Hmmm, let’s see ... I joined the school choir only because they were performing at the Opera House in Sydney and I’d never been before (my parents hate cities and the snow – I love both). I was so scared of being kicked out of the choir for singing badly that I lip-synched all the songs. I didn’t sing a note. And it worked. I think a lot of pop stars have learnt this trick from me.
2. What is your nickname?
My middle name is Gregory and my family used to call me Nathan Gregory Grasshopper. Who knows why? They are strange.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a fear of horses. They are freakish beasts with killer kicking power.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Fast-paced with exaggerated, funny and exciting situations – all with heart!
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Energetic. Brave. Imaginative. Curious. Wacky.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Huckleberry Finn because he was compassionate, filled with an adventurous spirit and because, unlike me, he can swim.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go to the year 2080. I would then go to the library and borrow all the books by myself and bring them back to the present with me. I think this would make writing them a lot easier. The best bit is that when 2080 came around normally, I’d return the books on the same day I’d borrowed them and avoid any overdue fees, even though I’d have had the books out for over 60 years!!
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
What happened to all my beautiful white-blond hair?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
As a kid I loved reading Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl and Paul Jennings books – I especially loved their characters. I find writing characters much easier and more enjoyable that working out the plot of a book.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve been writing since I can remember so I don’t really know what made me start, other than I loved doing it. I did stop for a while because a teacher during High School told me I wasn’t very good. I started up again because there was nothing else I wanted to do with my life. I figured I’d just prove that teacher wrong and if that didn’t work, I’d sue the teacher for not teaching me properly. Either way I would win.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
RHYTHM. I like it because it has no vowels and therefore can come in handy during Scrabble.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The practical choice would be War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy because it is really thick and I would probably forget how it started by the time I’d finished it – however, just because I love the story so much, I’d probably choose Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
Nathan's latest book, Bad Grammar, was released in early 2013. Visit Nathan's website to find out more about his books and latest projects.
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