Children´s author Giles Paley-Phillips to Ohmygossip.com: e-books can never really give a child the same reading experience that a physical book can!

OHMYGOSSIP – Giles was born in East Sussex in 1977 and grew up on the south coast. He neglected his education to pursue a career in music. He spent a number of years performing extensively around the UK, including slots at the Glastonbury festival. His debut book ‘THE FEARSOME BEASTIE’ won The People’s Book Prize, Bizziebaby Gold Award and Highly Commended in The Forward National Literature Award and was Shortlisted for The Rotherham Children’s Awards and The Heart of Hawick Children’s Book Award (Maverick Books). ‘Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball’ is out in 2012 followed in 2013 by ‘The Things you never knew about DINOSAURS’ (Gullane) and ‘Princess Stay Awake’ in 2014 (Maverick). A collection of nonsense poetry THERE IS A LION IN MY BATHROOM (Rebel books 2010, with proceeds going to Leukaemia Research) is out now in many bookshops. Giles still lives in Seaford with his wife, Michelle, and their two sons, Elijah and Sonny.

Giles Paley-Phillips, please, tell us about yourself?
My name is Giles, I’m a children’s author from South Coast UK, I also play guitar in Alt Rock band Burnthouse.

Where and when you were born? Where do you live now? 
I was born in Brighton in East Sussex, I’ve lived all my life in Seaford, a little coastal town between Brigton and Eastbourne.

Where and what you have studied?
I neglected my education to pursue a career in music, playing and touring the country after I dropped out of college. In more recent years I’ve studied for a BA Hons Degree with the Open University.

Your family?
I’m married to Michelle, and we have two children, Elijah, 9 and Sonny, 7

Let´s talk about books. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing come from? How long have you been writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, especially with regards lyrics and poetry, when our first son was born, I decided I really wanted to write something that I could read to him and that’s what started me thinking about writing children’s stories.

You are award-winning children’s author. Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing? What are your 5 favorite children’s books?
I love the work of Shel Silverstein, his book ‘Light in the Attic’ was a huge influence on my writing, as was Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. My 5 fav books are, The Giving Tree, Not Now Bernard, Light in the Attic, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and The Doubtful Guest.

What do you think most characterizes your writing? What inspires you? What projects are you working on at the present?
I like darker stories, with humour, and I think that comes across in my work so far. I’m currently working on a second novel, written in free verse.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing? What are some day jobs that you have held? If any of them impacted your writing, please share an example.
I currently write part-time and also work doing freelance online marketing, it’s a nice balance, and means I have time to invest in my writing and also spend time with my family.

How do you feel about ebooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? What process did you go through to get your books published?
I’ve been very fortunate to be published conventionally by some really supportive publishing houses. I’m an advocate of physical books, especially with children’s books, e-books can never really give a child the same reading experience that a physical book can.

What would you like to be doing five years from now? What are your long-term goals – how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
Much of the same really, I’ve just finished my first novel and working on a second, so I’d like to develop my writing in this area further, and just hope that I can be lucky enough to keep getting published.

What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? What motivates you?
I really just want to people/children to read my work, at that really is reward enough, I’m sincerely not in this to win prizes or earn money, it really is just about the work and being given the chance to have others read it.

Who is your role model and why?
I grew up without any real role models as such, my parents both died very young and I had no other close family. Meeting my wife definitely changed my life, she has been a huge inspiration and her support for me and my writing has been above and beyond, I’m in awe of her everyday.

What was the best advice you’ve been given?
Always remember those on the way up as you might see them again on the way down

What do you do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
I play guitar in Alt Rock band Burnthouse, which I love doing, I’ve been playing in bands for 20 years or so now, it’s such an amazing outlet for me. I’m also a huge film buff, I love all sorts of movies, and try to keep up with everything that is coming out.

Please name 5 interesting things/facts people don’t know about you…
I’m teetotal,
I love to cook, in particular Indian Cusine,
I’ve played at the Glastonbury Festival on the New Bands Stage in 2000,
I’m a patron for the charity Action Aid UK,
quite a few celebrities follow me on twitter

What makes you happy? What is your secret of happiness?
Being with my family is where I’m most happy. Find a something that you love and do it for the rest of your life.

What is your favourite quote/motto?
The things that you own, end up owning you – Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

You have tens of thousands social media followers (Twitter: @eliistender10) . How much social media helps to promote your work?
It helps a lot, and I love being part of an online community, I talked to so many amazing people and it means I can talk directly to readers and other artists.

What questions haven’t I asked you?
What my favourite colour is? It’s green by the way.

Fotos: gilespaleyphillips.blogspot.co.uk
Look also: “Official Blog of Children’s Author Giles Paley-Phillips” here gilespaleyphillips.blogspot.com

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