I had the opportunity to work as a spy in my early twenties but I didn’t want to move to Canberra so I said no.
2. What is your nickname?
I am fortunate to have a pretty original name in Louis (pronounced ‘louie’) so I have only ever been called by my Christian name.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Heights. I don’t know why but I am terrified of heights and it only gets worse as I get older.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Creative, pertinent, witty, educational, informative, entertaining, rhythmic, innovative, concise and adventurous.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Persuasive, descriptive, reflective, personal, inspired.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would be Charlie Bucket in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because I never give up and always believe that something positive can happen at any time to anyone.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go back to 1987 when the world was simpler, the music was actually original, people were more carefree, there was no social media and I was only 19 years old studying at university without a care in the world.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Well, you didn’t make it as an Australian Rules footballer but you have succeeded as a mainstream journalist and children’s book author, so at least your second love came to fruition.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
When it comes to children’s books definitely Julia Donaldson. I think her books are so clever across so many different themes. She is really very talented.
10. What/who made you start writing?
As far as I can remember I always loved reading books. I can remember as a boy spending hours in my bedroom, lying on my bed reading books. I think writing just emanated from that and I found it a great way to express myself as a teenager throughout school.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Facetious. It reflects my personality and it is only one of two English words that have all the vowels in order.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably the Bible because it is so big and has so many stories. You would always find something new.
Louis White is an experienced journalist and corporate writer who has written for major daily newspapers in Australia. Inspired by his daughter Lily and her curiosity and passion for nature, he began writing the Adventures of Lily series with an aim to encourage children to get closer to nature and understand the world around them. His other books include A Christmas Story and an adult fiction book titled One Season. For more information, see www.louiswhite.com.