Adam Wallace

answers the Usual Questions

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

Well the only convention I have been to was Comic Con Melbourne, and that was as a guest, and I was dressed up as Pikachu ... so no. But I do visit a lot of schools and the interaction with the kids there is invaluable, not only for their thoughts on and reactions to my books, but also because their enthusiasm is contagious. So are their colds and snotty noses, but that's okay.

Adam Wallace

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

One time I did what I thought was a really cool session, and at the end asked if there were any questions. One kid put up his hand and said, 'Why are your ears pointy like an elf?'

It was brilliant, and made me realise that no matter what you do, sometimes the audience will focus on something totally different. It also made me realise that you have to be flexible and ready to answer or write about anything that pops up. It also made me realise my ears are pointy like an elf, which is kind of cool.

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

Dr Seuss and Andy Griffiths for kid's books. Harpo Speaks for remembering that life is there to be lived and enjoyed, and that if you get hung up on problems and negative things it leaves very little time left for the important things like having fun and sleeping.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

A lift - Kate Hudson. What? She's funny!

A spaceship - who cares??? I'm in a spaceship!!!

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

A lift - anyone who had a curry or baked beans as their last meal.

A spaceship - who cares? I'm in a spaceship!!!

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

My lip balm. Lips would get dry at that altitude. Also one of those fancy pens you can write with in space. And maybe an iPod. And Kate Hudson.

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

To always enjoy writing and never let it become routine or a business. And to leave a legacy where kids can know it's okay to read for fun and enjoyment as well as for learning.

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

Emails from parents saying their kids had never read a book before and they have read mine three times. Drawings from kids, which shows they are happy to take the time to let me know how much fun they have had with my books.

submitted by Adam Wallace

16 July 2014

For other answers to The Usual Questions Click here

Just the facts:
Born: 19/9/1972, and yet I turn 27 every birthday ... it's AMAZING!!!
Resides:
Bibliography/Awards: 35 so far, with more on the way this year (2014)

Web site:
www.adam-wallace-books.com
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