I’m not bad at drawing. I used to want to be an architect when I was young (among other things) because I thought that was the best use of my artistic talents in the big scary adult world! But these days I channel all my creativity into my writing.
2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Willy Wonka. Is it controversial to call him a villain? The kids who found the golden tickets certainly had their flaws but Wonka dished out some horrific punishments! Plus, I love Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Wonka in the movie — there’s something deliciously dark lurking beneath the surface.
3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Paul Jennings, JK Rowling, Roald Dahl, Agatha Christie, Joss Whedon (at the height of Buffy). Although I’m not sure they’d like my cooking. Plus the dead ones probably aren’t going to make great small talk.
4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
The wardrobe to Narnia. My wardrobe gets full to the brim very quickly. I’d like to be able to toss things in there without worrying it’s going to explode on me all the time.
5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Inspired, determined, nightly, torturous and unstoppable.
6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
As long as they’re not swear words, I don’t mind.
7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
Chocolate, a '90s alt rock Spotify playlist, coffee, Darth Vader figure (nerd alert!) and emergency chocolate.
8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
Cheerleaders never let me join their group, even though I can do the worm. (The book: Captain Underpants).
9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Martin Handford. Where’s Wally?
10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
This is a VERY difficult question. But I guess I’d have to choose ‘never read another book’ because I can’t stop myself writing. I guess I’d need to entertain myself with my own work. Might be a good ego-booster!
Adrian Beck is a television producer and has worked on shows such as The Footy Show, The Logie Awards, Carols by Candlelight, Prank Patrol and Kids' WB. He is the author of the Kick it to Nick series, a collaboration with AFL Hall of Famer Shane Crawford, and Dale in the Stuff Happens series. For more information, see www.adrianbeck.com.au.
