We're big fans of Andy Briggs here and the first book in The Inventory series, Iron Fist, was a great read! We're looking forward to reading sequel Gravity. To celebrate, he's taking part in a great blog tour, and shared with us his favourite things about being a children's writer.
I am often asked what’s it like to be an author, and there are many wonderful things… but I would like to first say that I have had real jobs. I have stacked shelves in Iceland (sadly, the shop, not the astonishing country), I have delivered pizzas and even been a teacher (again, sadly not at the same time) – so I do know what real work feels like!
We should get the obvious joys out of the way with first – the chance to work in your pyjamas. Let’s face it, we all have days when we wake up and want a duvet day, and aside from professional PJ tester, this is a job that allows you that luxury!
Writing children’s books allows the author the chance to get close to their readers in ways other authors (and screenwriters) can’t, this is due to the many school events we have to do in order to promote our books. I remember my first school visits were quite scary as I didn’t know what to expect, but now I thoroughly enjoy doing them. It’s a good way to receive feedback from the young readers, but also to chat about what they like, what trends they’re starting to follow and (very importantly for an author) do a little research on what should be in the next book!
For me, being a children’s author falls into two broad camps – the award winning intelligent, moral stories that allow the reader to reflect on their own life and weighty issues of growing up in the world. And those that are pure escapism, without winking at the reader and saying yes, this is your life really. I love both, but my books fall in the latter camp. Ever since I learnt to read, I read for escapism, for the chance to live outside my life rather than read instructions on how to live it, so as a consequence I think that reflects in my stories. There are few places left in the world in which a writer can get away with this. Screenplays (which I also write) often have to have some serious vein, and grown up literature generally follows this code – but only in writing for children can an author truly go wild.
Like most authors I know, it’s a huge thrill to receive fan mail from a keen reader. I find it a particular thrill when it comes from a kid who has read my book, rather than an adult. The general opinion of children not caring about things and being “lazy” is completely untrue, and nothing symbolises that more than a message simply saying how much they enjoyed my books. I hope, in some small way, that I have passed on a sliver of inspiration in that child’s life – that is such an amazing feeling that only proud parents and teachers can get.
We should get the obvious joys out of the way with first – the chance to work in your pyjamas. Let’s face it, we all have days when we wake up and want a duvet day, and aside from professional PJ tester, this is a job that allows you that luxury!
Writing children’s books allows the author the chance to get close to their readers in ways other authors (and screenwriters) can’t, this is due to the many school events we have to do in order to promote our books. I remember my first school visits were quite scary as I didn’t know what to expect, but now I thoroughly enjoy doing them. It’s a good way to receive feedback from the young readers, but also to chat about what they like, what trends they’re starting to follow and (very importantly for an author) do a little research on what should be in the next book!
For me, being a children’s author falls into two broad camps – the award winning intelligent, moral stories that allow the reader to reflect on their own life and weighty issues of growing up in the world. And those that are pure escapism, without winking at the reader and saying yes, this is your life really. I love both, but my books fall in the latter camp. Ever since I learnt to read, I read for escapism, for the chance to live outside my life rather than read instructions on how to live it, so as a consequence I think that reflects in my stories. There are few places left in the world in which a writer can get away with this. Screenplays (which I also write) often have to have some serious vein, and grown up literature generally follows this code – but only in writing for children can an author truly go wild.
Like most authors I know, it’s a huge thrill to receive fan mail from a keen reader. I find it a particular thrill when it comes from a kid who has read my book, rather than an adult. The general opinion of children not caring about things and being “lazy” is completely untrue, and nothing symbolises that more than a message simply saying how much they enjoyed my books. I hope, in some small way, that I have passed on a sliver of inspiration in that child’s life – that is such an amazing feeling that only proud parents and teachers can get.
Gravity (The Inventory #2)
by Andy Briggs
Summary:
Eeek! Think that’s a monster? Nope: it’s a
person. What terrible weapon could do this…? Errr – well, that used to be
top-secret. Problem: it’s not quite so secret anymore. Dev messed up big time
the day he let the ruthless Shadow Helix gang into the Inventory. What is the
Inventory, we hear you ask? Well, it’s the secret lockup for all the deadly
battle tech the world is NOT ready for. Which is why letting it get nicked was
a REALLY BAD IDEA. Now the Shadow Helix have Newton’s Arrow: a terrifying
weapon that messes with gravity, causing … well, you get the picture from this
book’s cover. Dev and his mates HAVE to get it back – even if it means crossing
the entire globe. To stop this evil, no trip is too far!
Information
about the Book
Title:
Gravity (The Inventory #2)
Author:
Andy Briggs
Release
Date: 6th October 2016
Genre:
MG Sci-Fi
Publisher:
Scholastic
Format:
Paperback
Goodreads
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32571679-gravity
Author Information
Andy Briggs is a
screenwriter, producer and author of the Hero.com, Villain.net and Tarzan
series. Andy has worked on film development for Paramount and Warner Bros, as
well as working with Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee and producer Robert Evans.
With a strong social media following, Andy tours the UK regularly, doing
festival, school and library events.
Website: www.andybriggs.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aBriggswriter
Tour Schedule
(Banner
Below)
Monday 17th October
Tuesday 18th October
Wednesday 19th October
Thursday 20th October
Friday 21st October
Saturday 22nd October
Sunday 23rd October
Monday 24th October
Tuesday 25th October
Wednesday 26th October
Thursday 27th October
Friday 28th October
Saturday 29th October
Sunday 30th October
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