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Tell me about your Viking Tales novels.
For the past ten years I have been writing short historical tales. There are four books in each series and every story is based on a historical event or character. Viking Tales were the 7th series of the 10 series I plan to write before I retire. They are an entertaining way to tell younger readers exciting stories that could be true.
Who was your favourite author when you were growing up?
I didn't read any books when I was growing up. School was all about doing practice tests so we could pass the 11+ exam. My spare time was spent playing football, which is much healthier than reading. We had class reading when I was around 12 years old but the books were Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens and I didn't start enjoying reading books till after I left school. My teachers believed we had to read 'classics' not books we might enjoy. Teachers still do! Madness.
What sparked your love of history?
A lot of people seem to think I love history. I don't. I write a series of books called 'Horrible Histories' because I was paid to do it by a publisher. I am a children's author with 240 published titles. Only about 60 were in the "Horrible Histories" series. The HH books, like all my novels, are not books about 'history', they are books about 'people'.
What's your favourite period of history?
The 1950s when I grew up. Any other age seems to have been dirty, cruel and dangerous with foul food and terrible toilets. Some of the posh people of the past lived quite good lives but the huge majority - people like me - would have had a short and brutal existence. I may not know a lot about history but I have learned that much.
Did you write much fiction as a child?
I never did a piece of creative writing till I was 13 years old. And then I only wrote what my teachers ordered me to. That is a great way to kill anyone's love of writing. Are you getting the idea that I loathe teachers?
How on earth did you manage to write 239 books in 36 years?
It's not a lot. It only averages a book every two months. Any writer who sets their mind to it can write 5000 words a day without breaking sweat. It's a job and all you have to do is sit at your desk and write. It's not hard work like digging for coal or doing something useful like driving a bus. Writing 200+ books isn't the hard bit. It's writing them well enough to get published and then sell 25 million copies to readers.
How did you grab the attention of a publisher?
Back in 1975 I typed my story and sent it off the 23 publishers. They all rejected it. Then the 24th said 'Yes' and I was a published author. These days getting published is much harder. Book sales are falling, publishers are failing, book shops are closing and e-books are taking over. Writers have to adapt and find new ways to publish.
What made you want to make the move into writing for adults?
Children's books are badly paid and, let's face it, I've done it. There are times in your life when you have to move on. I could write children's books till the day I die but what would be the point? We all need new challenges and adventures, not just repeat what you've done 239 times before. I probably should have made the switch 20 years ago.
How involved were you with the 'Barmy Britain' production?
I co-wrote the script and edited it. I was due to play one of the roles in theWest Endproduction - as I am a professional actor - but I just couldn't spare the time, and I'm not sure I have the energy to do up to 3 exhausting shows a day. I am a pensioner you know.
Do you visit York often?
I first went toYork as a school day-trip from my school inSunderland. I've filmed several TV stories there, written the "Horrible Histories - York" book as well as a Dick Turpin book, I've performed live on stage at the Guildhall and done several signings around the city. I've even done a half-marathon race there. The people of York keep coming back to the signings so I will keep going to do them. My favourite thing about York(apart from the inspirational Jorvik of course) has to be the NRM and the railway heritage of the city.
