Although I loved drawing, I didn’t study art at school as I was advised I should take more serious subjects. So I taught myself how to draw while sitting up the back of Economics and Geography classes. I would study my teachers and classmates features until I could draw them perfectly. My text books became my sketch books which would infuriate my mother as she could never sell them at the end of the year. Now, whenever I get bored in a meeting or on a bus, I simply take out my sketchbook and draw.
2. What is your nickname?
When I was 12, my schoolmates christened me with the nickname Chops because I had some whopping big red chubby cheeks. I later grew big bad sideburns and the name stuck! Now I’m sometimes called Choppa, Choppsey, Fatti Chops, Choppy Pop, Chopperoonie … it all depends on the day and which friend.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Sleeping in a bed of funnel web spiders while dreaming about being lost at sea, surrounded by a school of crazed piranha with razor sharp teeth while being sucked into a giant whirlpool
… and Brussels sprouts.
… and clowns.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
I make it up as I go sort of thing.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Energetic, Frenetic, Chaotic, Diabolic … with a touch of Chocoholic.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
A superhero so I could fly and walk around in my undies and ugg boots without feeling embarrassed.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would time travel to this Friday afternoon because I love weekends.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
“Have a shave, you hairy older self you!”
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My Mum and Dad. They haven’t always totally agreed with my past crazy travel plans or decisions, but they’ve always supported me one hundred percent. I talk to them most nights on the phone.
10. What/who made you start writing?
Each primary school teacher I had inspired me to write in some way. Creative writing was certainly my favourite part of the day as a school kid and I would always try and illustrate my stories with drawing or two.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
‘Milkshake’ … because ever since I was a kid I’ve loved them. I’ll drink a milkshake over a coffee any day.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Never Ending Story because … well it would never end … and that song from the 80’s is so super cool!
Andrew Cranna's debut book is the graphic novel The Great Blood Bank Robbery, the first book in The Bloodhound Boys series. The Great Blood Bank Robbery was published by Walker Books Australia in October 2013 and is available in all good bookstores and online for $19.95 RRP. Visit The Bloodhound Boys website for more information about the series.
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