. My suggestions might not work as they are, but they’re designed to prompt the writer into questioning whether they could think of something better. All editors ever want is to enable a writer to produce the best book possible.

And least?

Saying no to anything (manuscripts, advertising space, a cover that won’t work, my cats when they asks for their dinner an hour too early). Although I’m pretty good at it – ask the Panda and Tiger, they never get dinner before 7pm.

I thought you said you weren't a sadist, eh? Not feeding your cats before 7pm is MEAN. 
What are your top three children’s books?

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness The Oaken Throne by Robin Jarvis The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
I like a book where I don’t feel safe.
I also like Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Elrbruch, but I don’t want to sub out any of the others… can I just add this one anyway? Go on, Cat… (Oh, OK then... but only 'cos I'm feeling exceptionally generous today.)

Which book do you wish you’d published?

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, published by Walker. There is nothing about this book that I don’t admire in every single way as an editor. The package is perfect and the attention to detail at every level is stunning, from the use of embossing, foiling and spot UV on the cover, the coloured ends, the choice of fonts in the narrative... I could go on. And I think the story is executed perfectly. I could go on about that too, but then I might give something away and I’d prefer everyone reading this to go out there and buy it (from an independent bookseller) and read it. After reading The Knife of Never Letting Go.

Finally, the most important question of all: chocolate or cheese?

Cheese (port salut, I love you). Although I do like dipping lumps of cheese in a chocolate fondue, so I guess that’s something I’d have to kiss goodbye.  


Thank God you went for cheese, otherwise our friendship would be OVER. Thanks Non, for answering all my questions. 
Thanks for asking me to do an interview on your super-fab blog! I feel very honoured. Can't wait to see your book on the shelves in 2011...

If anyone would like to ask Non a question, she's kindly offered to answer them in the Comments section below. Ask her ANYTHING (within reason...).