I lived on a station called Karalundi (50 kms from Meekatharra) for 12 months.
2. What is your nickname?
Ant.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Huntsman Spiders (or any spiders that are big and furry!)
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Get it down on paper first, then sort it out later. (Well that’s 11 words.)
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Mischievous, Playful, Irreverent (in a positive way!), Unorthodox, Headstrong.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would be Sid’s Dad in Some Dogs Do (Jez Alborough). I think any father who is that celebratory of his children’s individuality is wonderful.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go back to the early 1900’s. I like the idea of all that ‘new’ technology (things that we take for granted now) mixed up with horses and carts. They must have been remarkable times in which to live.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Now that you’re all old and that, can you buy me a new bike? Oh…and keep up the writing.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
In terms of children’s picture books - Jez Alborough, mostly due to the rhyming aspect to his work and the watercolours.
In terms of other things – too many names to mention!
10. What/who made you start writing?
This little voice inside my head (not unlike that 10 year-old) sees two (or more) things happen and then smashes them together to come up with a new story. Then it has to all come out. As Maya Angelou said: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” (from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Scrumptious – it is the best descriptor of yummy food.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. As a multi-layered fable it offers much to both children and adults alike.
Anthony Wood is an Australian author of short stories and extended prose. His first children's picture book, Flaming Charlie, is illustrated by Lorraine Robertson and published by Envirobook. Visit Ant's website for more information about his various writing projects. You can find more information about Flaming Charli, including lesson ideas and craft activities, at the Flaming Charli website and Facebook page.
