Liz Kessler
Children's author

Navigation: About Me • About My Books • About Writing • My Books • Reviews • Writing Advice • Links • Contact Me

Section: About My Books

1. What was the first thing you had published?
The first thing I had published was my poem Jinx's Shop, which was printed in 1976 in the Manchester Evening News. My first book was The Tail of Emily Windsnap.

2. How many books have you written?
I've got four books on the shelves so far - the three Emily Windsnap books and Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister. I've just finished the second Philippa Fisher book, which is called Philippa Fisher and the Dream Maker's Daughter and I'm now working on the fourth Emily Windsnap book. It hasn't got a name yet but I'll let you know when I think of one!

3. Will there be any more Emily Windsnap books?
YES! After lots and lots of emails asking me if I'd write a fourth one, I finally realised that actually I wanted to write a fourth one. It turned out my publishers did too, so it's on the way! It will hopefully be published Autumn 2009.

4. How do you think of the titles?
I don't! Well, I didn't think of either of the first two titles. With the first one, I'd gone on a writing retreat in the lake district with my mum and her partner, Peter. Mum and I were trying to think of titles all afternoon, and having no luck. Then I asked Peter if he could help. I told him the story and he thought for about half a second and then said, 'The Tail of Emily Windsnap' - and all three of us looked at each other and said 'FANTASTIC!!' My editor thought of the second one. I thought of the third one myself! And I've thought of the title for the Philippa Fisher books so far. So I can do it occasionally!

5. Which of your own books do you like best?
I get asked this quite often and I always find it strange to talk about liking my own books! The Tail of Emily Windsnap will always be a bit special as it was my first book so the process of getting it published was the most exciting as it was all brand new to me! Although, if I'm honest, there's something about Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist that I think is that extra bit magical and special and I have quite a soft spot for it. Having said that, I actually think the book I've just finished working on, Philippa Fisher and the Dream Maker's Daughter, might be the best one yet. So far, all my friends and family have cried when they read it - which I always think is a good sign! It's not out till 2009, so you'll have to wait a while to see if it makes you cry too.

6. Do you do the pictures yourself?
If you saw my pictures, you would know better than to ask this. The covers for the Emily Windsnap books are by Sarah Gibb. The cover for Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister is by Katie May. I think the covers are all beautiful, and perfect for my stories. Sarah Gibb also drew illustrations for the chapter headings for the first two books. Natacha Ledwidge did the chapter illustrations for book three.

7. Are the characters in your books based on people you know?
Not intentionally. There are sometimes character traits that come from people I know, or they do something that someone in real life has done. (For example, Millie has quite a bit in common with my mum!) People who know me say that Emily is like me, and the way she talks is the same as the way I talk!

8. Are there any plans to make Emily Windsnap into a movie?
POSSIBLY!! I have just signed something called an option with a film company. This means they now have two years to see if they can get the backing and the money and the writers and actors etc etc and make it into a movie. It still might not happen, but there's just a chance that it will. I'll keep you updated with any progress on this.