First off, tell us a little about yourself…
I live in a small town on the west coast of Scotland – a beautiful part of the world – with my wife, two daughters, a not-very-clever dog, a grumpy old cat, a bonkers rabbit and a tiny wee guinea pig called Charlie. He got his name because the rabbit is called Lola – so we have our own Charlie and Lola (my girls are both fans of Lauren Child – and so am I). The dog is called Dash and the cat Holly – she’s a rescue cat from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and because she was found at Christmas that’s how she got her name.
When I’m not writing, I love swimming – I try and do a big outdoor swim every summer. Last year I swum from the Isle of Mull across to the mainland, which I have to admit was quite scary!
Tell us about your latest book…
My first children’s book The Tzar’s Curious Runaways came out in October – published by Everything With Words. It’s about three children, Katinka, Alexei and Nikolai, who escape from the cruel court of Peter the Great and flee across Russia running for their lives.
My next book, the Acrobats of Agra, is due out this autumn – this is set in India during the great rebellion of 1857 (so when Queen Victoria was on the throne in Britain) and is about Bea, Pingali, Jacques the circus acrobat and his tiger called Tonton searching for Bea’s lost little brother.
What was your nickname at school? (If you had one)
I was called Bean and I have no idea why – it’s just one of those school names that stick forever (some of my oldest friends still call me that sometimes!)
Were you good at writing at school?
I loved writing at school but I’ve no idea whether I was any good. Once I wrote a story about a rugby player – I loved sport at school as well – and my teacher refused to give me a mark because he thought I’d copied it. He wouldn’t believe me that I’d made it up. I think teachers today are much better at encouraging kids to be creative.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff was my favourite adventure story – I’ve always been fascinated by history so this ticked a couple of boxes. I read Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell several times – I always read my best books again and again. It’s about looking after otters on the west coast of Scotland – they’re one of my favourite animals. When we go up to the island where my mum lives we always have our eyes peeled for otter spotting
What was it that inspired you to become a writer?
I wanted to be a footballer when I was wee but once I accepted I was rubbish at football I decided writing about football was the next best thing so I became a journalist. I’ve always loved story telling – my children made me tell them stories when we went on journeys for hour after hour. It was their nagging me to write them a story that finally took me from being a sports journalist to writing for children.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Thinking it will be easy! Like football if you want to be really good at something the more you train and practice the better you get. Writing’s the same – the more you write the better you will get. And listen to people’s criticism of your writing – that is very difficult, but a good critic should be able to tell you what they do like and don’t like about your writing. I find I often have to take a break after getting feedback from my editor. What you write is so personal – it comes from inside you and only you – so being told it doesn’t work is hard, really hard. So step away for a day or two, calm down and then have another look. If the criticism is from someone you trust and respect I bet you they will most likely turn out to be right.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t give up, never ever give up – and don’t stop dreaming… you can do it!
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
When you are a journalist you learn very quickly – or you should do – the power of words. What you write about somebody can have a lasting effect. Think before you write and then think again before you publish.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
Written more – I wish I’d had more confidence in my writing when I was younger.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I think every book you read helps you become a better writer – which if you love reading is a great excuse to read even more! I’m still a newcomer as an author – I was really looking forward to meeting lots of other authors at this summer’s book festivals but unfortunately they have all been cancelled because of the lockdown. But I have found so many authors really helpful and supportive via social media – they give you great advice and encouragement. Authors like Ann-Marie Howell, whose new book The House of One Hundred Clocks is excellent, and Eve McDonnell, whose first book Elsetime is out soon, have been particularly supportive.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
I would still be writing – I’ve been a sports journalist for over 25 years and have covered events all over the world from the Olympics and Paralympics to football and even fishing.
Has a book ever made you cry? What was it?
Too many to mention – I’m a crier, I cry at books, films, football you name it. Elizabeth Wein’s Rose Under Fire was my most recent read that made me cry – it’s about an American pilot who ends up in a concentration camp and makes friends with a group of Jewish girls.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Coffee – two very large milky coffees see me through my morning writing time.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
To start with my next book, the Acrobats of Agra, was tough to write. Lots of writers talk about how difficult writing a second book is and I definitely found that. Luckily I have a really good editor and publisher, Mikka at Everything With Words, and together we got through it! I’m more than happy with the end result and even more so with the illustrations by the brilliant Holly Ovenden that are going in the book – having had a glimpse of the cover I can’t wait to see it as a book.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I do.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
No
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I did an online novel writing course with Curtis Brown, a big literary agency in London. That helped me massively with my writing – you can learn to be a better writer. Only you can come up with your story ideas and characters but you can be taught how to improve as a writer and that could make all the difference to your story being published.
What did you do with your first paycheck?
Spent some of it on cake and champagne because you have to enjoy the good moments – I think that’s something you must do all through life.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
I share my writing room with Lola the Rabbit so she’d be very upset if I didn’t choose her!
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Lots! As I said earlier the more you write the better you get. I’ve just recorded the first chapter of my newest book, which I’m calling Forget Me Not at the moment, on my YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzi3JS4ebgLkmDvPDoufNw/featured – any feedback welcome!
What does literary success look like to you?
I’ll tell you if I get there!
Do you Google yourself?
I used to when I was a journalist but it doesn’t take long to stop when you read some of the things people say about you!
And most importantly… What is your favourite biscuit?
Shortbread – goes down a treat with my morning coffee.
If you’d like to know more about Robin and his books:
Website: robinscottelliot.com | Twitter: @RobinScottEllio
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*If you would like to do your own q&a to feature on the blog then send me an email…
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