I was once slapped across the face by Dr. Harry, the famous TV vet. Yes, there is a story there, but I’m not telling it [except to say that Harry is a VERY nice man who wasn’t trying to hurt me – though he did!]
2. Do you have a nickname and if so can you tell us what it is?
Bazzer [or Bazza] is the most common nickname.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I am scared of heights [though I’m okay with widths]. Sometimes I panic if I stand on a thick rug.
4. Can you describe your writing style for us in ten words?
I won’t leave my computer until I’ve done 2,000 words.
5. Can you tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer?
Hard-working. Committed. Positive. Funny. Determined.
6. What book character would you most like to be, and why?
Hamlet [except that he dies] because he is smart, reflective, has a sense of what is right and what is wrong and is crazily famous. I’ve got a bit of work to do…
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would probably go to 1604 and look up William Shakespeare, maybe take him out for a Maccers and a good chat. I could hopefully pick up some writing tips and get his autograph [there are only two in existence].
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
How come you’re so old? How come you still behave like a ten-year-old, given you’re so old?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My students. I still teach [35 years and counting]. They remind me of the hopes and pains of being young and that anything is possible.
10. What or who encouraged you to start writing?
All the writers who had finished books and got them published. It’s an achievement and I still feel special when I’ve finished one. It’s the best feeling!
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I love onomatopoeia, just because it has so many vowels and hardly anyone can spell it.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The dictionary. Every book is contained within it. All you have to do is rearrange the words.
Born in the UK, Barry Jonsberg now lives in Australia's Northern Territory. He is the author several books for children and teens including the award winning YA novel My Life as an Alphabet. His latest book, Pandora Jones: Admission is the first in a new young adult series published by Allen & Unwin. Visit Barry's website to find out more about his books and writing.
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