All about the novel Fluff, Mess Up!

Who is Matt Stanton?

Matt Stanton is a bestselling children’s author and illustrator who has sold more than one million books in Australia. His middle-grade series Funny Kid debuted as the #1 Australian kids’ book and has fans all around the world. He has twenty picture books to his name, including the award-winning Books That Drive Kids Crazy! and Fart Monster series, and is the creator of the immensely popular graphic novel series, The Odds, and the Bored novels. Fluff is his latest series. Matt lives on the south coast of New South Wales with his wife, bestselling author Beck Stanton, their four children and a giant dog.

What is Fluff, Mess Up! about?

Interview

What was your inspiration for Fluff, Mess Up!?

My Fluff series is all about the way a boy called Gilbert colours in his rather black and white world using his imagination, aided by his imaginary friend, a giant rabbit called Fluff. Kids don’t often respond to being told what to do, such as ‘Clean up this mess’, but the life lessons we all learn make more sense when we can arrive at them ourselves. In this book, Gilbert and Fluff find their own imaginative way to cleaning up, and it’s much more fun. 

What drew you to writing middle grade? 

This is the age when kids are deciding if they like reading or not. They’ve learned the skill of reading, now they’re going to decide if they want to read for pleasure. Often the decision they make at this age sticks with them for a very long time, and that’s all about whether they find the right book. I love writing for this age because it feels like we have the opportunity to really help someone fall in love with reading. 

What was your process for writing Fluff, Mess Up!?

I write in a layered way. I start with the concept and characters, then I structure the story and build out the scenes. I then write my manuscripts dialogue-first. It basically reads like a play or script. I then rewrite, working with that dialogue to build out the prose. It means I pass through the story multiple times. 

Was the process different to writing the Funny Kid series?

Not really. It’s a process I’ve developed over 45 books and it works for me.

How did you choose which character to focus the story? 

The concept lends itself to a particular character, Gilbert. He’s also a character that my child-self can connect well with and that’s important for me.

What is your approach to world and character building?

I’m also an illustrator so my process is very visual. I dance back and forth between writing and drawing, allowing each tool to develop the story and influence the other. Nothing is fixed until it’s done.

Did you have a favourite moment to write in Fluff, Mess Up!?

There’s a flying baby at one point – that was quite fun to write. (Don’t worry, the baby is fine).

How would you describe Fluff, Mess Up! in five words?

Humour, heart, absurdity, empathy, imagination.

What was your favourite book growing up?

Peter Pan

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Not really. I read 100+ books a year, across lots of genres.