Thank you so much to Kate for the interview. I love reading the Bin Chicken books to my class and sharing the adventures of Trilby Moffat.

Interview

What was your inspiration for the Trilby Moffat books?

I loved reading books that felt dangerous and magical when I was a kid. I have always loved books with original and daring plot and brave kids who have to go up against dark forces. I wanted to write a book that was so full of wild ideas that kids could really dive into this world and lose themselves. 

What drew you to writing middle grade novels?

I write lots of different kinds of books for kids like the Bin Chicken picture books and the Underdogs graphic novels but I had always wanted to write a middle grade book. It was just a matter of time and in the at time I’ve been gathering up my ideas like kinderling ready to make a huge bonfire. 

What is your process for writing a middle grade series?

This is a tricky question… usually I write with my writing partner Jol but the middle grade series is all me. My process for writing alone is a bit hodge-podge. Some days I’m all organized with my notebooks and clean hair… other days I’m a mess but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Sometimes the motivation and and good ideas are ready to go sometimes I need to bang on their door with a candy cane until they come out.  

You also write picture books and graphic novels, does your process change for the story arc? 

It’s a very different writing process for me depending on what I’m writing. Picture books are all about walking and talking and waiting until the good idea arrives. My picutre books are usually driven by a concept rather than a plot so that needs to arrive in its spaceship before anything can get started. As for graphic novels these are the most fun to write in terms of process because if I am writing a second or third in the series I already know all the characters so it just about playing with them and having fun. 

What is your approach to world and character building for middle grade and graphic novels?

There was a great deal of this work required for Trilby. The whole book is set on an island that exists literally OUTSIDE time… so that meant I had to think about the laws and physics that govern this world. What does it mean to have no time? Do you need to sleep? Does the sun rise? How do you bake a lemon and poppyseed cake?

How would you describe the Perilous Promotion of Trilby Moffat in five words?

A dangerous, delicious, ridiculous, ride. 

Did you have a favourite moment to write in each book (without spoilers)?

Because the characters all come from weird moments in history and have converged on this island there are some very strange scenes that are based loosely on historical events. One of my favourite scenes is where Trilby must compete in the Race Against Time where she has to run full speed down a steep hill after a rolling clock. It was a scene inspired by that ridiculous race in England where people run down a hill after a wheel of cheese.

What was your favourite book growing up?

I loved books where time was fractured and strange things happened. Some of my childhood favourites included A Wrinkle in Time and Playing Beatie Bow. Books that take the real world and bend it a little are my favourite kind of fantasy. 

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Books that take the real world and bend it a little are my favourite kind of fantasy. But I also love books set firmly in the real world. It’s all about character really. I’ll follow a great character right out of my reading comfort zone. Wouldn’t you?