I play the drums, collect meteorites and gemstones, and I once I tipped a bowl of custard over my little sister’s head. (That was funny …until mum and dad found out)
2. What is your nickname?
Sometimes Greeny. Sometimes Jimmy.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Heights and sharks
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Reflective. Serious. Concise. Rhythmic. Fluent.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious. Obsessive. Determined. Proud. Passionate.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
A book I’m working on features Diamond Jack - a character I wouldn’t mind being for a day… so I could find out where he stashed the treasure.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
So many places…so hard to chose. Right now I’d like to time travel to March 25th 1886, Cañon de los Embrudos, Mexico. I wouldn’t mind sitting there next to General Crook at the surrender of Geronimo.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
“I can’t believe you’re an author and get to go to some many cool places to research your books”
9. Who is your greatest influence?
In life my wife, Illustrator Frané Lessac is my great influence.
For my writing my greatest influences continue to come from other writers, my publishers and editors.
10. What/who made you start writing?
Before writing children’s books I was a professional musician. I spent many years touring, recording and performing. Music influenced my writing in terms of the rhythm and flow of language. Writing song lyrics morphed into my first book. Language and rhythm, music and writing connect me with people I like and find interesting.
11. What is your favorite word and why?
Wandjina and Ngaanyatjarra - they roll off the tongue when you pronounce them properly.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway
Mark Greenwood is an award-winning author of books for children, often focusing on history, myths and legends in his work. His picture books include Midnight: The Story of a Light Horse, Jandamarra, and Ned Kelly and the Green Sash. His latest books is Boomerang and Bat: The Story of the Real First Eleven, illustrated by Terry Denton and published by Allen & Unwin. Visit Mark Greenwood's website for more information about his books and author events.
