Joining LitPick today for a Six Minutes with an Author interview is Curtis Jobling! Curtis is the author of the Wereworld series of books, books for a younger audience such as My Daddy and The Sheep Won’t Sleep!, and his new series, Max

Helsing & the Thirteenth Curse. We were able to ask Curtis a bonus question. You’ll want to read his answer to find out how Curtis is related to Bob the Builder!

How did you get started writing?

Probably through my hobby, roleplaying games. I know I'm not the first gamer to graduate into writing novels - there's a natural avenue there. I played Dungeons & Dragons as a kid, but many of my pals couldn't be bothered learning the rules, therefore I ran the games. And that's where I learned to tell a tale and spin a yarn, by playing a beloved hobby with my friends. That went on even when I was at art college studying illustration, years later - I'd run these huge, epic campaigns, which my fellow students loved and remember to this day. A career in animation as a designer and creator of shows only made me hanker to write for older audiences.

Who influenced you?

Tolkien was always a huge influence, certainly when you look at the fantasy novels I've written such as the Wereworld series. He's the daddy, without a doubt. But I also love the grittier, dirtier work of contemporary authors such as George R R Martin and Joe Abercrombie. There's also an old school British horror writer, James Herbert, who taught me how to 'up' the chill factor in a story back in the day, so I'd have to send a nod his way too.

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

A favorite book of my own? That's like asking me which of my children I love most of all! (If you read my blog you'll know *exactly* which child that is, by the way) I'll always have a soft spot for Rise of the Wolf, my debut novel and the first in the Wereworld series. It was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Book Prize and launched my career as a novelist. It's always a bit corny to say that your latest book is your favorite, but it'd be true to say that Max Helsing & The Thirteenth Curse was a riot to write. It combines all the genres I love most of all - fantasy, comedy and horror - and I've already written the sequel, Max Helsing & The Beast of Bone Creek, published this coming Fall by Viking.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

Read, read and read. Obviously you need to find time to write, too, but the more you read, the better you'll appreciate the craft of storytelling. Every author has his or her own way of writing - being aware of those unique approaches leaves you best armed for the battle ahead. Write every day if you can. Make a habit of it. 

Where is your favorite place to write?

My shed at the bottom of the garden. Yes, every author has one. Mine is designed and hand-built by a very clever friend of mine (not Bob the Builder), so is insulated, double glazed, very comfortable indeed. It's a treasure trove of all things geeky, full of my books and mementos from all my work in publishing and animation. It also gets me out of the house so I can crack on with my writing with a clear head - besides my school visits it’s the closest I get to “going to work.”

What else would you like to tell us?

Keep your eyes peeled in the US for upcoming tours - I believe the plan is to get me over there doing some events in the near future to promote Max Helsing to the masses, so I could well be bringing my books, my banter and my box of tricks to a state near you. In the meantime, you can find me in the usual places, on Twitter (@curtisjobling), on Instagram (curtis.jobling) and on the official Wereworld Facebook page.

Bonus Question! Curtis, in addition to being an author, you have been involved in other creative work, in particular something that most parents and their offspring in the children through young adult age would know. Can you please tell us about it?

Indeed, I'm the original production designer of - and I can only apologise - children's favorite, Bob the Builder. I designed Bob back in 1997 and worked on it for ten years, designing the entire show. It was a great experience, and opened the door to me making my own shows, which I've loved. Have to say though, the thrill of all those classic animations pales somewhat compared to that which I experience writing my own books. I'm free to tell my story exactly how I like, and that's quite a liberating feeling!

 

Curtis, thank you so much for spending six minutes with LitPick and answering an extra question. We enjoyed hearing about your Bob the Builder connection. You are the first author we’ve interviewed who has talked about being a gamer.