#TuesdayTalk with Richard Scrimger, author of Weerdest Day Ever!, one of The Seven Prequels.
What was the catalyst for your story?
A while back, Ted Staunton and I both got interested in re-enactors, and sat down with a big bottle of, uh, milk, to figure out a storyline focused on re-enactment for both brothers.
What are the challenges of writing for or within a series?
One of the biggest challenges is not to contradict stuff you have already said. This also ties into knowing your character’s limitations and showing his growth and development within the context of the story.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Winnie the Pooh, for the odd mix of humor, character and philosophy.
In your opinion, what makes a compelling story?
I think that character need and engagement, secrets and surprises and clean writing are all important to an interesting story.
Do you gravitate toward a certain genre or type of writing?
I’m interested in characters who don’t fit into the group and are okay with that.
What types of conversations do you hope will come out of your book?
How many copies did you buy? Really? I bought even more than that. Say, what other books has he written? Let’s buy a whole bunch of those. I think I’ll show this book to my friend, the Hollywood producer, who is looking for a project right now and has lots of money
Tell us a little known or interesting fact about yourself.
I have never had a ‘real’ job — you know, with benefits and a predictable paycheck. On the other hand, I have dropped a chocolate truffle on the head of the Jamaican Prime Minister.
Read more of Bunny’s story in Ink Me (Seven, the Series) and The Wolf and Me (The Seven Sequels).
Richard Scrimger is the award-winning author of twenty books for children and adults, and has written for television and print media. His fiction has been translated into a dozen languages. The father of four children, Richard is used to being confused, misunderstood, and laughed at. For more information, visit www.scrimger.ca or follow him on Twitter @richardscrimger.