You had a great job why did you start writing novels too?
True, my job was fantastic. Travelling around the world with the England Team, interviewing them was truly amazing. And that's partly why I began writing the novels - I was having all these unforgettable experiences and learning so much about football that I wanted to share it with other people. The Jamie Johnson books have given me the chance to do that.
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At first, the writing was just a hobby but when I sent to publishers and agents and they rejected it, my stubborn side came through and I started thinking: right, now I really am going to do this to prove these people wrong!
How much of you is in Jamie Johnson's character?
When I was younger, I was desperate to be a professional footballer so me and Jamie have that very important thing in common. He's also stubborn like me! But he also has things in common with other people. For example, when I was working with the England Team, I would look at people like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney and try to understand what made them tick, what drove them to be so good at football. I have tried to bring those qualities through in Jamie too.
Who are your books aimed at?
Mainly boys and girls who like football, which accounts for most of them. But, at the same time, I feel most proud of the books when people (including adults) come up to me and say: 'I'm not mad keen on football but I loved your book...'
Describe a typical writing day.
There is no typical writing day for me really. If inspiration strikes then I let it flow. It can be something I hear or see that starts me off. I tend to write with a pen and paper first and then transfer it to the computer. That way, there's a kind of editing process built into the writing process. I find being outside and traveling can both be inspirational.
Where do you get your ideas from?
My own life, my friends, things I read about or see. In terms of the Jamie Johnson books, my whole life has been my research. Football has been such a big part of me that there's a cauldron of ideas and experiences bubbling away in my mind. My job is to dip in and pick the most juicy stories.
What do you enjoy most about writing novels?
The feeling of writing a good paragraph is great, leaving you with that hope that somewhere out there are readers who are going to (hopefully) enjoy what you've just written. And then there's actually meeting people who have read your books. That's fantastic for both of us. I can see that they enjoy it and, for me, it makes me very proud. It makes the whole writing process more real.
Do you have any plans to write novels aimed at adults?
No plans at the moment but a few ideas. I would a challenge but I like those...
Why did you decide to write for children?
There weren't any football novels for children at the time that I started writing. I couldn't believe that, it felt like such a gap in the market and wanted to put it right. I wanted to write the kind of book that I would have enjoyed reading when I was younger. A book that tapped in to the passion for football that so many of us have.
Who were your favourite authors as a child?
Roald Dahl - genius. Plus anyone that wrote anything about football (of course!)
What are you reading at the moment?
Ronnie Wood's autobiography. I love the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart and he's worked with both so he's an interesting prospect. He has great stories about all the top musicians of the last 30 years. Then I have The Damned United a book about Brian Clough, lined up for the summer. Might slip in a William Boyd too.
What advice would you give children who want to be writers when
they grow up?
You can do it. If you know what you want to do that gives you a head-start on so many other people. If you can persevere at times when you have doubts then you've got a chance. And remember to be truthful, to yourself. Write what you want to write, not what you think other people want to you write. And enjoy it!
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