Q&A with Michael Morpurgo

I've just seen the film of Private Peaceful and felt it was more true to the spirit of the book than the film of War Horse. Not sure if you'd agree with me on that. I suppose the stage play of War Horse spoiled me for the film anyway [a hard act to follow] and I do understand that War Horse had to be aimed at a huge audience, but I hope Private Peaceful gets the recognition it deserves.

I am in the position of writing a childrens story. It has begun as one theme, has developed into a different theme and will have to re-connect to the original story to finish. It could even develop into two seperate stories.

Do you find that this is a common situation, and has it happened to you?

(But don't spoil any ones illusions!)

Thank you Michael!

Hi Michael,

Not really a question but a Thank You! For the stories and the farms! I had the privilege to take children from a school in South London to the farm at St David's. It was a fabulous week for them and for the adults too! The children talked about it for weeks and weeks when they got home and still, on Facebook, as adults in their 20s, they mention it still! A life changing experience for many of them. What was so important was the quality of the environment from the art work to the design of the building. So often people do not offer children high quality & then wonder why they do not get quality back!

As a teacher & parent/grandparent I have read your books to children and they have always been loved and enjoyed... which is the point of reading a story book! So thanks for all the stories!
I hope you still have more to write!

Hello Michael - I do like the look of this book. How did you choose the poems and have you written any yourself?

Many years ago I borrowed a book from the mobile library that came to my village; I loved the book but forgot the name of it, mainly remembering the first page and the mention of the drawing of a horse. Then, when War Horse took to the stage I wonderd if it was one and the same. Seeing the play will always be one of the highlights of my life; I've never before or since seen anything that moved me to laughter and tears so many times. I then bought the book and realised that, yes, it was that book. I wasn't sure about the film, finding it a bit overly sentimental, but I then realised that such is the strength and power of your writing, I'd forgotten that the books are primarily aimed at children, and, for that reason the film had to cover a wide audience. I understand that you nearly gave up writing after War Horse. If this is the case, can I say how pleased I am, for myself and millions of others that you continued. I spent many an hour talking to my own, dearly departed pony; she was a good friend and a good listener..so War Horse struck deep into my heart. Thank you [I've ordered the poetry book; it looks beautiful].

Do you plan out your books before you write them? Do you always know exactly what is going to happen? And what comes first for you - character or story?

What do YOU like reading? (Prose and poetry)

What do you think of the emphasis on phonics in teaching children to read nowadays? Some authors have suggested it takes the fun out of reading - but is learning to sound out the letters necessarily counter to enjoying books?

How much has your background as a teacher influenced a) your writing and b) your city farm work?

You've written a lot of books (I am glad to say). Do you write everyday? Do you have a contract to produce say a book a year?

And if i can have another question, has your writing changed over the years? Is there a different flavour to the early and the later books, d'you think?

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Why do you think it is so important for city children to understand farms?

I believe your wife is the daughter of Allen Lane. As a successful author and someone who has married into publishing, what do you think of what is happening to the publishing industry? Do you think good authors will still be published and nurtured?

A number of your books are set in Cornwall, and I'd always thought you must live there - but actually I don't think you do. Is Cornwall particularly important to you?

Aha! I have just realised I didn't mean Escape from Shangri La but Alone on a Wide Wide Sea. The one about Australia, anyway

Great thrill to have you doing a Gransnet Q&A. My DCs and DGCs have adored your books and we all have our favourites.

Personally, I am torn between Kensuke's Kingdom, Escape from Shangri-La (gruelling!) and Private Peaceful.

I wondered if you had a favourite?

So many of your stories are set in wartime. Why does writing about war appeal to you so strongly?

What is the secret of being a good writer? And - if I am allowed a second question - is writing for children very different to writing for adults? Thank you in advance

Did you enjoy working with your wife on this project? Have you worked with her before. I am not sure that OH and I working together would be such a good idea

I'm looking forward to seeing the poetry book. I can think of a GC who would love it for Christmas. I wondered how did you choose the poems to include? And what you think makes a good one? Have you written poetry yourself?

Hi Michael. What inspired you to write War Horse?

A very good day to you Sir, (sorry for the formality, but we've not been introduced!)
Seriously, I help out in a local Primary School and one of their projects last term was to read one of your books and make drawings based on their interpretations of the story!. There were some really good ones. I'm sorry that I can not remember the book, due to short term memory loss.

My question , if permissable, is - How do you begin to find a good publisher, who does not charge an exorbitant amount. Also , is it advisable to get the work previewed professionally first?
Many thanks for reading this.
All good wishes for your future "Good Reads"
Gramps.

I was so impressed, many years ago, when I first heard about your farms and the experiences children get there but when discussing them in my school staffroom (I'm a teacher) I heard a lot of dissent! 'Treating children like slaves - having to WORK while they're there!' Do you think we mollycoddle children too much these days? I feel there can be huge satisfaction in being responsible for other living beings, overcoming dificulties and achieving new things that are outside our usual experiences.

Hi Michael, I hope you don't see this as a liberty but I am currently reading War Horse with a truely wonderful Year 8 class at Woodchurch High School (Merseyside) and they jumped at the opportunity to ask you a few questions...

"Why does the first sentence of each chapter contain only capital letters?" Morgan.L.

"Why are most of your books based on animals or war?" Kyle.L.

"Why did you give up being a teacher?" Adam.H.

"What did you think about the film of your book War Horse?" Lauren.C.

"What books did you used to read as a child?" Ashleigh.E

" Hi Michael Morpurgo, my name is Jack P and I am dyslexic. When I heard that your books are good for dyslexic people my Dad got me Born to Run. I want to become an author and write books like you, where you make it up but in a real time and about myths and animals. So I was wondering if you could give me some tips of writing stories. Thank you for inspiring me. Jack.P age 12 P.S I hope you can come to Woodchurch High School we have a school farm you would like.

Thank you! From Julie Wood

No sooner had I put my question then you pop up on Channel 4 news talking about your new book based on the true life of Walter Tull, a black solider in the first world war who never got the medal his bravery deserved because of his colour. It certainly sounds an adult theme and I look forward to reading it. Have your hopes of his medal being awarded posthumously gained much support?