Candid Q & A with David Bedford

 

It’s getting closer to author David Bedford’s visit to Amman for his much anticipated series of talks and workshops here in the capital. mintaad is not alone in its excitement to host David but has found the author all geared up for his trip and looking forward to the launch that kicks off next Saturday, March 2nd.

 In a candid interview with mintaad’s editor, David reveals what to expect out of his workshop sessions and what books he’s reading at the moment…

 

Did you always know you wanted to be a children’s writer? Has your background in science found a way into your fiction?

No, I did not know I would be a children’s writer, but I had it in the back of my mind to be a writer since I was about 16. I was, though, very much more interested in science! That interest took me into my first career, and it was only while I was a scientist that, by chance, I read a couple of children’s books (I didn’t have children of my own then). These books really grabbed me, and I felt that my writing ideas had something in common with children’s writing. That’s when I began writing seriously for children.

As for science finding a way in, I tried not to let it come into my writing, because I wanted to learn a new craft, and not mix the two. I did, however, create a scientist inventor (Professor Gertie) for my football stories, and soon some scientific thinking crept into my writing, at least for this character. Also, I have a problem-solving approach to my writing which I think comes from my science training – I like to think through ideas a lot, before writing.

 

What in your opinion makes a good writer? And is there anything in particular you find challenging when writing?

One thing a good writer does is ‘live’ the act of writing, immersing themselves in the book while they are writing. This usually allows the writing to comes across naturally to the reader. It’s a bit like a really good storyteller telling a tale – they are not just remembering the tale for you, they are living the tale all over again, and letting you live in the tale alongside them.

One thing I find challenging is… well, ALL of it!

 

Workshops are an important part of what you do. What can your audience expect to gain from attending one of these workshop sessions?

In a workshop or talk, as well as giving advice and tips on writing, and helping a group craft their own writing, I also try to be myself, so that an audience can see what it is that I do, and why I do it. Hopefully they will take away something that will help them develop their own writing talents.

 

What can parents, in your opinion, do to make their children better readers? And does               the responsibility lie with the parents or the school in creating a generation of readers?

Parents are the most important role models for reading, as much research shows. More important than pop stars, footballers, and anyone. Parents need to show an interest in reading, let their children see them reading, and of course show an interest in their children’s reading. It doesn’t have to be books – parents read websites, newspapers, magazines etc. That’s still good ‘role model’ reading.

Schools are key places to learn to read. I think of it like this, in the UK: HOME – SCHOOL – LIBRARY. They’re the big three places that create readers, and there should be good links between all of them.

Of course if you think the school isn’t doing a good job for your child, and there is no access to a library – then HOME becomes the place where children are most likely to become readers.

Latest research suggests that girls are better readers than boys. What do you think may be the reason for that and how do you think we could get boys into the enjoyment of reading?

 I very much doubt that girls are better readers than boys! I think boys, though, lack motivation, and so read less, and this comes out as poor scores in tests. Boys can find it harder to find interesting subjects to read about. And perhaps boys tend not to like novels as much as girls – speaking very generally, I wonder if boys really like reading about other people’s problems so much! I think to improve boys reading, we should certainly not make them think ‘reading’ means ‘novels’ or even ‘books’. Boys should be given a wide choice, and be allowed to choose what they read – football magazines, comics, games manuals, and of course fiction that they are interested in.

 

Your book covers are so vibrant and eye-catching and the illustrations in ‘The Team’ series are very appealing. Do you work closely with the illustrator and do you do any of the drawings yourself? How do you decide on the illustrations?

The publisher of the books decides on the illustrations, but in the case of The Team series I suggested Keith Brumpton, because I had met him and we became fast friends. I thought he’d be perfect. The publisher didn’t agree. So I pushed it, and he got the job. (I can’t illustrate – though the truth is I’ve never tried!)

 

What are you reading at the moment?

 I’m reading (and editing) a story I’ve just written that is designed to encourage boys to read! That is the hidden message – mainly it’s about a gorilla who loves playing ball …

I’m also reading guide books about Jordan, a fabulous country I have always wanted to visit, and will get the chance to in two weeks’ time.

And there is a book of poetry I’ve been reading over and over for about a year – Alice Walker’s ‘Horses Make a Landscape Look More Beautiful’.

 

 

Make sure you make it to our Open House  at Toys & Toys  featuring David Bedford!

Storytelling, book signing, fun activities, face painting, snacks, raffle, and much more...

This free event is organized by Toys & Toys and mintaad.com

Don't miss the fun ... see you there!