12 Curly Questions with author/publisher Paul Collins

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.

I published Australia’s first heroic/epic fantasy novels during the early 80s, a decade before the major publishers had fantasy lines.

2. What is your nickname? 

Truly a curly question as I’ve never had one. As a kid I was sometimes called Paulie.

3. What is your greatest fear?

Death. Not especially mine, but of my much-loved dogs. Having to euthanise an animal would be right up there with things to fear.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words. 

Filmic, adventure, action, plot-driven, more for boys, page-turners.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Take your pick from question four.

6. What book character would you be, and why? 

Either Sarah from The Earthborn Wars, or Jelindel from The Jelindel Chronicles. Both are action heroines who know their stuff. Jelindel would be more fun as she has magic.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why? 

Pick a date about 100 years from now. I’m sure longevity will be a way of life – even taking years off rather than just staving the inevitable.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 

Invest in as many houses as possible. Closer to the city the better.

9. Who is your greatest influence? 

Writing-wise, possibly Eoin Colfer.

10. What/who made you start writing? 

I’ve been self-employed most of my life; even at an early age I figured writing would equate to working for myself. It seemed an easy enough thing to do, but took me around 20 years to get my first book published.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 

Indefatigable. I had a book dedicated to me once – described as the indefatigable Paul Collins. I like people who go against the odds, people who go at it even harder when told they can’t do something. It pretty much describes me.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m not even the slightest bit religious, but I reckon it’d be the Bible. After all, it’s the biggest selling fantasy novel of all time.

Paul Collins has written over 140 books and 140 short stories. He is best known for The Quentaris Chronicles, which he co-edited with Michael Pryor, The Jelindel Chronicles, The Earthborn Wars and The World of Grrym trilogy in collaboration with Danny Willis. Paul’s latest book is Harry Kruize, Born to Lose. Paul has been short-listed for many awards and won the Aurealis, William Atheling and the inaugural Peter McNamara awards. He recently received the A Bertram Chandler Award for lifetime achievement in Australian science fiction. He has had three Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. For more information, see www.paulcollins.com.au.