About Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is, in his own words, "oldish, married with three children, and a grandfather six times over." Born in 1943, he attended schools in London, Sussex and Canterbury. He went on to London University to study English and French, followed by a step into the teaching profession and a job in a primary school in Kent. It was there that he discovered what he wanted to write.
Over the years, he's contributed original children's literature in historical fiction, animal stories, fantasies, picture books, easy readers, and retellings of legend and myth. Often employing the rural setting he knows so well, he places his young protagonist in challenging situations that ultimately test their character.
Questions
After the live session we managed to get Michael to answer these questions too:
Of all the books you have written, which is your favourite?
(from Pitcairn Primary School, Perth and Kinross)
All my books are special to me - they are all my babies if you like. Often it's the latest one that I've written that is my favourite. I'd been dreaming it for so long, living and breathing its story so that when it finally arrives as a newly published book, smelling wonderful and fresh out of the box, there is nothing like it. However, if I was to mention some favourites, War Horse would be up there and the prequel to War Horse - Farm Boy. War Horse is my wife's favourite too and that means a lot.
Can you give me some advice on how to write exciting endings to my stories?
(from Craighill Primary School - Tain, Ross-shire)
Endings are important to stories, but they need to be truthful to your whole story. Some tips from me would be to always write because you love it and not because it is something that you think you should do. Try to write about something or somebody you know about - something that you feel deeply and passionately about. Never force it. Probably the most important thing is to try to live an interesting life. Keep your eyes, ears and heart open. Talk to people and visit interesting places, and don't forget to ask questions. To be a writer you need to drink in the world around you so it's always there in your head. Finally, try and live inside your story, hear and feel it all around you and become the characters.
What books do you recommend?
(from Katy from Lochnell Primary School - Connel, Argyll - P6/7)
From my own books, it would probably have to be War Horse, The Butterfly Lion or Running Wild, but from other people's books, there's The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde. This was the first story, I think, that ever made me cry. What was strange was that I wanted to read it over and over again. It still has the power to make me cry. And Treasure Island, which was the first real book I read for myself. Jim Hawkins was a character I identified with totally. I lived this book as I read it. Finally, a book called The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono is a book for children from 8 to 80. It's the tale of one man's dedication to planting trees and how it has a profound effect on a region of South-east France. I love the humanity of this story and how one man's efforts can change the future for so many. It's a real message of hope.
How long do you spend writing in one day?
(from Lochnell Primary School - Connel, Argyll - P6/7)
When I'm writing, I tend to write in the morning when I am fresher. I have a special place where I write which is Japanese tea-house in our garden. I always write sitting on my bed, with my notebook resting on my legs. I write in pencil and then my wife or someone else will type up the story afterwards. I always stop for lunch and then in the afternoon, I will go for a long walk. It really helps me to think and weave my stories in my head.
We are enjoying reading your book This Morning I Met a Whale. What inspired you to write it and are you going to write any more interesting books?
(from Caldercuilt Primary School, P5 - Glasgow)
Really pleased you are enjoying This Morning I Met a Whale. I was inspired to write this story by a real event that happened a few years ago when a small Bottlenose whale swam up the Thames in 2006. Sadly, the whale didn't survive but I was struck how the event brought the people of London and the UK together. I felt that there was a message of hope there for the environment and was compelled to write a story about it.
Which is the most fast selling book you have written?
(from Jessica from Bishop Winnington Ingram Primary School, Ruislip, Middlesex)
The book that has sold most copies is probably Kensuke's Kingdom but followed closely by Born to Run.
What is the name of the charity you and your wife run?
(from Bottesford Junior School - Scunthorpe)
The charity is Farms for City Children. It provides children from cities the chance to visit a real working farm with their school and teachers and become farmers for a week. Many of them come from inner city schools where they don't often have the chance to see the countryside. They learn about where food comes from and spend the week out on the farm, feeding calves, moving sheep, grooming the horses, mucking out stables and sheds, collecting eggs and logs, and apples. They work alongside real farmers, feel like real farmers and know that everything they are doing is useful and important to the farm. For many children it is an experience that they never forget all their lives.
Partners
Authors Live is produced in association with the Scottish Book Trust, Creative Scotland and Glow. The Scottish Book Trust is the leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing in Scotland and their Authors Live programme is funded by the National Lottery through the Creative Scotland's Inspiring Communities Fund. The Authors Live webcasts are also available through Glow - the world's first national intranet for education allowing joined-up working the length and breadth of Scotland.
Authors Live home
