31/01/2012 - Tim interviewed by Bookbag

‘Blade is one of Bookbag's favourite series for children ever - and we mean ever. OUP are giving it a reissue with four books in longer instalments rather than the original eight books in very short ones. Whatever the size of the package, this is one series you shouldn't miss. So of course, we jumped at the chance to ask Tim Bowler a few questions.’

Bookbag: When you close your eyes and imagine your readers, who do you see?

Tim Bowler: I'm aware of my readers at all times in the sense that I want to keep them gripped and hopefully moved by what I'm writing. I'm aware of them in the sense that I don't want to disappoint them and write a bad story. But I never close my eyes and imagine them specifically. Instead I imagine the scene I am writing as though I am experiencing it from inside the main character looking out. I am not that character. I am not any of my characters. But when I write, I momentarily act as if I am that person, whether it's a sensitive girl like Jess in River Boy, or someone as complex and edgy as Blade.

Read the full interview