My family won first prize in Tattslotto when I was 14, then lost it all by the time I was 19.
2. What is your nickname?
Wags, Waggles, Micky Wags, Mick, Mike, Mikey and The Lord (they’re all true)
3. What is your greatest fear?
Heights. I can’t stand heights. I can’t even watch anything on TV if someone is too high off the ground!
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
At its best, it’s playful, sincere and economical.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Playful, sincere, economical, original, honest
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I wish I was Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. But not so much the guy who turns up in the sequel. Atticus, as he was in the original story, is the most wise, gentle and humane character I’ve ever read about. I would love to be more of all of those things.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go to 1967, and discover the latest Beatles albums as they came out. I’d hear them on the day of their release. That would be a thrill!
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Life for you turned out better than I expected.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
For all sorts of mixed-up reasons: Bruce Springsteen, Jamie Oliver, Dr Seuss, and my son, Wil.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I wrote a poem when I was 14 after watching an episode of Four Corners about refugees. I was so moved by the plight of these poor people, I picked up a pen, found a notepad, and wrote. I’ve been writing in a whole variety of ways ever since.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I quite like segue because it just shouldn’t be spelled segue at all!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A huge book of fairy tales. You can read them a hundred times and still find new meanings.
Michael Wagner is a well-known Australian author of numerous books include the Maxx Rumble and The Undys novels and Why I Love Footy picture book. Michael's latest book is the junior fiction book Pig Dude: He Can Do ANYTHING! Visit Michael's website and Billy Goat Books for more information about his books and writing projects.
If you are an author or illustrator who thinks they are BRAVE enough to answer our questions,
OR if there is an author or illustrator you would like to hear from, LET US KNOW!
We will see if they are up to the task. Just email: susanATkids-bookreviewDOTcom
